The Dialectic of the Natural and the Social Self
In this writing-centered course we will investigate the dialectic between the natural and the social aspects of being as represented in fictional works that thematize the concept of the split-self, in particular Mary Shelley‘s Frankenstein and Joseph Conrad‘s Heart of Darkness. We will also explore the historical context of this topic by discussing the philosophical undercurrents related to the period of each novel. From a technical standpoint, students will learn to think and write critically in order to produce essays that engage the current academic debates related to these texts and to our course theme.
"Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad – Norton Edition
"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelly – Norton Edition