The reading due for each class period is indicated below. For each reading you will turn in an informal response/question paper of 1/2 to 2 pages. The format for these is as follows (note different format for ethics readings and for plays):Response/question papers--ethics readings
For each chapter you read in the Ethics text and for the photocopied critical readings, prepare for class discussion by responding in writing to the following items. These response papers may be informally written, using lists and incomplete sentences, but should be computer produced and handed in at the end of class each day. They will be returned to you for inclusion in your final portfolio. You may write notes from class discussion and lecture on these papers if you wish. Please sign and date your work.1. Summarize briefly the main points in the chapter or reading, paying special attention to the various ethical theories.
2. List and define important terms and concepts.
3. List of anything you wish to have explained or clarified.
4. Write your own (3-5) discussion questions on the material in the chapter or reading.
NB. In the Ethics text, it is a good idea to look over the discussion questions at the end of the chapter. You need not write out answers to these questions, but you should think about them ahead of time to facilitate class discussion.
Response/question papers-plays
As you read each act of each play, prepare for class discussion by responding in writing to the following items. These response papers may be informally written, using lists and incomplete sentences, but should be computer produced and handed in at the end of class each day. They will be returned to you for inclusion in your final portfolio. You may write notes from class discussion and lecture on these papers if you wish. Please sign and date your work.1. Name and describe the major characters as they are introduced. Indicate the relationships between them. What do we learn about their backgrounds in each act?
2. Outline how the action unfolds, and how the background to the action is gradually revealed.
3. Describe the structure of the society Ibsen depicts in the play. Consider class and gender. Who represents various classes? How do the classes interact? What is Ibsen's view of class? Your reaction to it? Are the relationships between classes today similar or different than in Ibsen's depiction in this play? What about the relationships between men and women?
4. List situations in which characters have to make a moral or ethical decisions. Critique these decisions from the point of view of various ethical theories. Discuss how decisions might have been made differently had the character(s) used ethical theories to help them. Include Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Virtue ethics and Christian ethics as relevant.
5. Discuss the implications of the ending of the play. Do any of the characters learn a lesson? Does the audience?
6. Compare the situations the characters find themselves in with actual historical events (distant and or recent). Look for similarities and differences in how ethics are played out in the actual and the fictional situations.
7. Think of hypothetical or real situations you might find yourself in that you could compare with the situations in this play. How might what you see unfold in the play affect how you would make decisions in these situations?
8. List any questions that you would like to have the class discuss.
WEEK 1: Setting the Stage
Feb 7: Introduction to the course--Overview of Ibsen's life and work, Overview of ethical theories. Assignment of ethics expert groups.
WEEK 2: Introduction to Ethics
Feb 12: Hinman, Ch 1-3
Feb 14: Hinman, Ch. 5, 6, 9
WEEK 3 Ibsen's Breakthrough, Romanticism, Idealism
Feb 19: Hornby, pp 10-126, Hemmer and misc. tidbits, chronology
Feb 21: Brand, Acts 1-3
WEEK 4: Breakthrough, cont, Social Realism
Feb 26: Brand, Acts 4-5, Engelstad
Feb 28: Pillars of Society, Acts 1-2, Skard
WEEK 5-7: Social Realism
Mar 5: Pillars of Society, Acts 3-4
Mar 7: Doll House video
Mar 12: Doll House, Hornby Ch 8, Hinman Ch 10
Mar 14: Ghosts
Mar 19: Enemy of the People
Mar 21: Preston, Boulton et al. (Christian Ethics), short paper due
SPRING BREAK Sat, Mar 23 - Mon, April 1
WEEK 8-9 Psychological Realism, naturalism
April 2: Wild Duck
April 4: Rosmersholm
April 9: Form groups, choose and practice scenes
WEEK 9: Scenes
April 11: Groups present scenes, scene paper due
WEEK 10: Psychological Realism, naturalism cont.
April 16: Hedda Gabler, Velissariou
April 18: Hedda Gabler (video)
WEEK 11-12: Expressionism, Symbolism
April 23: Little Eyolf, turn in topic and abstract for final paper
April 25: When We Dead Awaken
April 30: Molland "Church Life in Norway", re-read and prepare to discuss the final scene from Brand and final scene from When We Dead Awaken
May 2: No class. Groups work on trials
WEEK 13: Concluding Scene. Group Trials
May 7: Groups present trials
May 9: Groups present trials, trial script due
May 14: work on final paper, assemble portfolio (due May 16)
May 16: FINAL EXAM 2:30-4:30 p.m: portfolio due
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