Reading Nietzsche
GRST 261
Spring 2012
| Section:
01
|
| Crosslisting:
COL 297 |
| Certificates: Social, Cultural and Critical Theory |
Friedrich Nietzsche, trained philologist and self-proclaimed "free spirit," remains one of the most controversial figures in modern thought, a source of fascination and outrage alike. Best known as the philosopher of the "Dionysian," the "will to power," the "eternal return of the same," the "transvaluation of all values," and the "over-man," Nietzsche also proudly considered himself the most accomplished prose stylist in the German language. In this course, we will examine two closely interrelated issues: (1) the genesis of Nietzsche's major philosophical thoughts in the areas of epistemology, aesthetics, ethics, and the critique of religion, from his earliest to his latest writings; (2) the cultivation of a philosophical style that, in its mobilization of highly artistic modes of aphoristic reduction, metaphorization, personification, and storytelling, aspires to turn critical thinking into a life-affirming artform.
The course will combine philosophical interpretation with textual analysis. No prior knowledge of Nietzsche's works is expected; however, a willingness to set aside significant chunks of time to dwell in Nietzsche's texts is required. Students with reading knowledge in German are encouraged to read at least some of the assignments in the original. Guidance in doing so will be provided based on individual need. |
|
Essential Capabilities:
Intercultural Literacy, Interpretation
Interpretation: The course will not only provide extensive training in reading and interpretation texts that straddle the dividing line between literature and philosophy, but will also examine Nietzsche's theories of interpretation as a foundational epistemological and performative operation.
Intercultural literary: The course will provide much opportunity for reflection on the specific characteristics of the cultural spheres out of which Nietzsche came, as well as those he helped usher in.
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA GRST |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (COL)(CSCT)(GRST-MN)(GRST) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Nietzsche, BASIC WRITINGS (Modern Library), ISBN 0679783393
Nietzsche, PHILOSOPHY IN THE TRAGIC AGE OF THE GREEKS, ISBN 9780895267108
Nietzsche, HUMAN ALL TOO HUMAN (Cambridge UP), ISBN 9780521567046
Nietzsche, DAYBREAK (Cambridge UP), ISBN: 9780521599634
Nietzsche, THE GAY SCIENCE (Cambridge UP), ISBN 9780521636452
Nietzsche, THUS SPOKE ZARATHUSTRA (Penguin), ISBN 9780140441185
Nietzsche, THE TWILIGHT OF THE IDOLS AND THE ANTI-CHRIST (Penguin), ISBN 9780140445145
|
Examinations and Assignments:
Three analytic papers. |
| Instructor(s): Plass,Ulrich Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: FISK414; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: 3 | JR major: 3 | | |
| Seats Available: -4 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 5 | JR non-major: 5 | SO: 3 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 2 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 2 |
|
|