Thought and Creativity 2 (PiC2) is the second of three courses in the Thought and Creativity programme, a formative itinerary that, over three years, introduces students to six major works of the Western literary and philosophical tradition with the aim of contributing to their integral development as individuals.
In this second year, the programme focuses on anthropology: through the reading and commentary of two classical works, students will reflect on fundamental questions regarding human nature, identity, otherness and the meaning of existence.
The course is entirely devoted to the Great Books sessions, which focus on guided reading and commentary on the texts and on developing students’ argumentative skills.
Upper-intermediate level of the language of instruction of the course.
The course aims to foster reflection, through literary and philosophical texts, on fundamental anthropological problems of the human condition, as well as to deepen students’ ability to take a reasoned position on these problems, both orally and in writing. It also seeks to consolidate the habit of reflective reading and critical thinking acquired during the first year.
1. Great Books
1.1. Contextual and conceptual introduction to Plato and the Symposium.
1.2. Reading and commentary sessions.
1.3. Practical analysis of a problem related to reading.
1.4. Basic structure of an argumentative text. Definition of the dilemma and introduction to the thesis. Arguments in favor.
1.5. Contextual and conceptual introduction to Jane Austen.
1.6. Reading and commentary sessions.
1.7. Practical analysis of a problem related to reading.
1.8. Basic structure of an argumentative text. Counterarguments. Conclusion.
Thought and Creativity will connect the texts worked on with current issues related to the student experience.
To this end, the Great Books sessions will be based on the methodology of reading and commenting on texts. This commented reading will be complemented by the Argumentation and Debate Workshop, based on the case study method and problem classes, which will encourage dialogue, cooperative work, and group reflection. Besides, following the practice of just-in-time teaching, the student will have to take notes (handwriting) in a notebook and read some texts at home in order to, once in class, think together about the practical problems raised by the works.
The course follows a continuous assessment system.
It is assessed each semester through:
- attendance and participation (25%),
- Midterm Exam 1 —guided commentary on a passage— (30%), and
- Midterm Exam 2 —argumentative text and reading comprehension questions— (45%).
The final grade is the average of both semesters (50% + 50%), with a minimum of 4 in each semester to calculate the average.
The following aspects will be assessed:
• The ability to identify and formulate the ethical, anthropological or sociopolitical problems raised by the texts studied.
• The argumentative quality and coherence of written work in examinations.
• The acquisition and appropriate use of the conceptual content covered in class.
• The ability to take a reasoned and consistent position on the problems raised by the texts, connecting them with the current world.
• Active and constructive participation in sessions, demonstrating prior reflective reading.
- Plato, Symposium. Translated by Robert Waterfield, Oxford World Classics (2000).
- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Penguin Classics (2002).
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