Student Syllabus/ Parent Information
North High School 2015-2016
English 4: Philosophy/ Thanatology Online
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Mrs. M. Ritchie (310) 533-4412 ext. 7192 Conference period – First (8:00 – 8:53)
Room: N-2 Ritchie.Melissa@tusd.org
Course Descriptions
Philosophy and literature will explore in depth the ideas that shape our culture. What is truth? What is beauty? Does goodness exist? Evil? Students will study, discuss, and write about poetry, essays, and novels written by well-known philosophers and authors that address issues surrounding four thematic units: Truth, Knowledge, Ethics and Aesthetics.
This semester class will be taken in conjunction with Thanatology for English 4 credit.
Thanatology will give you the opportunity to explore the intriguing topic of death in literature. Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and films will serve as the starting place for discussion and writing about the dying and grieving process. In addition, we will investigate the social and psychological aspects of death, as they apply to individuals and society as a whole. This semester class will be taken in conjunction with Philosophy and Literature for English 4 credit.
This is an ONLINE course; therefore all assignments will be administered and submitted through the learning platform eTUSD.
Course Materials and Required Texts
Below are texts we will visit throughout the year. This list is subject to change:
The Republic – Plato (excerpts) The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
The Catcher in the Rye – JD Salinger Tuesdays With Morrie – Mitch Albom
The Metamorphosis – Franz Kafka The Stranger – Albert Camus
A selection of supplemental stories, poetry, plays, non fiction, and contemporary literature
Student Responsibilities
•Students are to log into etusd at least four...