Phil 375: Philosophy and Literature

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  • This course takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəýəm (Musqueam) People.

  • In this course, we explore literature as a mode of philosophizing: that is to say, a way of doing philosophy. In many traditions of thought, novels, poetry, plays, and other literary forms are used to explore and communicate philosophical theories and problems, to spark ideas and conversations, and to inspire change, both individual and social.

  • In the first half of the semester, we study and discuss examples of philosophical literature, analysing their techniques, strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. In the second half, students create and workshop their own philosophical writing.

WINTER TERM 1, FALL 2026

  • This term, we will read Simone de Beauvoir’s first novel, She Came to Stay. Students need a hard copy of the Harper Perennial Modern Classics edition.

  • The course will run screen-free and will be focused on skills of deep reading, attentive discussion, and writing exercises. Students will complete the course by preparing their own short piece of philosophical fiction.

  • The overarching goal is to hone your literary analysis and writerly craft skills through (and for the purpose of) exploring philosophical ideas.