CNE/PHL 410

CNE/PHL 410: Stoicism Prof. Stephens Fall 2009

Mon. Wed. 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. (Dowling Hall) Humanities Center 212
office hours: M W 1:25–2:45 pm, F 1:25–2:30 pm, and by appointment
office: HC 116 phone (with voicemail): 280-2632 email: stphns AT creighton DOT edu

Course Description

The ancient Stoics defined the goal of life as living according to nature. They believed that, for human beings, this meant living according to reason, and that the perfection of reason was virtue. They argued that only the true Stoic, the Sage, is truly free since only the Sage is consistently virtuous, and so enduringly happy, even when penniless, without friends or family, physically ill, or tortured on the rack. In Tom Wolfe’s novel A Man in Full Epictetus’ Stoicism provides the deliverance of the two principal protagonists by transforming their conception of manliness (see my article “Real Men Are Stoics: An interpretation of Tom Wolfe’s A Man in Full”). In northwest Greece in the late 1^st and early 2^nd centuries CE Epictetus, in his school, taught Stoicism as the way to live. A record of his teachings written by one of his students is an excellent text for the study of ancient Stoicism. Epictetus’ lectures or ‘discourses’ inspired Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to rule Rome as he believed a Stoic should. We will also study Marcus’ personal journal known as the Meditations. Marcus is a key figure in Ridley Scott’s film Gladiator. We will closely study the dramatic Stoic motifs in this film (see “The Rebirth of Stoicism?” in Creighton University Magazine and listen to from 3 mins. 44 secs. to 8 mins. of the Real Audio file interview of Philosophy Talk July 25, 2006). By understanding its early development and its central doctrines, we can examine and evaluate the impact of Stoicism on contemporary popular culture and contemporary practitioners.

The Stoa Poikile (‘painted porch’) (460 BCE) of Athens was decorated with paintings of the best Greek painters.
Here, around 300 BCE, the philosopher Zeno of Citium first expounded the ideas that originated the philosophical school known as the Stoa.

Required Work and Grade Percentages*

A 1600 to approximately 1850 word paper on A Man in Full due Oct. 15 at 5:00 pm 20%

A 1850 to approximately 2100 word paper on Epictetus’ Discourses due Nov. 2 (at beginning of class) 25%

Pop quizzes and homework on assigned material A missed pop quiz cannot be made up 10%

A 1450–1600 word paper on Marcus and Gladiator (2000) due Nov. 30 (at the beginning of class) 15%

Final Exam on Stoicism Dec. 15, 10:00 to 11:40 am 10%

ACTIVE class participation every class 20%

Required Texts

Tom Wolfe, A Man in Full (Bantam, 1999) ISBN 0-553-58093-0.
Epictetus, Discourses and Selected Writings, translated and edited by Robert Dobbin (Penguin Books, 2008) ISBN 978-0-140-44946-4.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, a new translation, with an introduction, by Gregory Hays (Random House, 2003) ISBN 0-8129-6825-5
W. O. Stephens, “The Rebirth of Stoicism?” Creighton Magazine, Winter 2000: 34–39.
John Sellars, “Stoics on the Big Screen: Marcus and Maximus” (April 2003)

Recommended Text

W. O. Stephens, How to Write Philosophy Papers: A Manual for Beginning Philosophy Students (Creighton Philosophy Department, $4).

Suggested Text

Brad Inwood and Lloyd P. Gerson (trans.). The Stoics Reader: Selected Writings and Testimonia (Hackett, 2008) ISBN 9780872209527.

Film

Gladiator (released May 5, 2000 by DreamWorks SKG) directed by Ridley Scott (155 mins.) – 2001 Academy Award Winner for Best Film. ABSTRACT: A powerful Roman general condemned to death after a power struggle is made a slave and put into the gladiatorial games to fight until he loses and dies. But he still is seeking revenge on the emperor who enslaved him and killed his family.

Materials on Reserve at Reinert Alumni Library

Lawrence C. Becker, A New Stoicism (Princeton, 1999).

Epictetus, Discourses Book 1, translated with an introduction and commentary by R. F. Dobbin (Oxford, 1998).

The Discourses as reported by Arrian, the Manual, and fragments, 2 vols., English trans. by W. A. Oldfather (Loeb Classical Library, 1926).

A. A. Long, Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life (Oxford, 2002).

Theodore Scaltsas & Andrew S. Mason, The Philosophy of Epictetus (Oxford, 2007).

Martin M. Winkler (ed.), Gladiator: Film and History (Blackwell, 2004).

Gladiator (starring Russell Crowe) DVD (DreamWorks Home Entertainment: Universal Studios, 2000).

Websites on Stoicism

Zeno of Citium (334–262 BCE)

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Stoicism by Dirk Baltzly.
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Epictetus by Margaret Graver.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy has an entry on Stoic Ethics.
Cynthia Freeland’s seminar in Ancient Stoicism at the University of Houston.
MIT has an English translation of Epictetus Epictetus’ Discourses online.
Becker’s A New Stoicism is reviewed by R. W. Sharples in Bryn Mawr Classical Review.
Stoicism & Cognitive Behavior Therapy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbYAd7Okmls

Websites pertaining to the film Gladiator (2000)

Gladiator (2000) screenplay by David Franzoni, revised by John Logan
Allen Ward, "The Movie Gladiator in Historical Perspective"
Wikipedia article on Gladiator (2000)
Wikipedia article on the film The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964), of which Gladiator (2000) is a remake

Study Materials for A Man in Full

Attendance and Participation

Attendance at every class is expected. Coming to every class on time is really the easiest way to get an education at Creighton. Two tardies count as one absence. Being prepared for every class is also expected. Five (5) or more absences count as excessive and will result in an AF. (If illness or personal issues beyond your control are the cause of three or more absences, you may petition to withdraw from the course with a W.) Each absence lowers the class participation grade. Class participation includes comments and questions in class and talking with (or emailing) me about Stoicism outside of class. Both quantity and quality of remarks count. Always bring the book we’re discussing to class so we can examine passages that we discuss.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an H1N1 flu outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, you will be provided an addendum to this syllabus that will supersede this version. Moreover, in the event of an H1N1 flu outbreak, you will be granted up to 3 days of missed class attendance without a doctor’s note so long as you inform Prof. Stephens immediately when you become ill. If you miss more than 3 class days, you must provide a doctor’s excuse.

Paper Submission Policies

Papers should be submitted on time. By a “paper” I mean thin sheets made from wood pulp, stapled together, with printing on them. I do not ordinarily accept as a submitted paper an electronic file on a storage device or an email attachment. Early submissions are much appreciated. Requests for extensions must be made at least three (3) class days (i.e. weekdays) prior to the due date. Papers submitted after the due date (or granted extension date) will be penalized 5 points (= half a letter grade) per weekday late (not counting holidays recognized by the University). If the paper has not been received by the instructor within a week after its due date, then the student must withdraw from or take an F for the course. Be sure to discuss your paper topic with me so I can approve your topic and approach before your begin serious writing. Follow closely the guidelines in How to Write Philosophy Papers. You can get additional help at the Writing Center in Creighton Hall. Print your NAME, the COURSE number and name, the name (properly spelled) of your PROFESSOR, the TITLE of your paper, and the WORD COUNT on the cover page. Exclude from the word count the words on the cover page and the words on the works cited page. Make an effort to have your word count fall within the stipulated range. The mininum word count is a firm limit. The maximum word count is a soft limit; it is my suggestion. If you strongly believe you need more space, you may exceed that suggested limit within reason.

If you have any problem that hinders you from attending class, doing the assigned reading, or writing papers, please come see me or call me or send me email or leave me a note in my mailbox or under my office door. Whatever happens, it is your responsibility to keep in contact with me. If you are ill or a situation arises that prevents you from attending a class, please email me or phone me prior to class to explain why you will be absent. To prevent disruption to our discussion, please keep cell phones and pagers off during class.

Academic Honesty Statement

If you plagiarize any part of a paper or written assignment, then you will receive an F for that assignment. Students are required to produce their own original work in their papers and assignments, including all ideas, arguments, and sentences. Students may NOT work with others, and may NOT borrow from others, when writing the sentences of their assignments. However, students are encouraged to discuss ideas pertaining to their papers with other students in the course and with other people not taking the course. Citations on the paper should follow the guidelines in How to Write Philosophy Papers. Cheating will be punished with at minimum an F (zero) on that assignment. In cases of cheating I judge to be flagrant, the punishment is an F for the course. See the Creighton College of Arts & Sciences Academic Honesty Procedures.

Grading Criteria for the Thesis Defense Paper

Each paper will be a thesis defense paper. In a thesis defense paper the student takes a stand on a philosophical issue relevant to the course and pertinent to the assigned TOPIC for that paper. The student must clearly explain what her position is after explicitly stating it in the introductory paragraph. Then, in the body of the paper, the student must justify her thesis by presenting page after page of arguments to support it. Then the student must discuss the most intelligent objections to and counterarguments against her position that she can think of. Finally she must reply to these intelligent objections and defend her thesis (which may require modifying it) in response to the counterarguments.

Papers will be graded on the following criteria:

Originality and creativity. A fresh insight, a new perspective on the topic, an original argument, a creative analysis–these things will distinguish your paper as special and memorable.
Clarity and concision. Make your meaning as plain as you can. Choose words carefully, spell them correctly, and put them in graceful, grammatical, properly punctuated, complete sentences. Trim out excess verbiage. Make every word count.
Coherence and organization. Make your ideas hang together so that each one leads smoothly and logically to the next. A well reasoned thesis defense paper is well organized and to the point.
Rigor and Burden of Proof. Be logical. Construct direct, valid arguments. Avoid all informal fallacies like the plague. Provide evidence. Shoulder the burden of proof in advancing your arguments.
Evenhandedness and Principle of Charity. Include plausible criticisms of and objections to your thesis. How might an astute opponent challenge your position? Respond thoughtfully and fairly to these criticisms, objections, and challenges.

For greater detail, see “How Prof. Stephens grades a thesis defense paper.”

Standards of Evaluation for Letter Grades

F “Failure – no credit” (< 60% average)

Extreme lack of clarity or lack of coherence of argument or expression of thought.
Disregard for the requirements of the assignment.
Irrelevant use or failure to use relevant course readings.
Submission of another’s words or thoughts as if they were your own, whether in the form of plagiarism or failure to acknowledge the source of an idea.
Extremely infrequent class attendance with no participation in discussions.

D “Work of inferior quality, but passing” (60 to < 70%)

Unclarity or incoherence of argument or expression of thought.
Failure to satisfy the requirements of the assignment.
Poor or inadequate understanding or use of relevant course readings.
Improper acknowledgment or citation of the sources of your ideas.
Infrequent class attendance with little participation in discussions.

C “Satisfactory work”

Basic clarity and coherence of argument and expression of thought.
Satisfaction of the assignment’s basic requirements.
Fair or adequate understanding of the major views and theories in the relevant course readings and the arguments presented in support of those views and theories.
Minimally clear and coherent evaluation of the views and arguments in the relevant course readings.
Minimally proper acknowledgment and citation of the sources of your ideas.
Generally consistent class attendance with occasional participation in discussions.
77% to < 80% average for a C+; 70% to < 77% average for a C.

B “Noteworthy level of performance” Demonstrates all of the qualities of satisfactory work plus:

Good, above average clarity and coherence of argument and expression of thought.
Clear, logical organization of the essay's introduction, body, and conclusion.
Clear, detailed, and accurate understanding of the major views and theories in the relevant course readings and of the arguments in support of those views and theories.
Good attempt to provide argumentative support for your evaluation of the views, theories, and arguments presented in the relevant course readings.
Regular, consistent class attendance with regular, good participation in discussions.
87% to < 90% average for a B+; 80% to < 87% average for a B.

A “Outstanding achievement and an unusual degree of intellectual initiative” Demonstrates all of the qualities of noteworthy performance plus:

Excellent, superior clarity and coherence of argument and expression of thought.
Clear, rigorous, and cogent argumentative support for your evaluation of the views, theories, and arguments presented in the relevant course readings.
Originality and creativity of interpretation, explanation, argumentation, or criticism.
Superior class attendance with excellent, thoughtful, and insightful participation in discussions.
90% and > 90%.

Pictures of Epictetus

Schedule

Aug. 26 Introduction to the history of ancient Stoicism

Aug. 31 Epictetus, Discourses and Selected Writings, Introduction and Enchiridion (vii–xix, 221–245)

Sept. 2 Epictetus, The Discourses, Arrian’s Letter to Lucius Gellius and Book 1, Chapters 1 through 12 (3, 5–37)

Labor Day

Sept. 9 Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapters 13 through 30 (37–76)

Sept. 14 Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 2, Chapters 1 through 14 (77–109)

Sept. 16 Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 2, Chapters 15 through 23 (109–145); pop quiz on Epictetus

Sept. 21    Wolfe, A Man in Full, Prologue : Cap’m Charlie (3–16)
                                                    Chapter I : Chocolate Mecca (17–35)
                                                    Chapter II : The Saddlebags (36–62)
                                                    Chapter III : Turpmtine (63–95)
                                                    Chapter IV : Beige Half Brothers (96–114); homework questions (emailed)

Sept. 23    Wolfe, Chapter V : The Suicidal Freezer Unit (115–141)
                            Chapter VI : In the Lair of the Lust (142–167)
                            Chapter VII : Hello Out There, 7-Eleven Land (168–190)
                            Chapter VIII : The Lay of the Land (191–220)

Sept. 28    Wolfe, Chapter IX : The Superfluous Woman (221–248)
                            Chapter X : The Red Dog (249–263)
                            Chapter XI : This Is—Not Right! (264–292)
                            Chapter XII : The Breeding Barn (293–330)

Sept. 30    Wolfe, Chapter XIII : The Arrest (331–344)
                            Chapter XIV : God’s Cosmic Joke (345–362)
                            Chapter XV : The Rubber Room (363–392)
                            Chapter XVI : Gotcha Back (393–419)

Oct. 5        Wolfe, Chapter XVII : Epictetus Comes to Da House (420–444), and Epictetus, Discourses Bk 1, Ch. 1, Ch. 24; Bk 1, Ch. 2
                  Wolfe, Chapter XVIII : The Aha! Phenomenon (445–467)
                  Wolfe, Chapter XIX : The Trial (468–493) and Epict., Discourses Bk 1, Ch. 6; Bk 2, Ch. 16
                  Wolfe, Chapter XX : Mai’s Army (494–522)

Oct. 7        Wolfe, Chapter XXI : The Real Buckhead (523–545)
                             Chapter XXII : Chambodia (546–577)
                             Chapter XXIII : The Deal (578–608)

Oct. 12       Wolfe, Chapter XXIV : Gridiron Heroes (609–628)
                              Chapter XXV : Starring Darwell Scruggs (629–641)
                              Chapter XXVI : Holding Hands (642–656)
                              Chapter XXVII : The Screen (657–674)
                              Chapter XXVIII : The Spark of Zeus (675–691)

Oct. 14       Wolfe, Chapter XXIX : Epictetus in Buckhead (692–708)
                              Chapter XXX : The Bull and the Lion (709–731)
                              Chapter XXXI : Roger Black (732–754)
                              Chapter XXXII : The Manager (755–772)
                              Epilogue : A Man of the World (773–787) and Discourses Bk. 3, Ch. 22; Bk. 2, Chs. 22, 18, 8; Bk. 1, Ch. 2

Paper on Wolfe DUE Friday, Oct. 16 at 2:30 pm

FALL RECESS

Oct. 26 Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 3 (146–173); completed A Man in Full Identifications of Person, Places, Things and Vocabulary definitions DUE

Oct. 28 Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 4 (174–206)

Nov. 2 watch first half of Gladiator (2000); Paper on Epictetus DUE

Nov. 4 watch second half of Gladiator (2000)

Nov. 9 W. O. Stephens, “The Rebirth of Stoicism?” and John Sellars, “Stoics on the Big Screen: Marcus and Maximus”;
Printed responses to these discussion questions on Gladiator (2000) DUE

Nov. 11 Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Introduction, Chronology, Index of Persons, Books 1–3, and relevant Notes (vii–lvii, 5–34; 171–174)

Nov. 16 Marcus, Books 4–5 and Notes (37–65, 174–175)

Nov. 18 Marcus, Books 6–7 and Notes (69–98; 175–177)

Nov. 23 Marcus, Books 8–9 and Notes (101–128; 177–178)

Thanksgiving Recess

Nov. 30 Marcus, Books 10–12 and Notes (131–170; 178–180)
Paper on Marcus and Gladiator (2000) DUE

Dec. 2 Possibly selections from Lawrence C. Becker, A New Stoicism

Dec. 7 to be announced

Dec. 9 last class

Tuesday Dec. 15, 10:00–11:40 am Final Exam Review Guide for Final Exam

* The instructor reserves the right, at his discretion, to make minor changes to this syllabus during the course including due dates, assignments, and requirements.

A 1600 to approximately 1850 word paper on A Man in Full	due Oct. 15 at 5:00 pm	20%
A 1850 to approximately 2100 word paper on Epictetus’ Discourses	due Nov. 2 (at beginning of class)	25%
Pop quizzes and homework on assigned material	A missed pop quiz cannot be made up	10%
A 1450–1600 word paper on Marcus and Gladiator (2000)	due Nov. 30 (at the beginning of class)	15%
Final Exam on Stoicism	Dec. 15, 10:00 to 11:40 am	10%
ACTIVE class participation	every class	20%