FYS 22 Philosophy and Film: Between Moscow and Berlin
Eastern Europe was constructed during the Enlightenment to bring into relief the “superior” Western European culture. Since then Eastern Europe has been considered an obscure, ambiguous, and paradoxical place. Yet, it offers an epistemological advantage to those who decide to linger in its strange and fascinating lands. We will read and watch several key philosophical and cinematic works from Ukraine, Slovenia, Russia, and other nearby countries to elucidate the privileged vantage point of Eastern Europe. The philosophers and film directors could include Tarkovsky, Bakhtin, Florensky, Paradjanov, Vertov, Žižek, Mamardashvili, and others. If circumstances allow, students will have the opportunity to visit several cultural venues in Los Angeles, including the Wende Museum of the Cold War, and the Museum of Jurassic Technology.
Prerequisite
Open only to first year frosh