Syllabus for 4/27 through 5/1
ALREADY PISCINE MOLITOR PATEL REDEFINES what is true by giving himself a new name, a name which has—by the by—both mathematical and metaphysical implications for a person attempting “to become whole,” ala Jung’s individuation process. How is this new name emblematic of one’s attempt to determine one’s relationship between self and the universe? At the same time, we will see Pi’s father and Mr. Kumar assert an unchanging and universal truth in very practical and scientific ways. How is their definition of the world at odds with Pi’s approach to self-determination?
MONDAY: GREY DAY/OFFICE HOURS
Today is a grey day, and you can meet with me during Zoom office hours 12:50 and 1:50 pm.
Check Canvas for the link to Zoom.
TUESDAY: BLUE DAY / No class
Finishing your reading in Life of Pi, up through and including chapter 16 (up to page 50)
WEDNESDAY: GREEN DAY
We will start with a zoom meeting. Check Canvas for that link.
Starting with a journal entry: What is your position and role in your family? We will spend 10 minutes writing, and then will discuss, for at least 10 minutes,
Discussion: How does Pi see himself? How do the significant others in his life see him (Mamaji, his brother Ravi, his parents, his peers at school, Mr. Kumar, Aunti Rohini)? What is Pi’s worldview (his younger self—not the self narrating the story)?
Homework: Read up through and including chapter 25 (up to page 71)
Click on the image above to watch documentary on Christianity.
THURSDAY: BLUE DAY / no class
This weekend you will be watching and keeping notes on a documentary on Christianity.
FRIDAY: GREEN DAY
FOR CLASS: Zoom discussion: How is Pi using religion as a way of understanding his place in the universe? Why does it make sense that this character would turn to these three religions for a definition of self?
HW: Watch and keep notes on the above documentary. You will turn these in on Wednesday for class. Read up through and including chapter 45