In Search of Meaning: From Holy Texts to Hollywood

This course explores topics such as the existence of a higher being, the meaning of life, one’s role in the world, one’s obligations to others, human nature and the existence of evil. The title refers to the wide-ranging texts that we will examine from scriptures to film, reflecting religious, philosophical, and secular ways people over the centuries and throughout the world have sought answers to basic questions of human existence, where today in a time of global disruption, people search for meaning and purpose. That is, today we turn to holy texts, people and places, to nature, shrines, smartphones, the escapist glitter of Hollywood, and the infinite possibilities of self-(re)creation that social media offers.

The search for meaning and making sense of one’s existence in the world takes many forms. Rarely is it a straight path forward and upward; often it requires backward and downward movement. The goals of this course: introduce you to how various thinkers and cultures have approached life’s big questions, and religious and philosophical responses to those questions; encourage you to think critically about them and formulate your own responses. We will barely scratch the surface, but I hope that we’ll at least start, or continue, the quest together. Texts and traditions will accompany us along the way.

We will explore sacred texts, read secondary sources and view films that probe existential questions. At the same time, you will be encouraged and expected to reflect on your own value system, role in society, and what you find meaningful.

It is expected, and indeed desired, that many questions will emerge over the course of the quarter, which we’ll address. However, for practical purposes, we’ll focus on the following questions:

• Is there a God? Divine/spiritual realm? Higher B/being? If there is, how does that shape our understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life?
• Why do we suffer? Is there a relationship between suffering and living a meaningful life?
• What does an honorable life look like?
• How does hyperconnectivity contribute to what it means to be human in the 21st century?
• What do I consider meaningful?
• What do I think are the ingredients necessary to living a meaningful life?

Course Objectives:

• Familiarize students with conceptions of God in the major religious traditions
• Introduce students to ancient Greek and existentialist philosophy
• Use literature and film to discuss the meaning of life
• Explore how writers grapple with human suffering and death
• Foster critical thinking and writing
• Encourage students to think deeply about their lives, beliefs, and values
• Encourage creative ways of expressing responses to what it means to live a meaningful, fulfilling life in the 21st century

Required Books:

• Albert Camus, Myth of Sisyphus
• Epictetus, Sam Torode, trans., The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life
• Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
• Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation
• Paul Kalanithi, When Breath Becomes Air
• Damien Keown, Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction
• Barbara Stoller, trans., Bhagavad Gita