Expanded Writing: Philosophy and Art

About

The course Expanded Writing: Philosophy and Art will introduce students to various forms of writing as thinking. Styles of writing and thinking are linked, and may differ profoundly: analytical, contemplative, descriptive, empathic, detached, speculative, playful, overwhelming, seductive, humorous, close-knit, sweeping, associative, atmospheric, poetic, phenomenological, genealogical, deconstructive, symptomatic and much more. Here writing is part of a collective search for other words and other ways of speaking. It is a question of perceiving subtleties in the internal and external qualities of being, of articulating them and of adopting a position. In this course, writing, understood as an exercise in thinking, will have recourse to philosophy, and will turn to art as a sphere for possible further reflection.

Course leader

Fahim Amir

Target group

Prerequisite is readiness to work in a group. Basic knowledge of philosophy is desirable, though not a condition. The course is open to experienced writers and interested newcomers; curiosity, open-mindedness and eagerness to explore are expected. Not only reading, but also writing, has the power to change a person permanently.

Course aim

The focus will be on students' individual writing praxis, with support offered in one‑to‑one conversations. Based on prior knowledge and individual interests, a continuous role will be played by collective reading, reflection and discussion of texts from the suggested reading list. It will be similarly important for students to share and discuss their own experiences of writing, thinking and reading. Questions of form will be of utmost importance, covering dimensions of clarity and elegance, economy of expression, accessibility and intelligibility, apposite choice of words, use of transitional passages, appropriate language level, sensitive writing, attention to proportion and overall form – to mention only a few.

Fee info