This course explores the many meanings of life through literature, art, film, and philosophy from around the world and throughout history. We’ll dive into a mix of texts, movies, music, and other art forms to see how different creators express their views on existence.

We’ll read Chilean poet Vicente Huidobro’s powerful poem Altazor alongside Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film 2001: A Space Odyssey. We’ll also examine the intersection of science and art by pairing works from 17th-century Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō with Andrei Tarkovsky’s film Nostalghia. Throughout the course, we’ll engage with pieces by renowned authors like Louise Glück, Mary Oliver, Nobel Prize winner Patrick Modiano, and Jorge Luis Borges.

We’ll tackle big questions: How have artists from various cultures approached literature and philosophy? What influences shape their work? How do their stories and ideas help us form our own perspectives on life?
The course includes three units with a diverse reading list and features two short papers on topics you choose. You’ll also give a 15-minute presentation related to our readings. Join us for an exciting journey into the meaning of life through art and thought!

Learn more about the instructor of this course: https://spanport.washington.edu/people/jose-francisco-robles