So It Goes: Time, Death, and Freedom in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut

Class Description

In this course, we will explore the philosophical side of the works of Kurt Vonnegut, focusing on his principal themes of time, death, the nature of moral responsibility and justice in a universe void of free will, the crisis of insufficient meaning, and the pursuit of happiness. The experiment at hand will be to read Vonnegut as philosophy rather than simply literature and to carefully and rigorously draw out the moral and existential implications of his work, primarily through classroom discussion. Participants can expect to come away with a new appreciation of Vonnegut, a deeper understanding of his themes, and a renewed understanding of the role of literature as philosophy.

Jessica Jessen is a philosopher with a working interest in Nietzsche (particularly Nietzsche and Feminism), religious philosophy, Judaism, and literature. Currently, she is both finishing a book on the role of Ariadne in the works of Nietzsche and beginning research for a book on Nietzsche and Judaism. She received her PhD from DePaul University.

All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.

What to Expect

Format: Virtual

Class Capacity: 24

Class Style: Mix of lecture and discussion; participation encouraged

Materials List

Required

• Kurt Vonnegut, Breakfast of Champions, Dial Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-385-33420-4
• Kurt Vonnegut, Deadeye Dick. Dial Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0-385-33417-4
• Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five. Dial Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-385-33384-9
• Kurt Vonnegut, The Sirens of Titan, Dial Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-385-33349-8
• Digital Course Packet

First Reading

• Please read Slaughterhouse-Five

A Brief Syllabus

1. Time and Death in Slaughterhouse-Five
2. Human Value in the Absence of Freedom in Breakfast of Champions
3. Guilt, Innocence, and Responsibility in Deadeye Dick
4. What if the Meaning of Life is Inadequate

Cost and Registration

4 Sessions, $220 ($198 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($220), Community Supported ($205), and Sponsor ($235). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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