Ethics - Course Description

Howard Sklar, PhD

Department of English

University of Helsinki

Course Description

Howard Sklar, PhD

Department of English

University of Helsinki

This course will explore the role of ethics in the writing and reading of fiction. The course will be divided into four sections.

In the first section (three sessions), “Philosophical Views of Ethics and/in Fiction,” we will explore ideas about the ways in which ethical considerations affect both writers and readers in the process of creating and interpreting fictional works. Among other issues, we will look intensively at the role of so-called “moral emotions,” such as sympathy, and the ways that they affect the nature of ethical writing and reading.

In the second section (three sessions), “Textual Ethics: The Role of Narrative Analysis,” we will examine the role that narrative analysis can play in informing our understanding of the relationship between fiction and ethics. In this section, we will read short works of fiction and analyze the ethical content, if any, that they may contain. As theoretical background, we will look at the ways in which some writers have analyzed particular novels or stories from an ethical point of view. In addition, we will consider the connection between narratological analysis and reader response.

In the third section (three sessions), “Empirical Views on the Ethical Effects of Reading,” we will look at the methodology and results of studies that have attempted to measure empirically the ethical responses of readers.

In the final session, “Putting It All Together: An Interdisciplinary View of Fictional Ethics,” we will examine the manner in which philosophical, literary critical and empirical approaches can support each other in developing our understanding of the ethical dimension of fiction.

Readings for each of these sections will be provided by the instructor or will be available through the University Library.

Course Requirements

1. Regular attendance

2. Assigned readings

3. Weekly journal, recording own responses to reading

4. One short paper (4-5 pages) on the philosophical dimension of fictional ethics

5. One short paper (4-5 pages) analyzing a fictional text in terms of its ethical content or approach

6. Active participation in discussions