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 English 12

In our final unit, you will be challenged with some high-level thinking through existentialism. We'll figure out some new terms, learn about Joseph Campbell and watch a film, Apocalypse Now - based on his novel The Heart of Darkness. 

Beware, this is a rabbit hole that will have you ask questions about yourself. The ideas in this unit will challenge your thinking about identity, faith, and the meaning of life. This knowledge can be used to begin understanding how you can accomplish self-actualization. Sound familiar?

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

ESSENTIALISM vs EXISTENTIALISM (this idea rejects essentialism):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDvRdLMkHs

Video on Existentialism, Absurdism, and Nihilism:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaIbUAkSYEU

*Note - the sponsor for the above video is in hot water. Please skip over the sponsored segment from  1:17 - 2:17.

First, answer these questions. This will show you how existentialism affects you.

1. Do you have particular worries about the future?
2. Have you been through a major event that had you rethink your values, beliefs, and goals?
3. Consider your educational goals for next year. Have they been defined by someone else, or yourself?

Now, after watching the videos, answer these.

1. What is 'the absurd'?
2. What is nihilism?
3. How does an existentialist find meaning?
4. How does existentialism differ from essentialism?