Course description

In this course we will learn about philosophy by watching and discussing great works of cinema. What can the screen upon which moving images are projected teach us about science, the question of God, the pursuit of knowledge, ethics, reality, violence, love, hope, evil, nothingness, absurdity and ourselves as human beings? Students who complete this course will have a good working knowledge of the history of philosophy. Reading selections may vary from year to year. Students will learn to inquire into complex problems and begin to formulate their own philosophy. Students will learn effective methods of inquiry, analysis, and criticism. The study of philosophy develops one's ability to think carefully and critically. The objective of this course is to enable students to be reflective about the beliefs that they or their society have developed. The ability to think reflectively does not develop independently from the ability to read critically and perceptively or the ability to express ourselves.

Course details

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Credit transfer

Have you taken this course or an equivalent course? Contact the Credit Transfer Office.

Registration dates

Not all courses are offered each term.

Spring 2026 registration opens March 2, 2026.
Fall 2026 registration opens June 29, 2026.

Delivery options

In person: classes held in person on a campus/site in a classroom/lab/shop/studio for the course duration

Online - Asynchronous: ​100% online delivery, no scheduled day or time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Online - Synchronous: 100% online delivery, scheduled day and time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Hybrid: any combination of in person, timetabled, on campus, online, and hyflex delivery