Entry requirements

Students admitted to any one or two year master program in the humanities and social sciences or with a bachelor’s degree in the humanities, social sciences, or art and design.

Learning outcomes

The main objective of this course is to study the concept of fiction and the relations it bears to the notions of truth and knowledge. After completing the course, the student is expected to:

• have a good understanding of the philosophical issues connected with the theme of the course.
• be able to think critically and independently about issues related to fiction, narrative, truth, understanding, knowledge, and more.

Content

The main aim of this course is to examine philosophical questions surrounding the concept of fiction and the relations fiction bears to the notions of truth and knowledge. One of the main goals of the course is also to enable the student to develop the ability to argue for or against theories developed to address these questions. The topics that will be examined include the following: What is fiction? What is the relation between fiction and non-fiction? What, if anything, is it to be true in fiction? It is often said that literature can disclose deep and interesting truths. But what does this mean, and is it right to make that assumption? What is it to have knowledge? What epistemic risks are associated with casting factual information in narrative form?

Instruction

Teaching instructions include lectures and seminars. Attendance is obligatory. The language of instruction is English .

Assessment

Students are expected to submit a written assignment of approximately 6-7 pages. This assignment will count for 75% of the overall mark. Students will also be expected to do a short oral presentation towards the end of the course. This assignment will count for 25% of the overall mark.