2021 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences40:Human Studies
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Eisuke Wakamatsu
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Wed
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.S435
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2021
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In this lecture, we will read the book “Man's Search For Meaning” and “I still say Yes to life” by Victor Frankl, one of the leading thinkers of modern times and think about 'meaning of lives' and 'wisdom in times of crisis'.
Frankl was persecuted by Nazi Germany because he was a Jew, and forced to live in a concentration camp. "Man's Search For Meaning" is the record at that time. In this lecture, we would like to deepen our thoughts on what "evil" was in the days when Frankl suffered.
We form a group with several people, deepen the questions hidden in the book and give a presentation.
The final report is about 3000 characters. Participants will discuss their own "philosophy of life".
I hope them to participate in the class with sincerity.
＊Basically this seminar will held by pre-recorded contents and papers. Not by Zoom
＊Those contents will be uploaded though OCW-i.
＊Question will be accept through website which would be told later.
＊Answer will be had in the next or later lecture.
＊Now we stand historical turning point. Hopefully, this seminar would have some clue and wisdom to survive through this crisis.
Course description and aims
The objective of this course is to acquire the following abilities.
1) Recognize the role of language as a sign and language as a meaning.
2) Acquire philosophical reading skills about "life" and "death" or "evil".
3) Gain a starting point for linguistic expressions based on one's own experiences and emotions.
Keywords
Philosophy, language, Life and Death, Good and Evil, meaning of life
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Each time important sentences of the book are pointed out, having time for writing essay.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Class guidance | Explanation of whole seminar |
| Class 2 | Read the words of Victor Frankl 1 | Think about the wisdom of crisis |
| Class 3 | Read the words of Victor Frankl 2 | Think about the wisdom of crisis |
| Class 4 | Consideration over what is "life" and "death" or”good” and "evil" | Think about the wisdom of crisis |
| Class 5 | Read the words of Victor Frankl 3 | Think about the wisdom of crisis |
| Class 6 | Read the words of Victor Frankl 4 | Think about the wisdom of crisis |
| Class 7 | Summary, Q&A | Summary, Q&A |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Victor Frankl's “Man's Search For Meaning” (translated by Kayoko Ikeda, Misuzu Shobo) and “I still say Yes to life” (Shunju Publishing). Be sure to bring these two books to the lecture.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
None required. Handouts will be given if necessary
Evaluation methods and criteria
Interim report (50%)
Final report (50%)
Related courses
- LAH.H315 ： Human Studies C
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
wakamatsu[at]ila.titech.ac.jp
Office hours
Contact by e-mail in advance.
Other
No classes will be given on April 14 (Wed).
Seven total classes will be held for this course: April 21 (Wed), April 28 (Wed), May 12 (Wed), May 19 (Wed), May 26 (Wed), June 2 (Wed), June 9 (Wed).