English 24

Other Readings and Media

Andreou and White, Chrisoula and Mark: The Thief of Time: Philosophical Essays on Procrastination; Fiore, Neil: The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play

Description

Why do we procrastinate? What can we do to stop it? This course explores procrastination both as a practical problem and as a springboard for theoretical inquiry into questions of choice, will, agency, rationality and morality. We'll read (slowly and thoughtfully) some serious philosophical work on the subject, and we'll explore some literary, artistic and filmic representations that shed light on the processes of procrastinating. Not least, we'll critically examine, and then try out, various strategies for coping with procrastination. I can be talked into admitting you into this course if you don't procrastinate. Actually, if that's the case I'd very much like to meet you. If you do procrastinate, hey, why not take this course NOW?

Susan Schweik is a Professor of English and Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities. Does she procrastinate? What do you think?

This 1-unit course may not be counted as one of the twelve courses required to complete the English major.