Course Description
In this September session we will explore the thought of the French philosopher, activist, and mystic Simone Weil (1909-1943). Born to secular Jewish parents, Weil led a life of spiritual questing that resulted in a profound theological engagement with Christianity. A brilliant student educated in France’s elite institutions, she maintained an unsentimental solidarity with the working class that led her to labor in factories and farms. Her radical commitment to a selfless life lived for the sake of others places her in the tradition of the great Christian mystics, while her unflinching anti-fascism in the face of the Nazi’s rise to power serves as a beacon of individual moral responsibility in dark times. We will sample the range of her major writings, from her profound reflections on violence in “The Iliad or the Poem of Force” to her mystical meditations collected under the title Gravity and Grace.
Prerequisites:
No prerequisites. Taught by a Basic Program instructor, this course is open to all interested students.
Required Texts
- Simone Weil, Waiting for God (edited by Malcom Muggeridge, Routledge) ISBN: 978-0367705282
- Simone Weil, Gravity and Grace (translated by Emma Crawford and Mario von der Ruhr, Routledge) ISBN: 978-0415290012
- Weil, Simone, War and the Iliad (translated by Mary McCarthy, New York Review of Books) ISBN 978-1590171455
Frequently Asked Questions
Review common questions about our courses. You can also contact us for more information.
Do we take assessments in these courses?
Graham School non-credit courses are not graded and therefore have no tests. They focus on nourishing a love of learning, allowing you to immerse yourself in topics and discussions you find interesting.
How can I best prepare for class?
Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion. While not required, we offer an optional course to prepare students to engage with challenging works: How to Read Classic Texts. While this is presented as an introductory course for the Basic Program, students in other programs or open enrollment courses are also welcome to participate and grow their skills.
Do I have to complete an application?
Applications are not required for our open enrollment courses.
Who is best suited to take a course at the Graham School?
Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in these topics and engaging in deep discovery with others is welcome to take part in this course.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their academic background.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
Our online classes are recorded and shared with the registered students through the Canvas site for the course. For in-person courses, you can ask a fellow student to take notes for you if you have to miss a session.
What is your withdrawal/cancellation policy?
You can find our withdrawal and cancellation policy with other registration issues here. Most drop or transfer requests can be made through your student account.
Will this course be offered online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course section specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
What happens if I miss a class?
While our courses are driven by live discussions, we do record the online sessions. If you miss a class, you can watch the recording to catch up. Please note that students may only access recordings for the sections in which they are registered. In-person classes are not recorded.
I can no longer participate in a course I registered for. Can I get a refund?
If you need to drop a course, please email us at graham@learningplatform.support to process your request. When reaching out, please include your full name, the course name and the section. If you made a donation during your course purchase, please confirm if you would like the donation refunded as well.
Courses dropped before the first day of class are eligible for a full refund. Courses dropped after the first class are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. No refund will be issued for courses dropped after the first week of classes.
How do I access my course after registration?
Your course will be available on the Graham Learning Platform three weeks before the start date. You’ll log in using the same credentials you used during registration. If you need help accessing your course, check out our helpful video tutorial.
I have a question about the course registration process, who should I reach out to?
If you have a question about how to register for a course, watch the helpful videos on our registration tips page. You can also email our support team at graham@learningplatform.support. You will receive a response within 24 hours.