Institute for Humane Studies: Liberty, Individualism, and Rebellion in Film

Conference Schedule

Accomodations

When one considers the political philosophy implicit in John Ford’s westerns and Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films, the significance of the parallels and differences between these two directors, their films, and their respective philosophies becomes clear. The comparison will also enable participants to explore the conception of American individualism and liberty that has influenced Japan during its post-war democratization, and still characterizes America and the “American dream” today. With the help of philosophical readings and a historical context in both countries’ traditions, participants can explore issues of citizenship, authority, nation-making, and rebellion.

Readings

Turner, Frederick Jackson. The Frontier in American History. The Company of New York: 1921. pp. 1-38

French, Peter. Cowboy Metaphysics: Ethics and Death in Westerns.  Rowman & Littlefield Publishers: 1997. pp 1-12

Tsunetomo, Yamamoto. Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai. Kodansha International: 1999. pp 13-69

Cleary, Thomas. Code of the Samurai: Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinsu of Taira Shigesuke. Tuttle Publishing: 1999. pp. ix-xvii, 3-98

Films

Sessions I & II - Beyond Law

John Ford's Fort Apache (1948)

Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood (Kumonosu jô), (1957)

Sessions III & IV - Unwritten Codes of Honor

John Ford's My Darling Clementine (1946)

Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo (1961)

Sessions V & VI - Beyond Education

John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence (1962)

Akira Kurosawa's Sanjurô (1962)