Phenomenology

Phil 4100 Sec. 01

Fall 2012

Professor Janet Donohoe

1. Learning Outcomes: The aim of this course is to examine critically the central arguments and methods of phenomenological philosophers through reading and discussing primary philosophical texts. By the end of the semester students will be able to:

• Analyze philosophical positions of major figures in the phenomenological movement.
• Exhibit familiarity with at least three different phenomenological theories.
• Clearly explain and critically address a philosophical position in both written and oral form.
• Explain the relationship between phenomenology and earlier historical philosophical positions on epistemology, ontology, and subjectivity
• Explain ways in which phenomenology has been influential for more contemporary philosophical theory.

2. Requirements: To achieve the above goals will require a new way of reading and thinking. We will not just read the texts, but we will question and challenge the texts thereby questioning and challenging our own beliefs and thought processes. The requirements for the course are fourfold.

a) class attendance and participation 10%

b) 2 in-class exams 40%

c) final paper of 3000-3500 words (including draft) 25%

d) in-class final exam 25%

In order to meet these requirements it will be necessary to attend class regularly and to do the assigned reading. It will be evident if you have not done the reading and this will not be beneficial to your success in this class. Papers absolutely will not be accepted after the due date unless you have discussed it with me prior to the due date.

Primarily, your term paper should be focused on a text or texts that we have discussed in class. The goal is for you to express your own understanding and analysis of a text or texts. If you want to do research into secondary sources, the best way to do so is to consult the Philosopher’s Index to see what kinds of articles might have been published that would be pertinent to your issue. I would highly recommend that you not rely on the Web to get information on your issue. Web sources are notoriously unreliable and can often be overly simplistic in their presentation of any philosophical view. Scholarly articles and books are the best sources to consult. Be sure that if you consult any secondary sources that you cite those sources. Failure to do so can have dire results.

The Department of English and Philosophy defines plagiarism as taking personal credit for the thinking of others as it is presented in electronic, print, and verbal sources. The Department expects that students will accurately credit sources in all assignments. Plagiarism is grounds for failing the course and may result in further consequences of being expelled from the University.

Any student wishing to receive honors credit for this course must get the approval of the professor and complete all the necessary paperwork within the first two weeks of class. No honors forms will be signed after this point.

3. Availability: I am available outside of class during office hours or by appointment. If there are questions or problems do not hesitate to see me.

Office Hours: MWF, 9:00-10:00am., MW 12:00 noon- 2:00pm.

Office: TLC 2230

Phone: (678) 839-4743

e-mail: jdonohoe@westga.edu

4. Book List: The book listed below should be available in the book store.

Moran and Mooney, eds. The Phenomenology Reader

A couple of articles will be made available via Docutek.

Calendar

August

20 Introduction: Themes of the Course

22 What is Phenomenology? Historical Placement: Descartes and Kant

24 Husserl. PR, pp. 78-108

27 PR, 78-108

29 PR, 78-108

31 PR, 109-123

September

3 Labor Day—No Classes

5 PR, 109-123

7 PR, 109-123

10 PR, 124-133

12 PR 151-174

14 PR, 151-174

17 PR, 151-174

19 wrap up of Husserl

21 Exam #1

24 Heidegger. PR, pp. 245-248 &257-277

26 PR 257-277

28 PR 257-277

October

1 PR, 257-277

3 Heidegger, Introduction to Being and Time (on electronic reserve)

5 Introduction to Being and Time

8 Introduction to Being and Time

10 PR, 288-308

12 PR, 288-308 (Last day to withdraw with a W)

15 PR, 288-308

17 Exam #2

19 Merleau-Ponty. PR, pp. 421-435

22 PR, 421-435

24 PR, 436-460

26 PR, 436-460

29 PR, 436-460

31 Iris Marion Young, “Throwing Like a Girl” (on electronic reserve)

November

2 “Throwing Like a Girl”

5 “Throwing Like a Girl”

7 “Throwing Like a Girl”

9 Emmanuel Levinas. PR, 509-528

12 PR, 509-528 Term Paper Rough Draft Due

14 PR, 509-528

16 PR, 529-540

19-23 Thanksgiving Break—No Classes

26 PR, 529-540

28 PR, 529-540, Final Term Paper Due

30 Review Session

Final exam is scheduled for Friday, December 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.