Phil4220W Hermeneutics

Dr. Janet Donohoe

Spring 2007

 

1.  Learning Outcomes: The aim of this course is to examine critically the historical development of the discipline of hermeneutics.  Hermeneutics is the art and theory of interpretation.  We will investigate various approaches to interpretation as presented by philosophers ranging from Schleiermacher through Heidegger to Ricoeur.  By the end of the semester students will be able to:

 

 

2.  Requirements: The requirements for the class are fivefold.

 

a) attendance and class participation                                                           10%

b) in-class midterm exam                                                                             25%

c) WTL: Paper abstract, in-class writing                                                    15%

d) WTC: one 2100-3000 word paper (including rough draft)                  25%

e) 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 the course.  Papers absolutely will not be accepted after the due date unless you have discussed it with me prior to the due date.

 

NOTE: A “W” designation after a section number of a 3000- or 4000- level course signifies that the course is a Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) course.  WAC accepts as a guiding principle the idea that writing is a valuable tool for learning and communication. Therefore, the writing components of a course so designated are designed to help you learn the material and communicate what you have learned.  Students are required to take two “W” courses for an undergraduate degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.

 

There are two types of exercises we will be involved with in the writing aspect of this course: Writing-to-Learn assignments, and Writing-to-Communicate assignments.  WTL: Writing-to-Learn exercises will help you realize the idea-generating potential of writing and its value even when it is not formally graded.  Primarily, these writing strategies help you focus your ideas as you prepare to write formal, writing to communicate activities. Further, by using writing-to-learn activities, you will gain practice in the sort of single-draft writing expected of you in exam situations or quick-draft career writing projects.  WTC: WTC denotes at least one formal writing assignment appropriate to the discipline of philosophy. Together we determine the appropriateness of a paper topic that you choose.  I will evaluate one rough draft and offer constructive feedback, which should lead to a high quality, finished product. The paper will be evaluated on content, form, grammar, and spelling and should represent a sustained effort on your part.

 

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.

 

Hours: MWF 8:30-10:00a.m.,12:20-1:20pm

Office: TLC2250

Phone: 678-839-4743

e-mail: jdonohoe@westga.edu

 

4.  Book List: The books listed below should be available in the bookstore.  A course packet will also be made available at the beginning of the semester.

 

The Hermeneutics Reader                                                            ed.Kurt Mueller-Vollmer

Truth and Method                                                          Hans-Georg Gadamer

 

In course packet:

 

“Plato as Impulse and Obstacle in Gadamer’s Development of a Hermeneutical Theory” by P.C. Smith

“Whose Home is it Anyway? A Feminist Response to Gadamer’s Hermeneutics” by Robin Schott

“Hermeneutics and the Critique of Ideology” by Paul Ricoeur

 

 

 

Calendar

 

January

8             Introduction.  Discussion of themes

10           What is Hermeneutics?

12           Schleiermacher                  HR 72-85

15           MLK Day—No Classes

17           Schleiermacher                  HR 86-97

19           Schleiermacher

22           Dilthey                                HR 148-64

24           Dilthey

26           Dilthey

29           Dilthey                                In-class writing assignment

31           Husserl                                HR 165-186

February

2             Husserl

5             Husserl

7             Heidegger                           HR 214-227

9             Heidegger

12           Heidegger                           HR 228-240

14           Heidegger

16           Heidegger                           In-class writing assignment

19           Gadamer                              TM 265-276

21           Gadamer                              TM 277-306

23           Gadamer                              TM

26           Gadamer                              TM

28           Gadamer                              TM 307-323

March

2             Gadamer                              TM

5             Gadamer                              TM 324-345

7             Gadamer                              TM

9             Gadamer                              TM 346-380

12           Gadamer                              (paper abstract due/peer review)

14           Gadamer

16           Midterm Exam

19-23     Spring Break

26           Habermas                            HR 293-319

28           Habermas

30           Habermas                            (rough draft due)

April

2             Ricoeur article

4             Ricoeur article

6             Ricoeur article

9             Ricoeur article

11           P. Christopher Smith article (Paper Due)

13           Smith article

16           Smith article

18           Robin Schott article

20           Robin Schott article

23           Review

 

Final exam is Friday, May 4, 11am-1pm.