Phenomenology

Phil 4100 Sec. 01

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.

Grading Scale

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89%

C = 70-79%

D = 60-69%

F = -59%

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, 9:00-11:00am.

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

Calendar

August

13 Introduction: Themes of the Course

16 What is Phenomenology? Historical Placement: Descartes and Kant

18 Husserl. PR, pp. 78-108

20 PR, 78-108

23 PR, 78-108

25 PR, 109-123

27 PR, 109-123

30 PR, 109-123

September

1 PR, 124-133

3 PR, 124-133

6 Labor Day—No Classes

8 PR, 151-174

10 PR, 151-174

13 PR, 151-174

15 Wrap up of Husserl

17 Exam #1

20 Introduction to Heidegger

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

24 PR, 257-277

27 PR, 257-277

29 PR, 257-277

October

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

4 Introduction to Being and Time

6 Introduction to Being and Time

8 PR, 288-308

11 PR, 288-308

13 PR, 288-308

15 Fall Break—No Classes

18 PR, 288-308

20 Exam #2

22 Arendt. PR, pp. 341-361

25 PR, 362-373

27 PR, 362-373

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

Novermber

1 PR, 421-435

3 PR, 436-460

5 PR, 436-460

8 PR, 436-460

10 Emmanuel Levinas. PR, pp. 509-528

12 PR, 509-528

15 PR, 509-528

17 PR, 529-540, Term Paper Rough Draft Due

19 PR, 529-540

22 PR, 529-540

24-26 Thanksgiving Break—No Classes

29 PR, 529-540, Final Term Paper Due

December

1 PR, 529-540

3 Review Session

Final exam is scheduled for Monday, December 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.