Phil4220W Hermeneutics
Spring 2009
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 sixfold.
a) attendance and class
participation 10%
b) in-class midterm exam 25%
c) Paper abstract with thesis
and outline 5%
d) Paper rough-draft 10%
e) 2100-3000 word paper 25%
f) 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.
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.
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:
M, W, F 9:00-11:00a.m., M, F 12:00-1:00pm
Office:
TLC2250
Phone:
678-839-4743
e-mail: jdonohoe@westga.edu
4. Book List: The books listed below should be available in
the bookstore. Course readings will also
be made available through the library Docutek
system. Password: Hermeneutics.
The
Hermeneutics Reader ed.Kurt Mueller-Vollmer
Truth
and Method Hans-Georg
Gadamer
Docutek:
E.
D. Hirsch, Jr. “In
Defense of the Author”
David
Weberman “Gadamer’s Hermeneutics and the Question of Authorial
Intention”
Antonin Scalia “Common-Law
Courts in a Civil-Law System: The Role of the United States Federal Courts in Interpreting
the Constitution and Laws”
Daniel
Farber “The Originalism Debate: A Guide for the Perplexed”
Michel
Foucault “What is an
Author?”
Hans-Georg
Gadamer “The
Artwork in Word and Image—‘So true, so full of being!’” (Goethe)
7 Introduction. Discussion of themes.
Biblical Hermeneutics, Legal Hermeneutics, Aesthetic Hermeneutics.
9 What is Hermeneutics?
12 Schleiermacher HR 72-85
14 Schleiermacher HR 86-97
16 Schleiermacher
21 Husserl HR 165-186
23 Husserl
26 Husserl
28 Heidegger HR 214-227
30 Heidegger
2 Heidegger HR 228-240
4 Heidegger
6 Heidegger
9 Bultmann HR
241-248
11 Bultmann
13 Gadamer TM 265-276
16 Gadamer TM
18 Gadamer TM 277-306
20 Gadamer TM
23 Gadamer TM
25 Gadamer TM 307-323
27 Gadamer TM
March
2 Gadamer TM 324-345
4 Gadamer Midterm Exam
6 Gadamer TM 346-380
9 Gadamer TM (paper abstract
due)
11 Gadamer TM 346-380
13 Gadamer TM
16-21 Spring Break
23 Hirsch “In Defense of the Author”
25 Hirsch
27 Hirsch (rough draft due)
30 Weberman “Gadamer’s
Hermeneutics and the Question of Authorial Intention”
1 Honors Convocation Class cancelled
3 Weberman
6 Weberman
8 Foucault “What is an Author?”
10 Foucault (Paper Due)
13 Farber “The Originalism
Debate: A Guide for the Perplexed”
15 Farber
17 Scalia “Common-Law Courts in a Civil-Law
System”
20 Scalia
22 Gadamer “The Artwork in
Word and Image”
24 Gadamer
27 Concluding discussion
29 Review
Final
exam is Wednesday, May 6, 11am-1pm.