Course Description

Course Competencies

Course Details

Required Texts

Technology & Support

Student Evaluation & Grading

Class Policies

Contact Instructor

 

The Ultimate Class Syllabus!

Why is this the ultimate syllabus? First, it is a syllabus you can't lose or misplace. It's always here on the web and accessible 24 hours per day. Just print a copy of this page if you find yourself looking for the original hardcopy handed out during the first week of class. Second, this syllabus contains a link to our class calendar which is updated regularly to reflect the pace of our course.

The syllabus is a contract of sorts in that it outlines course requirements and clearly states any class policies that might impact your grade. Be sure you read over and understand the course requirements. As always, feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Course Description:

This course is designed to introduce students to the exciting debates that characterize twentieth century philosophy. Among the most prominent trends are feminism, deconstruction and phenomenology. Each of these subject areas challenges us to revisit our ancient and modern origins and interrogate the history of philosophy. Students will be asked to revisit the following questions: what is the logical consequence of accepting this philosopher’s argument? What other propositions are implied? We might also ask: what are the particular presuppositions that inform a particular theorist’s writings? Who is he/she responding to and what are the central claims?

Becoming acquainted with current debates and discussions in philosophy is a necessary step for those who wish to read or study contemporary philosophy on a graduate level. Beyond pragmatic concerns lies a world of debate that is fresh in its approach to interpreting past theories and rich in ideas that may help philosophy develop new directions for research in the twenty-first century. Throughout this semester, you will be enjoined to enter the intellectual fray by responding to the ideas of contemporary continental theorists.
Course Competencies:

  1. Students will demonstrate mastery of the basic debates that characterized twentieth century continental thought.

  2. Students will develop an understanding of how various theories were historically developed in the context of social forces.

  3. Students will learn to utilize basic critical thinking skills including the capacity to logically assess the claims of contemporary theorists.

  4. Students will be able to enumerate the implications and consequences bound up with the acceptance of particular philosophical theories.

  5. Students will develop an understanding of the essential connection between contemporary philosophy and social epistemology.

  6. Students will possess the ability to identify, discuss and research issues of interest in twentieth century philosophy.

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Required

  • Foucault, Michel. Power/Knowledge: Selected Interviews and Other Writings, 1972-1977. Colin Gordon, Editor. Random House, New York, 1981

  • Irigaray, Luce. This Sex Which Is Not One.  Carolyn Porter, Translator. Cornell University Press, 1985.

  • Marcuse, Herbert.  One-Dimensional Man: Studies in the Ideology of Advanced Industrial Society. Beacon Press, Boston, 1991.

  • Selden, Raman & Peter Widowson. A Reader’s Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory, 3rd Edition.  The University Press of Kentucky, 1993.

Recommended

  • Bedau, Hugo. Thinking and Writing About Philosophy. Bedford Books, St, Martin’s Press, 1996.

 

Technology Needed: Our class is supplemented by a web site (http://www.thinkingshop.com/Thiel/contemp/index.htm) where you will find a copy of this syllabus, weekly class news, updates on assignments, and additional resources to help you in your quest to master contemporary philosophy. In addition, you may also e-mail me to receive an inquiry response within 24-36 hours. You will be expected to access the web site regularly to receive class-related information.

Student Evaluation/Methods of Assessment: Assessment of your performance will be based on class participation, journal assignments, and two short research papers. This class is reading intensive so your ability to manage time well and carefully critique various theories will be critical to receive a passing grade.

Grading Scale:

  • Attendance & Participation: 20%

  • Journals : 35%

  • Two Short Research Papers: 45%

Details...

Course Length: 15 Weeks

Contact Hours: 45 Hours

Credits Value: 3

Course Prerequisite:1 College Level English/Writing Course

Material & Supplies: Notebook, pencils, and eraser.

Estimated Homework Hours: 6 hours per week
Class Policies:

Learning can only occur when there is no fear or negativity. Thus, students are expected to show respect, tolerance and compassion for everyone in the room. Disruptive behavior and foul language will not be tolerated; students who engage in these behaviors will be asked to leave class.

Late journal assignments will be accepted for ½ credit up until the 12th week of class.  No late assignments will be accepted after the 12th week of class.  Journal assignments not turned in will receive zero credit and negatively impact your final grade.

Attendance: any student who misses more than 6 classes during the semester will receive a failing grade for the course.  Special consideration for medical emergencies/conditions will be available for those students who can provide proof of illness.

NO LATE PAPERS  WILL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE IN ADVANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTOR.  IF YOU ARE ABSENT ON THE DAY A PAPER IS DUE, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET YOUR PAPER INTO MY MAILBOX BEFORE CLASS.

Students with Disabilities: It is Thiel College’s policy to not discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in its educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for modifications in this class, contact your Instructor and a School Counselor. Instructors should be notified during the first week of classes.

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Instructor Availability Outside of Class:

Web Site: http://www.thinkingshop.com/Thiel/contemp/index.htm

E-Mail: diane@thinkingshop.com

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Last Updated 04 March, 2000 08:40 PM

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