Recent Continental Philosophy (PHIL 307)
Study Helps & Philosophy Links
Spring 2017
1:50-2:50 MWF
John R. Howard Hall 115
Email: fritzman@lclark.edu
Class email: 17sp-phil-307-01@lclark.edu
Phone: 503-768-7477
Office: John R. Howard Hall 223
Hours: 11:30-12:00 & 3:00-5:30 MWF, and by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Samuel Beckett: "Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better."
Emmanuel Levinas: "The fact that philosophy cannot finally totalize the alterity of meaning in some final presence or simultaneity is not for me a deficiency or fault. Or to put it another way, the best thing about philosophy is that it fails."
In this course, we will study recent German and French philosophy. Here are required the texts:
Basic Writings: From Being and Time (1927) To The Task of Thinking (1964)
by Martin Heidegger
Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2008
Paperback
ISBN-10: 0061627011
ISBN-13: 978-0061627019
New: Starting at $6.21
Used: Starting at $4.99
Basic Writings is available through the College Bookstore, Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.
The Transcendence of the Ego: A Sketch for a Phenomenological Description
by Jean-Paul Sartre
Routledge, 2011
Paperback
ISBN-10: 0415610176
ISBN-13: 978-0415610179
New: Starting at $17.95
Used: Starting at $13.62
The Transcendence of the Ego is available through the College Bookstore, Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.
The Primacy of Perception
by Maurice Merleau-Ponty
Northwestern University Press, 1964
Paperback
ISBN-10: 0810101645
ISBN-13: 978-0810101647
New: Starting at $16.25
Used: Starting at $6.44
The Primacy of Perception is available through the College Bookstore, Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.
Language, Counter-Memory, Practice
by Michel Foucault
Cornell University Press, 1980
Paperback
ISBN-10: 0801492041
ISBN-13: 978-0801492044
New: Starting at $12.44
Used: Starting at $2.79
Language, Counter-Memory, Practice is available through the College Bookstore, Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.
Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity
by Judith Butler
Routledge, 2006, Paperback
ISBN-10: 0415389550
ISBN-13: 978-0415389556
New: Starting at $22.01
Used: Starting at $14.74
Gender Trouble is available through the College Bookstore, Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.
There are also learning outcomes for students who graduate with a major in Philosophy.
In preparation for each class meeting, you should have read the assigned material. You should arrive in class with prepared questions or comments about something in the assigned reading.
Each student will write a précis for almost every reading assignment, complete various research exercises that teach research skills, and write and present in class one assessment on a specific reading assignment. There also will be one argumentative research paper (which includes a prospectus, two drafts, and a mandatory rewrite). And a class presentation of the argumentative research paper on the Final Exam Day.
The précis, research exercises, and class participation will be weighted together and will count for 15% of your final grade. The assessment will count for 20% of your final grade. The prospectus will count for 5%, the first draft will count for 10%, the second draft will count for 15%, and the argumentative research paper will count for 30% of your final grade. The presentation will count for 5% of your final grade. The grading scale is as follows:
A = 93%-100%
A- = 90%-92%
B+ = 86%-89%
B = 83% 85%
B- = 80%-82%
C+ = 76%-79%
C = 73%-75%
C- = 70%-72%
D+ = 66%-69%
D = 60%-65%
F = 0%-59%.
A précis will be due almost every class session. Each précis will be one typed page -- never longer -- double-spaced, with 1 inch margins on the right & left sides and the top & bottom. It must be at least 3/4 of a page in length. Use a 12-point Times or Times Roman font. There will be no spelling or grammatical errors in your précis. Your name will be typed in the upper right-hand corner. In each précis, you will summarize -- in your own words, without using any quotes -- the assigned reading's mainclaims, as well as the reasons which are given to support those claims. You will not include any opinion, evaluation, or commentary. At the bottom of each précis, or on the back, you will write one question that you have about the reading. This question must written prior to, not during, class. I never will accept a late précis, but I will allow you to drop one.
An assessment should be approximately 1500 words, typed, double-spaced. You will sign up for a dates on which you will present your assessments. On the day you present, you will distribute copies to all of the persons in this class. This will require, of course, that you have enough copies made so that each member of the class has one. You first will read your assessment, and then you and I will serve as the main resource persons for fielding questions concerning the material. Since the class discussion will be centered around the assessment, it is crucial that you distribute the assessment the class session when you present it, and that you actually be in class to read your assessment.
An assessment is not a summary of the reading. Rather, its primary purpose is to summarize, consolidate, and explicate the central issues, main points, and key motifs of the assigned reading in order to facilitate class discussion of the material. It is important that the assessment contextualize the reading by describing briefly both how the reading is a continuation and development of material which has come before, and how it contributes to the overall trajectory of the thinker's thought.
It is crucial that you critically engage the reading. You might argue that a claim that the author makes is incorrect, for example, or that a criticism in the secondary literature is incorrect. Alternatively, you might argue that an interpretation advanced in the secondary literature is incorrect. The assessment should reflect an acquaintance with the requisite secondary literature. This means that you must incorporate at least four secondary sources you consulted while writing your assessment.
A student presenting an assessment will not submit a précis of that material too.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy will be useful.
The Philosopher's Index will be vital for the Assessment and Argumentative Research Paper.
The Chicago Manual of Style's Citation Quick Guide is online.
There will be an argumentative research paper, 2500 words, typed, double-spaced. It will be on the same topic as your assessment.
You're welcome to consult the Writing Center, located on the main floor of Watzek Library.
Also useful is the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University.
If you would find it useful to create concept maps, to help write your assessment or argumentative research papers, you can download the software to create them from IHMC Cmap Tools.
All work must be submitted when it is due. Late work -- précis, assessments, papers -- will not be accepted and will receive no credit.
This class will be successful only if there is a high degree of participation and attendance, and so I want you in class participating. The final grade for the course will be lowered by a full-letter grade if you miss four class sessions, the final grade will be lowered by two full-letter grades if you miss five class sessions, and you will be withdrawn from the course if you miss six or more class sessions. I will not accept make-up work unless you can document the reason for your absence. Documenting the reason for your absence means providing a note from, for example, your doctor explaining why you were absent. Serious illnesses and emergencies will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Throughout the course you are expected to read carefully the assigned material. It is impossible to do well in this course without reading and studying the books. You should spend a minimum of three hours preparing for each class session. Read the assigned material at least twice and take notes on what you read. You are expected to attend all class sessions, come to class having read thoroughly the assigned material, and to contribute to the discussions.
Gorgias of Leontini maintained that "those who neglect philosophy and spend their time on ordinary studies are like the suitors who desired Penelope but slept with her maids." In philosophy, unlike ordinary studies, there are few right and wrong answers. There are better and worse arguments and ideas, however, usually in direct proportion to thoughtfulness and care. What is important is that you think for yourself, and that you develop and defend your own ideas. It would be an excellent idea to write drafts or outlines of your précis and papers, and to have a comrade read them to check on spelling, grammar, development of arguments, and so forth.
You are strongly encouraged to discuss the class material, your ideas, your puzzles and difficulties with each other. A word to the wise: Find a study partner to discuss things with outside of class. (To see why this is effective for creativity and learning, read Malcolm Gladwell's article, Group Think: What Does "Saturday Night Live" Have in Common with German Philosophy?, The New Yorker, 2 December 2002, pages 102-107).
There's a Bollwood tune for every occasion. Click here.
When it comes to finally writing your précis and essays, though, do your own writing. That is the only way you will get the full benefit of your own efforts. I will be happy to discuss ideas with you, read outlines and rough drafts, and so forth. That is partly why I keep office hours.
A final word to the wise. It is not difficult to do well in this class, but it also is easy to do badly. Let me talk about the bad stuff first. You will receive a major grade reduction -- or fail this course -- if you do not read the material, seldom participate in class discussions, do not write your précis, assessment, or argumentative research paper, plagiarize, cheat, and so forth.
About plagiarizing and cheating. All students are expected to follow Lewis & Clark College's Academic Integrity Policy. Plagiarizers and cheaters will be given an "F" for the entire course (they will not be allowed to drop or withdraw from the course). I also will turn their cases over to the Honor Board; I will recommend that disciplinary penalties be assessed. It is never in your interest to plagiarize or cheat!
Now for the good stuff. With a concerted effort, you will do well in this class. To do well, you must participate in class discussions, read and study the assigned material, write the précis, assessment, argumentative research paper, be in class (almost) all of the time, etc. I do not grade on a curve, and so there is no good reason why you should not get an "A" for the course!
The Festival of Scholars is a campus-wide celebration of student work. It is an opportunity to discuss research, to exhibit, perform, or appreciate art, and to cross disciplinary boundaries. Classes will be cancelled on that day, but you are still required to participate in the Festival, either by presenting your work or attending presentations by your fellow students.
Course policy on disability accommodation. If you have a disability or learning difference that may impact your academic performance, you may request accommodations by submitting documentation to Student Support Services, located in Albany 206 (access@lclark.edu, 503-768-7156). They will notify me of the accommodations for which you are eligible.
Gilles Deleuze: "Philosophy's sole aim is to become worthy of the event."
Week 1
Wednesday, January 18:
Introduction to the course.
Read:
Malcolm Gladwell's article, Group Think.
Jim Pryor's essay, Guidelines on Reading Philosophy.
Friday, January 20:
Ethan Watters, "We Aren't the World", Pacific Standard.
Joseph Henrich, Steven J. Heine, and Ara Norenzayan, "The Weirdest People in the World?", Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Volume 33:2-3, June 2010, pages 61-83; précis.
Week 2
Discussion of (annotated) bibliography, footnotes, reasons for citations, proper quoting (block or in-line).
M, January 23:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 37-53; précis.
Sign-up for Assessments.
Wednesday, January 25:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 53-71; précis.
Friday, January 27:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 71-87; précis.
Research Exercise for Monday: Find one book and one article that will be relevant to your Assessment. Provide one block quote from the book and one in-line quote from the article. List the book and the article in proper formats for footnote and bibliography.
Week 3
Discussion of search procedures for articles and books.
Monday, January 30:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 89-110; précis.
Wednesday, February 1:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 213-239; précis.
Friday, February 3:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 240-265; précis
Research Exercise for Monday: in proper bibliographical format, list three articles and two books that are relevant to your Assessment.
Week 4
Discussion on using the Arts & Humanities Citation Index and the Philosopher's Index.
Monday, February 6:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 307-341; précis.
Wednesday, February 8:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 343-363; précis.
Friday, February 10:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 365-391; précis.
Research Exercise for Monday: In proper bibliographical format, list three new articles that you found through the Arts & Humanities Citation Index or the Philosopher's Index that are relevant to your Assessment.
Saturday, February 11, 7:00 PM:
Anticipatory Valentine's Day and Maha Shivratri dinner.
Week 5
Discussion of annotated bibliography and reliability of sources.
Monday, February 13:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 393-426; précis.
Assessment: Lars Mayrand.
Wednesday, February 15:
Heidegger's Basic Writings, pages 140-212; précis.
Assessment: Robert Cabrales.
Friday, February 17:
Sartre's Transcendence of the Ego, pages 31-60; précis.
Exercise for Monday:
Submit a 3-5 page prospectus of your argumentative research paper in which you:
(1) indicate your topic and thesis.
(2) describe the problem or issue to be treated.
(3) outline your anticipated procedure and probable conclusion.
(4) include an annotated bibliography of works to be consulted (a minimum of six books or articles, with at least a paragraph discussing the relevance of each work to your project.
Week 6
Discussion of note taking and perusing for content.
Monday, February 20:
Due: Prospectus of Argumentative Research Paper
Wednesday, February 22:
Sartre's Transcendence of the Ego, pages 60-106; précis.
Friday, February 24:
Merleau-Ponty's Primacy of Perception, pages 12-42; précis.
Week 7
Discussion of formulating a thesis: outlines, drafts, revisions.
Monday, February 27:
Merleau-Ponty's Primacy of Perception, pages 43-69; précis.
Wednesday, March 1:
Merleau-Ponty's Primacy of Perception, pages 69-95; précis.
Friday, March 3:
Merleau-Ponty's Primacy of Perception, pages 193-210; précis.
Week 8
Discussion of articulating a thesis: arguments, objections, replies.
Monday, March 6:
Merleau-Ponty's Primacy of Perception, pages 159-175; précis.
Assessment: Emma Moorhead.
Wednesday, March 8:
Merleau-Ponty's Primacy of Perception, pages 175-190; précis.
Assessment: Makayla Keydel.
Friday, March 10:
Foucault's Language, Counter-Memory, Practice, pages 113-138; précis.
Assessment: Devon Curtright.
Week 9
Monday, March 13:
Due: First Draft of Argumentative Research Paper
Wednesday, March 15:
Foucault's Language, Counter-Memory, Practice, pages 139-164; précis.
Assessment: Jake Hawkes.
Friday, March 17:
Foucault's Language, Counter-Memory, Practice, pages 165-198; précis.
Week 10
Monday, March 20:
Foucault's Language, Counter-Memory, Practice, pages 205-233; précis.
Wednesday, March 22:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 1-21; précis.
Friday, March 24:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 22-46; précis.
Week 11
Monday, March 27:
Spring Break
Wednesday, March 29:
Spring Break
Friday, March 31:
Spring Break
Week 12
Monday, April 3:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 47-77; précis.
Assessment: Colton Straus.
Wednesday, April 5:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 78-106; précis.
Assessment: Jonathan Torres.
Friday, April 7:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 107-126; précis.
Week 13
Monday, April 10:
Due: Second Draft of Argumentative Research Paper
Submit a copy to Fritzman and to a Peer Evaluator
Wednesday, April 12:
Class canceled: American Philosophical Association's Pacific Division.
Friday, April 14:
Class canceled: Festival of Scholars
The Festival of Scholars is a campus-wide celebration of student work. It is an opportunity to discuss research, to exhibit, perform, or appreciate art, and to cross disciplinary boundaries. You are required to participate in the Festival, either by presenting your work or attending presentations by your fellow students.
Week 14
Monday, April 17:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 127-149; précis.
Wednesday, April 19:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 151-174; précis.
Assessment: Livia Brock.
Friday, April 21:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 175-193; précis.
Week 15
Monday, April 24:
Discussion/Consultation of Argumentative Research Papers.
Wednesday, April 26:
Judith Butler, Gender Trouble, pages 194-204; précis.
Assessment: Chase Hager.
Friday, April 28:
Reading Day
Week 16
Monday, May 1:
Due: Rewrite of Argumentative Research Paper, 1:00 PM
Submit four items:
(1) the final rewrite.
(2) the second draft on which I wrote comments.
(3) the second draft on which your peer evaluator wrote comments.
(4) the peer evaluation form.
Presentation of papers.
J. M. Fritzman
0615 SW Palatine Hill Road
Portland, OR 97219-7899
USA
503-768-7477
Updated on 26 April 2017