Ethical Responses to Genocide
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PHI 408 01W Existentialism Preliminary Syllabus Our class will undertake a careful reading of a number of texts that have given form to the philosophical movement and style that is referred to by the terms “phenomenology” and “existentialism”. The thinkers and writings we will engage include Nietzsche’s The Birth of Tragedy, and Heidegger’s, “The Origin of the Work of Art.” We will also juxtapose Sartre’s “Existentialism is a Humanism” with Heidegger’s response in the “ Letter on Humanism,” a letter written to Jean Beaufret. Finally, we will read selections (chapters 7 and 8)from Emmanuel Levinas’s Ethics and Infinity and Jacques Derrida’s “On Forgiveness”. Our discussions will revolve around at least three themes. First, we will consider the extent to which a number of the texts involve a nuanced return to and critical involvement in Greek thought and culture. As part of this “return” to the “Greeks” the texts unfold a critique of contemporary culture. This “return” to the Greeks and the critique of contemporary culture will form the first topos for our investigation of phenomenology and existentialism. The second theme for the course is that of “poetics” or “art”. However, in this case, we will see that Nietzsche, Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty were not developing an aesthetics or theory of art in the traditional sense. Rather we find a sense of “art” as an event of the disclosure of being, whether relative to a human being, a culture, or a historical destiny. We will also consider the extent to which, through “poetry,” a people can belong more closely and dynamically to their history and their destiny. We will consider the inaugural and constitutive nature of poetry for a culture. The third theme to be addressed is the question of the human being and our being in the world, including questions of responsibility and forgiveness. This theme is developed throughout the course but we will encounter it in a more focused sense in Sartre, Heidegger, Levinas and Derrida. Through the development of an interrelation of these themes we will achieve a comprehensive and nuanced appreciation of the questions that are addressed, as well as the style of the address, in the field of phenomenology and existentialism. You are required to have the assigned readings in class. We will careful reading and analysis of selected passages in class. This will be the work that is at the core of the educational experience of the class. Many of these passages that we will discuss and interpret will be useful in your written assignments. Grades will be based on written assignments. There will be no final exam. Each written assignment will be of equal value in the calculation of the final grade. Additional Information: 1) Written Assignments. There will be approximately six written assignments. You will receive detailed instructions for each written assignment. Written assignments are to typed and double spaced, with standard scholarly reference to the text. The assignments will be four to six pages in length. Assignments must be completed by the announced due date. Assignments submitted late without a reasonable explanation will receive a full letter grade reduction. Seven calendar days after the due date the assignment will no longer be accepted. The final paper will be due the date and time of the final exam TBD. Since we do not have a final exam we will, in compliance with university policy, hold a class during the time of the final exam. During the final exam period students will read one of their papers from the semester to the class. Assignments must be completed by the announced due date. Any written assignment submitted past the stated deadline will receive a full grade deduction. The assignment is due at the beginning of class on the stated due date. Seven calendar days after the stated due date the assignment will no longer be accepted. Please note: I do not accept written assignments by email (text or attachment).
You will receive the details and due dates for each written assignment well in advance of each written assignment. ***Please note: I do not accept written assignments by email (as text or as attachment).*** Nota Bene: Students must cite their sources: extracting direct quotes or making indirect reference to a source both require references with page numbers. Quotes and indirect references for the written assignments must come from the assigned readings. No quotes or references from the internet will be allowed for written assignments during the semester. Plagiarism is prohibited (see Student Handbook for discussion of “Prohibited Conduct”). Plagiarism will result in a grade of “F” for the paper and or a grade of “F” for the course. If you have any questions about these requirements or restrictions do not hesitate to ask questions in class or during office hours. 2.) Attendance and Punctuality are Required. The learning culture of the class involves class dialogues that are indispensable to our engagement of the readings and the ideas they entail. One cannot miss the classes, for example, and then write a meaningful paper about the material. Here are the guidelines: Attendance and Punctuality are Required. The learning culture of the class involves class dialogues and interactions that are indispensable to our engagement of the readings and the ideas they entail. One cannot miss the classes, for example, and then write a meaningful paper about the material. ***If you are more than 5 minutes late for any class, you will receive an L (Late). If you receive eight L's your grade will be reduced by a full letter grade. (Ten L's will reduce your grade by two full letter grades.) Please note: If you leave your notebook and readings at your desk and leave the class, and then return to class more than 5 minutes past the scheduled beginning of class, you will be marked Late (L). ***You can lose points for being late, and for being absent. If you miss the last day of class (final exam) you will receive a grade of F for the final assignment. ***Since you are required to attend class, according to the pedagogical design of the syllabus established by the Professor, and for the sake of confidentiality, no medical excuses are necessary or relevant or will be considered. Policy on Email Correspondence Please be aware that I do not engage in email correspondence with students. All essential communications take place either in class or during office hours. Therefore there is no essential reason to use email. If you wish to send an email to indicate that you will not be in class that will be fine. If you have a question about the reading or the class discussion that you did not have the chance to ask in class you can send that question to me in an email and I will address your question in class or during office hours. The use of cell phones is not permitted in the classroom. The use of laptop computers is not permitted in the classroom. The learning culture of the class involves class dialogues that are indispensable to our engagement of the readings and the ideas they entail. Such an inquiry-based approach requires your constant attention. Accommodations Speak with me right away about your approved accommodations or other concerns, such as medical emergencies or arrangements in case the building must be evacuated. My office location and hours are listed at the top of the syllabus. Academic Misconduct Sexual Misconduct
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