SCSU Spring 2010 1/25/10 – 5/22/10 Professor Pettigrew
PHI 307 19th Century Philosophy MW 2:00p-3:15p EN B210 EN D212, x26778
Office Hours: M 3:30-5, T 1-3 R 1-3:30
And by appointment
19th Century Philosophy
Preliminary Syllabus

Our course will explore the philosophical implications of 19th century philosophy through in-depth readings of selected sections and passages from Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit, Marx’s “Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, “The German Ideology,” “The Grundrisse,” “Manifesto of the Communist Party,” and other selections, and Nietzsche’s The Gay Science. We will read Hegel for approximately five weeks, proceeding to Marx for approximately four weeks, and then to Nietzsche for approximately four weeks. You will receive detailed reading guides for each thinker identifying relevant themes and passages.

You are always required to have the assigned readings ***with you in class***. We will undertake a close, detailed (line-by-line) 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 the passages that we will discuss and interpret will be essential in your written assignments. The books are available for your purchase in the bookstore

Grades will be based on written assignments. Each written assignment will be of equal value in the calculation of the final grade. Our class will involve approximately five written academic assignments, with each assignment approximately four to six pages in length, typed, and double-spaced, with standard scholarly reference to the text. Detailed information about the written assignments will be provided well in advance of the due date. Each assignment will be of equal value in the final calculation of your grade. 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. The final written assignment is due the day and time of the final exam. Students are encouraged to bring first drafts of any of the papers to me for my review during office hours.

In written assignments 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 or from secondary sources will be permitted for our written assignments.

In addition to the requirement of the written assignments, there is an additional requirement in the course in the sense that all students will present (read) one of their papers to the class during the final exam period. Following the reading of each paper there will be a brief discussion of each paper.

Important note: Plagiarism is prohibited (see Student Handbook for discussion of “Prohibited Conduct”). Plagiarism may 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.

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.

Since we do not have a final exam (we have a final paper), we are required to hold a class during the final exam time. Please be sure to plan to be present during the designated time for our final exam as we will undertake activities intrinsic to the integrity of our academic work.

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, you can email me to explain why you will not be in class or why you were not in class (see my attendance policy). If you have a question about the readings or the class discussions 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 usually permitted in the classroom. (There may be two or three occasions when we address the research assignment in our working groups when you may want search for assignment related resources on the web.) 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.

Note: I believe in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individualized and flexible basis.  If you are a student with a documented disability, the University’s Disability Resource Center (DRC) determines appropriate accommodations through consultation with the student.  Before you may receive accommodations in this class, you will need to make an appointment with the Disability Resource Center, located in EN C-105A.  To speak with me about your approved accommodations or other concerns, such as medical emergencies or arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment as soon as possible. My office location and hours are listed at thetop of the syllabus.”