All programmes > Husserl in Context

Husserl in Context (B-KUL-W0Q10A)

6 ECTSEnglish39 First termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Jansen Julia |  Micali Stefano (substitute)
This course is taught this academic year, but not next year. This course is taught this academic year, but not next year.
POC Philosophy (internationaal)

Aims

Edmund Husserl’s phenomenological investigations initiated the phenomenological movement and had a substantial impact on existentialist and hermeneutical approaches. They still serve as critical references for a range of contemporary philosophical approaches and as one of the main sources of inspiration for phenomenological philosophers today. The aim of the course is to introduce students to the method of Husserlian phenomenology and to some of its most fundamental discoveries and insights.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • explain key concepts and central features of Husserlian phenomenology;
  • critically discuss those concepts and features;
  • identify various ways in which Husserlian phenomenology is relevant to other phenomenological philosophers and contemporary debates;
  • interpret main questions and aims of Husserlian phenomenology within the context of other philosophical traditions and approaches;
  • apply the method and key concepts of Husserlian phenomenology to a range of phenomena;
  • assess some major merits as well as limitations of the Husserlian approach.

Previous knowledge

Students have successfully completed an introductory course into phenomenology on the BA level; and/or they have studied some introductions to phenomenology.  German language skills (reading level) are not required but may be advantageous.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

6 ects. Husserl in Context (B-KUL-W0Q10a)

6 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture39 First term
Jansen Julia |  Micali Stefano (substitute)
POC Philosophy (internationaal)

Content

Each year a selection from Husserl’s published and/or unpublished writings is read (in English translation) with a view to identifying and explaining central features and insights of Husserlian phenomenology. Class discussion will initially focus on a close reading and thorough comprehension of the assigned texts, but will then move to putting Husserlian phenomenology into context with other phenomenological and philosophical approaches. In 2022-23, we will read from several of Husserl's texts. A reader will be made available at the beginning of the semester.

Course material

Selections from Husserl’s writings, complementary texts, and suggested secondary literature. All material will be made available electronically on Toledo.

Format: more information

The course combines a close reading of texts, class discussion, and lectures on the selected topic. Each session will be dedicated to an assigned text. Students will be asked to prepare the text in advance. Short presentations will be assigned in the first weeks of the course and considered additional evidence of participation. Students are required to observe the schedule of topics specified in the syllabus.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Husserl in Context (B-KUL-W2Q10a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project, Participation during contact hours
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : Course material

Explanation


The evaluation is based on two requirements: 1) Participation, consisting of a. contribution to class discussion, and b. short report (30%); 2) one paper of max. 5,000 words (70%). In order to pass the course the student has to pass both parts of the evaluation.  The deadline for submission of the short report and of the paper will be communicated on the syllabus. The paper is due after the end of the course. Late submissions are not permitted unless evidence of exceptional circumstances is provided (e.g., medical certificates) to the ombuds. The paper will be marked on four criteria: structure, clarity of expression, knowledge of the texts discussed in class and command over Husserl’s technical language, and critical discussion without jargon.

Information about retaking exams

The second examination attempt is limited to (re)submitting the paper. Participation (including reports/presentation) cannot be retaken. Participation marks will be carried over. Students who did not participate as required while the course was in session will again receive the NA result.