All programmes > Phenomenology / Contemporary Continental Philosophy: Advanced Course

Phenomenology / Contemporary Continental Philosophy: Advanced Course (B-KUL-W0Q08A)

6 ECTSEnglish39 Second termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Wolff Ernst |  Scott Blake (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

The course offers a robust introduction to Phenomenology and Continental Philosophy with a strong emphasis on its distinct methods, key ideas, and some of its most significant discoveries and insights.

At the end of the course, students will:

  • have firm grasp on characteristic methodologies, specific goals, and defining questions in Phenomenology and Continental Philosophy;
  • explain its guiding problems and key concepts;
  • critically engage and discuss the adopted strategies, and take a lucid stance on the proposed solutions;
  • understand core philosophical questions and ideas within the context of broader traditions and different approaches.

Previous knowledge

Students have followed and successfully completed an introductory course in phenomenology or continental philosophy at the Bachelor’s level. No previous knowledge of French or German is required but reading skills may be advantageous.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

6 ects. Phenomenology / Contemporary Continental Philosophy: Advanced Course (B-KUL-W0Q08a)

6 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture39 Second term
Wolff Ernst |  Scott Blake (substitute)
POC Philosophy (internationaal)

Content

The focus of this course in 2024-2025 will be the work of Paul Ricoeur (1913-2005). A prolific writer, Ricoeur directly engaged with nearly every major philosophical movement of the twentieth century (phenomenology, Marxism, psychoanalysis, structuralism, hermeneutics, critical theory, ordinary language philosophy, etc.). One persistent theme that runs throughout his work is that of history—and the many philosophical questions that it raises. The wager of this course is that Ricoeur’s philosophical reflections on history—which span well over fifty years—can inform the way philosophers pose and respond to social and political questions today. To bring out the sometimes hidden social and political relevance of Ricoeur’s work, we will read him against a selection of other authors that allow us to test the endurance of Ricoeur’s thought.

Course material

The reading list will be included with the syllabus and will be distributed during the first class.

Format: more information

The course integrates a close reading of texts with both lectures on the selected topics and class discussion. Each session will focus on the reading material indicated on the syllabus. Assigned texts should be carefully read by the students beforehand. Attendance and active participation are expected. Students are also expected to follow the schedule specified on the syllabus and to consult Ultra for further information.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Phenomenology / Contemporary Continental Philosophy: Advanced Course (B-KUL-W2Q08a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Oral, Paper/Project, Participation during contact hours

Explanation


Students will be evaluated on the basis of a paper (2000-2500 words) on a topic directly related to the content of the seminar (60% of final grade) and an oral exam during the examination period (40% of final grade). The questions in the oral exam may be based on any part of the work covered in the course.

In order to get a grade for the course, students have to complete both parts of the evaluation; not completing both parts will lead to a grade ‘NA’ (not taken).

Students are expected to inform themselves about the faculty guidelines for papers and bibliographical referencing and about the faculty guidelines regarding plagiarism.

Information about retaking exams

Re-examination is limited to students who failed and consists in (re)submitting the paper and (re)taking the oral examination.