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Husserl in Context (B-KUL-W0Q09A)

6 ECTSEnglish39 First termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Jansen Julia
This course is not taught this academic year, but will be taught next year. This course is not taught this academic year, but will be taught 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 independently 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-W0Q09a)

6 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture39 First term
Jansen Julia
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Each year a selection from Husserl’s published and/or unpublished writings is read (in English translation) with a view to identifying and explaining central features and insights of Husserlian phenomenology.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 2023-24, we will work on Husserl's 1922/23 lecture course "Einleitung in die Philosophie" (Introduction into Philosophy), published as vol. 35 of the Husserliana. No published English translation is yet available, but unpublished English translations of all sections will be provided. 

Course material

The main text (=Hua 35) will be made available along with English translations. This will be complemented with other relevant texts by Husserl as well as with selected secondary literature. All material will be made available electronically on Toledo

Language of instruction: more information

Students with the relevant language skills are encouraged to read the original German text alongside the English translation and/or to consult secondary sources in languages other than English. However, the course requires the reading only of English primary and secondary texts. All lectures and discussions are held in English.

Format: more information

Discussion - Presentation

The course combines a close reading of texts, lectures, and class discussions on the selected texts. Each lecture will be dedicated to an assigned section, sometimes alongside additional texts. Students will be asked to prepare thoroughly the relevant reading(s) in advance. Short reports (max. 1 page) and/or brief presentations on assigned texts will be required and considered additional evidence of participation. Students must observe the schedule specified in the syllabus.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Husserl in Context (B-KUL-W2Q09a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project, Presentation, 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. presentations/short reports on assigned readings and secondary literature (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 short reports/presentations are spread over the semester. The paper is due after the end of the course. The deadline for submission will be communicated on the syllabus. Late submissions are not permitted unless approved by 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.

Students should inform themselves about the faculty guidelines with regard to plagiarism and bibliographical referencing.

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.