Phenomenology

Subject 161-020 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: At least one first-year single-semester philosophy or European studies subject, or permission from the Head of School or subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Assoc Prof Christopher Cordner

ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject is a study of some classic texts and major themes in the 20th century philosophical traditions of phenomenology and existentialism. Themes to be discussed will include consciousness and perception, being-in-the-world, embodiment, truth and evidence, the phenomenological method, and the meaning of transcendental philosophy. The main authors to be discussed will be selected from Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty and Sartre and their texts will be discussed in the light of contemporary interpretation and criticism. On completion of the subject students should be able to engage in detailed exegesis of philosophical texts and to critically examine philosophical arguments and theses therein.
Objectives: Students who sucessfully complete this subject will
  • have a general knowledge of the twentieth century phenomenological tradition;
  • have a detailed knowledge of at least two phenomenological texts;
  • understand the critical discussion by commentators on those texts.
Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (held at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts:
A subject reader will be available from the bookroom at the start of semester.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to engage in detailed exegesis and critical discussion of philosophical texts;
  • be able to relate methods, arguments and theses put forward by phenomenologists to those in other philosophical traditions;
  • demonstrate an ability to critically examine philosophical arguments and theses.
Notes: Previously available as Classics of Phenomenology. Students who have completed Classics of Phenomonology are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Diploma in Arts (Social Theory)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: European Studies Major
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy Major
Philosophy and Social Theory
Social Theory Major

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