Prospectus

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Reading Derrida

Course
2016-2017

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is restricted to BA students in Philosophy.
Prerequisites: first year of the BA in Philosophy has been successfully completed.

Description

This module seeks to offer an investigation into the thought of the philosopher and cultural theorist Jacques Derrida. It will involve a close analysis of a number of texts (interviews and essays) by Derrida, addressing themes that are central in the development of what is called Deconstruction; namely différance, the trace, khôra. An investigation into these themes will allow us to look into the question of responsibility, the relations between philosophy and literature and the question of history. As such, we will come to see in what manner Derrida problematizes the possibilities and limits of philosophical thinking.

Course objectives

This course aims to investigate the thought of the philosopher Jacques Derrida by drawing upon a number of his key texts. It will be required of students to develop strong interpretive and close reading skills. Students will be encouraged to think critically about what they know and about knowledge itself as a philosophical construct. Students will be expected to be able to compare, contrast and critically discuss the main arguments both written and orally.

Students who successfully complete the course will have a good understanding of:

  • the key notions put forward by Jacques Derrida and what they seek to problematize

  • Deconstruction in a broader philosophical context.

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:

  • give a critical discussion of the ideas as developed by Derrida;

  • formulate a reasoned argumentation of their position in the topics covered in this module;

  • present their ideas both orally and in writing.

Timetable

The timetable is available on the BA Wijsbegeerte website
BA Wijsbegeerte 2016-2017 (BA Plus-traject of Standaardtraject), derde jaar.

Mode of instruction

  • Seminar

Class attendance is required.

Course Load

Total course load 10 EC x 28 hours = 280 hours

  • Attending lectures (14 weeks x 3 hrs): 42 hours

  • Study of compulsory literature: 56 hours

  • Assignment(s): 20 hours

  • Writing paper (including research): 162 hours

Assessment method

  • Research paper (80 %)

  • Oral presentation (20%)

Weighing

The final mark for the course is established by determination of the weighted average of several subtests. A subtest can be graded as unsatisfactory. Class participation is a mandatory requirement for taking the final test or resit.

Resit

The resit will consist of a research paper. No separate resits will be offered for mid-term tests. The mark will replace all previously earned marks for subtests. Students who have obtained a satisfactory grade for the first examination(s) cannot take the resit.

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used for:

  • course information

  • communication

Reading list

  • A reading list will be made available.

There is no requirement to study literature before the start of the course

Registration

Enrolment for courses and exams through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available in English and Dutch

Students are strongly advised to register in uSis through the activity number which can be found in the timetables for and exams in the column under the heading “uSis-Actnbr”.

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

Not applicable.

Contact

Dr. R. Uljée

Remarks

Not applicable.