engl 485/685: rethinking america:  the work of richard rorty

 
 
 
 
 
  mary ann creadon
  FH 171  x3160
mac4@axe.humboldt.edu
office hours: m 1-2, th 1-2 and by appointment

onur azeri
FH 166A (green and gold room)  x5933
onura@reninet.com
office hours: t 12-1:30, th 10-12 and by appointment
 
 
 
 

In this colloquium we will discuss the work of one of the twentieth century's most important philosophers.  Richard Rorty will be coming to our campus in late March.  In preparation for his visit he has asked us to read his latest book, Philosophy and Social Hope.  This would be a good choice in any case, whether Professor Rorty had asked us to read it or not, because it pulls together many writings in several areas of intellectual thought which have interest him during the course of his career so far.  After reading and discussing this work, we will, before the time of his visit, read a few other peices of his writing which may help us either to understand or to respond to his arguments in this book.  The syllabus is as follows:

jan. 19    Introduction

jan. 26    Preface, Introduction, Section 1

feb. 2     Section 2

feb. 9     Section 3

feb 16    Section 4

feb. 23    Section 5

mar.1     Selected readings to be determined

mar. 8    Selected readings to be determined

mar. 15    SPRING BREAK

mar. 22    preparatory meeting for Professor Rorty's visit
 

friday, march 24.  Professor Rorty comes to campus.  event times to be announced (web page will be updated with all pertinent information).  required attendance.

mar. 29  Optional meeting to conclude colloquium

required text:  (available at HSU Bookstore and Northtown Books in Downtown Arcata):

        Richard Rorty.  Philosophy and Social Hope (penguin, 2000)

assignments:

full attendance and participation is assumed as an important element of getting credit for this course.  in addition:

engl 485 students : you must keep a clear and articulate set of notes, both from your own reading of the material and from our colloquium meeting discussions.  i will expect these to be dated as a journal would be, with notes taken while you read the material, and on the day of our meetings.  this will be due on Weds., March 29.

engl 685 students : you must turn in an intelligent 3-5 page essay in which you discuss in some focused way any idea, question, issue, or argument that comes up either inthe readings or discussion, in your mind during the course of the colloquium.  This will be due on April 5.
 

this is a non-graded, credit-no credit course.  you must attend, participate, and complete the assignment above in order to recieve credit.

important rorty links:

rorty bibliography:  selected primary and secondary material (many online):

  rorty webpage at Stanford University:

glossary of foreign words used in Philosophy and Social Hope:

glossary of important names mentioned in Philosophy and Social Hope (with separate bios):

links to other important philosopher webpages (alive and dead):

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