Franklin Pierce University s1

SYLLABUS

Term III 2010

IS 799: Independent Study – Readings in American Thought & Pragmatism

FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY Graduate and Professional Studies

Course Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR

Allan F. DiBiase PO Box 302 Center Sandwich, New Hampshire 03227

603-284-7569

[email protected] [email protected]

TEXTBOOKS

IS 799: Independent Study: Pragmatism

Objectives: An objective of this independent study is to explore foundational writings, mid19th Century to early 20th Century, in the philosophy of pragmatism, including relevant secondary sources written since then. An additional objective is to probe how this strain of thought, especially in the American tradition, can be related to leadership and social change.

Description: The student will read and then discuss online or in person a list of agreed upon readings with the instructor.

Tentative list of Readings:

On Certainty - Ludwig Wittgenstein The Quest for Certainty - John Dewey HS Thayer The Classic Writings (selections from as needed) HS Thayer Meaning & Action (as a general reference work) Bruce Wilshire's William James: The Essential Writings (selections as identified) Philip Wiener's Charles S Peirce: Selected Writings (selections as identified) Ralph Waldo Emerson - The Bloom Modern Critical Edition (selections as identified – two edition/versions of this) Stanley Cavell's The Senses of Walden (The two essays on Emerson in the expanded edition) The Oxford Authors Ralph Waldo Emerson (intro by Richard Poirier and then essays by Emerson as identified). Gary Cook's George Herbert Mead: The Making of a social Pragmatist Ralph Sleeper's The Necessity of Pragmatism Judith Green's Pragmatism & Social Hope

Other materials listed in the schedule of readings will be provided digitally online. A bibliography of optional additional readings and resources linked to the course structure will also be available.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This independent study is about reading, unencumbered by too many requirements for writing. A large degree of the required writing will be informal as the reading project advances. However, the student may elect to write precis summaries of some of the readings, and, also a final applications paper to be submitted to the instructor (comparison of Judith Green and Richard Rorty on social change). The writing is not a requirement however welcome it may be.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT

To accomplish the assigned readings and required postings within the required timeframe.

To attend the three face-to-face sessions as scheduled throughout the term.

To produce the required précis and to demonstrate, both verbally and in writing, an understanding of the material

COURSE OBJECTIVES Participants in the seminar will demonstrate through their writing and participation in the face-to-face sessions a grasp and understanding of the core concepts and theories that comprise the course of study.

Participants in the seminar will demonstrate through their writing and participation in the face-to-face sessions the ability to critically analyze and express views other than their own. In writing this means demonstrating an objective grasp of materials presented for consideration. In face-to-face meetings it means the civil but critical consideration of varying perspectives.

Participants in the seminar will demonstrate through their writing and participation in the face-to-face sessions an ability to translate the concepts and theories treated in the course of study into a particular locale or situation of practice that involves leadership.

TEACHING STRATEGIES

The readings for the course will be guided by a topical outline that states reasons and justifications for the sequence of reading.

Face-to-face sessions will funded entirely by discussion of the materials read. These discussions will be guided by the basic conceptual framework outlined in the syllabus. But particular issues and problems that arise within the readings will be participant driven.

EVALUATION

See the general policies on grading stated in the current Franklin Pierce Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog (Academic Policies section).

For Is 799: Independent Study

75 % attendance and active participation in all face-face-face class sessions

25 % timely submission of précis and presentations LATE ASSIGNMENTS

The syllabus outlines a schedule that is a guideline for reading and posting. Exceptions are accepted if communicated clearly in a timely fashion. However, if exceptions become a pattern that compromises that aspect of the seminar that’s created by members sharing insights in a timely way, such a pattern will impact the final grade which requires “timely” interactions online (see above under Evaluation).

ABSENCE FROM CLASS

The course of study depends heavily on seminar members consolidating and clarifying understandings and meanings at the face-to-face scheduled meetings. As above with “assignments,” modest exceptions will be accepted if communicated in a timely fashion. A pattern of exceptions will impact that part of the grade that requires face-to-face active participation.

SYLLABUS CHANGE

Any change to the syllabus will be transacted with all involved via email and through the course website. Once this consultation is achieved, the results will be posted to the official posted syllabus in the course website and also distributed to all seminar members via email.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

See the general policies on student special needs stated in the current Franklin Pierce Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog (Academic Policies section). In order to meet these requirements, given the course online start-up, it is best that individual students communicate any concerns in advance of the course to the course facilitator. For example, students with identified learning disabilities should not wait for “official communication” to the course facilitator.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY

See the general policies academic dishonesty stated in the current Franklin Pierce Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog (Academic Policies section).

Course Facilitator:

DiBiase, Allan F