RL 680 - Critical Theory: the Task of the Reader
Course Description
The aim of this course is to read texts of the Western tradition that have been influential in the invention, shaping, and subversion of modernity. We will read from the works of Plato, Machiavelli, Nietzsche, Descartes, Vico, Heidegger, Benjamin, de Man, and Derrida. Our reading of the texts will show that the texts are already reading each other. And the more we pay attention to the way in which writing works, the more we become aware of our reading, and ultimately, of our translating.
Course Requirements
- One term paper.
- Several class presentations.