ENG 6313.01
Studies in Rhetorical Criticism and Discourse Analysis:
Michel Foucault
Spring 2007
Michel Foucault
Course Name, Number, and Description:
Studies in Rhetorical Criticism and Discourse Analysis (ENG 6313.01). Course Catalog Description: "Directed investigation of topics in semiotics, narratology, discourse analysis, and stylistics as approaches to written texts and other forms of symbolic communication. May be repeated for credit when the specific topic of investigation varies. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours."
Location: ASB 305. 6-8:50 p.m. Thursdays.
Our goal in this course is to identify and understand the concepts, methodologies, and techniques introduced by Michel Foucault that may be used in rhetorical criticism and discourse analysis. In addition to presenting one major Foucault text to the class, each student will (1) assemble and present an annotated bibliography in a different field influenced by Foucault (rhetoric, feminism, sociology, medicine, mass media, history, dance, literary studies, political science, etc.); (2) write a short paper on the scope of that influence; and (3) write a long paper on a subject of the student's choice, applying the concepts, methodologies, and techniques modeled by Foucault. For your comprehensive final examination, you will have the option of an oral examination during final examination week or an in-class written examination that will be held on Thursday, May 3rd from 6-8 p.m. The final examination (either the oral or written version) will focus on the concepts, methodologies, and techniques discussed in the class.
In just fifteen weeks, we cannot possibly survey all of the works of Michel Foucault, arguably one of the most important but controversial thinkers of the twentieth century; therefore we will read in depth (and as a class) just one of his extended studies (Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason), using it as a model to understand his approach to discourse analysis. We will assign his other major texts to individual members of the class to read and teach to the rest of the class. Every class member will not read every text being discussed, but we will be able to sample key concepts in the anthology I am assigning that will give you a small portion of most of the texts being presented.
Faculty Contact
Information: Office Location, Phone, Hours:
Russell Greer, Ph.D. Associate Professor. Office: CFO 803. E-mail:
rgreer@twu.edu. Fax: (940) 898-2297. Office telephone: (940) 898-2346. Web Site:
www.russellgreer.com
Most students find they can communicate with me quickly by e-mail (rgreer@twu.edu). In addition, I will host office hours in CFO 803 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. on Fridays unless otherwise indicated. Typically, if I cannot hold those regularly scheduled office hours, I will post that information on my web site. I am also available at other times in my office by appointment. You may also leave me a voice mail at (940) 898-2346. I check for messages once a day (usually in the evenings) and try to return calls promptly.
Course Goals:
1. We seek to identify and understand the concepts, methodologies, and techniques introduced by Michel Foucault that may be used in rhetorical criticism and discourse analysis.
2. Our goal is to use Foucault's work to produce discourse analysis independently in chosen fields.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. The student will assemble and present an annotated bibliography in a field influenced by Foucault (rhetoric, feminism, sociology, medicine, mass media, history, dance, literary studies, political science, etc.), demonstrating an understanding of his influence;
2. The student will write a short paper on the scope of that influence, demonstrating an ability to synthesize research on discourse analysis;
3. The student will write a long paper on a subject of the student's choice, applying the concepts, methodologies, and techniques modeled by Foucault, demonstrating an ability to produce discourse analysis influenced by Foucault's thinking;
4. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the concepts, methodologies, and techniques introduced by Michel Foucault in a written mid-term examination and a final examination that may be written or oral.
List of textbooks and supplies:
Required:
1. Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason (1965. Vintage. 320 pages. ISBN: 067972110X) ;
2. The Foucault Reader. (Edited by Paul Rabinow. 1984. Pantheon Books. ISBN: 0-394-71340-0);
3. The Order of Things: An Archeology of the Human Sciences (1971. 416 pages. Vintage. ISBN: 0679753354);
4. The Archaeology of Knowledge (1972. 256 pages. Pantheon. ISBN: 0394711068);
5. Power/Knowledge: Selected Interviews and Other Writings 1972-1977 (1980. 288 pages. Pantheon. ISBN: 039473954X).
Other Texts:
Disability
Statement:
”Texas Woman's University seeks to provide appropriate academic adjustments for
all individuals with disabilities. The University will comply with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines,
specifically Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), with respect to providing appropriate academic
adjustments to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the responsibility
of the student to register with and provide medical verification and academic
schedules to Disability Support Services (DSS) at the beginning of each semester
and no later than the second week of school in a timely manner to arrange for
appropriate academic adjustment. For further information regarding Disability
Support Services or to register for assistance, please contact the office at
898-3835 (voice, 898-3830 (TDD), or visit CFO 105” (Texas Woman’s University
Office of Academic Affairs).
Grading Policy, Major Course Assignments and Examinations and Attendance:
Daily Participation and Attendance: The Texas Woman's University Handbook and Planner 2005-2006 states the following about attendance: "Consistent and attentive attendance is vital to academic success, and is expected of all students. Grades are determined by academic performance, and instructors may give students written notice that attendance is related to specific classroom activities is required and will constitute a specific percentage of a students' grades.
Instructors are strongly encouraged to keep a record of student attendance. They should note absences due to documented student illness, serious illness or death in the students' immediate family, official school activity, state-recognized religious holiday, or other verified absences deemed appropriate by the instructor. Absences are verified through the Office of Student Life. Students must consult with instructors regarding the completion of make-up work.
Absences do not exempt students from academic requirements. Excessive absences, even if documented, may result in a student failing the course. An incomplete may be granted if the student has a passing grade, but only if the instructor determines that it is feasible for the student to successfully complete remaining assignments after the semester. Pursuant to university policy, such determinations are within the discretion of the instructor" (124-125).
Grading Policy
Student Presentation: 5%
Short Essay: 10% (due 5 April)
Research Paper: 30% (due 26 April)
Annotated Bibliography: 10% (due 1 March)
Mid-term Examination: 20% (assigned 8 March; due 15 March)
Final Examination (Comprehensive): 25% (final examination week [7-10 May] for the oral examination option or 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, 10 May for the written option)
Academic Dishonesty:
“Honesty in completing assignments is essential to the mission of the university and to the development of the personal integrity of the student. Cheating, plagiarism, or other kinds of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate sanctions that may include failing an assignment, failing the class, or being suspended or expelled. Suspected cases in this course may be reported to Student Life. The specific disciplinary process for academic dishonesty is found in the TWU Student Handbook. Tools to help you avoid plagiarism are available through the TWU Libraries’ “Quick Links” under “Research Help” (http://www.twu.edu/library/literacy/index.htm)” (This statement was authorized and mandated by the TWU Provost. November 10, 2005).
Plagiarism
The following definition of plagiarism appears in Joseph F. Trimmer’s A Guide to MLA Documentation (Sixth Edition), published by Houghton Mifflin Company (2004): “Plagiarism is theft. It is using someone else’s words or ideas without giving proper credit—or without giving any credit at all—to the writer of the original. Whether plagiarism is intentional or unintentional, it is a serious offense…You can avoid plagiarism by taking notes carefully, by formulating and developing your own ideas and by using quotes responsibly to support, rather than replace, your own work” (25). Note that I have used this quotation from a source and have given it full attribution. You should do the same with your sources. I strongly urge you to read the discussion of academic dishonesty that appears in Section Four of The Student Handbook and Planner 2005-2006 (pages 133-135). I intend to follow TWU policy as outlined in this handbook exactly. It defines plagiarism in this way: “Plagiarism occurs when a student obtains portions or elements of someone else's work, including materials prepared by another person or agency, and presents those ideas or words as her or his own academic work. The intentional or unintentional use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement shall constitute plagiarism. Students are responsible for following guidelines of the appropriate course or discipline (ie; MLA, APA)" (133). In this course, we will use the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. Penalties for first-time offenses include, at the instructor’s discretion, any of the following: (1) “Written reprimand”; (2) “Assignment of a lower grade on the test/paper/project in question, with an explanation from the instructor”; (3) “Assignment of a 0 on an assignment"; (4) “Assignment of a grade of F in the course" (134). A discussion of the more severe penalties for second offenses appears on pages 134-135. If you have any questions about whether or not a practice constitutes plagiarism, please contact me before you turn in the assignment.
Mid-term and Final Examinations:
Mid-term Examination (20%): For your mid-term examination, I will give you five questions on 8 March and ask you to write three 500 word essays in response due the following week (15 March). Please send these responses to me as e-mail attachments before class begins on 15 March. When we return from spring break, I will choose one response for each topic and allow the class to read that response (with your permission).
Final Examination (Comprehensive. 25%): For your comprehensive final examination, you will have the option of an oral examination during final examination week or an in-class written examination that will be held on Thursday, May 10th from 6-8 p.m. I highly encourage you to choose the oral examination option. The final examination (either the oral or written version) will focus on the concepts, methodologies, and techniques discussed in the class.
Mandatory Conference: If you receive a grade of "C" or lower after the mid-term examination, please meet with me individually in my office so that we can create a strategy that will allow you to improve your grade.
Academic Calendar for Spring 2007
Tentative calendar of
classes, assignments.
Please note that this daily syllabus is for planning purposes only and is
subject to change.
18 January 2007
Introduction to Discourse Analysis (lecture);
Introduction to Michel Foucault (lecture);
Introduction to Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason: "Introduction," "Preface," "Stultifera Navis," "The Great Confinement" (v-64);
Nothing is Fundamental (film);
The Foucault Reader: "Introduction" (3-29);
25 January 2007
Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason: "The Insane" and "Passion and Delirium" (65-116);
The Foucault Reader: "Truth and Method" (31-120);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "On Popular Justice: A Discussion with Maoists" (1-36).
1 February 2007
Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason: "Aspects of Madness" (117-158);
The Foucault Reader: "Madness and Civilization" (121-168);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "Prison Talk" (37-54);
Student Presentation: The Birth of the Clinic: An Archaeology of Medical Perception: Carrie McMaster
8 February 2007
Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason: "Doctors and Patients" and "The Great Fear" (159-220);
The Foucault Reader: "The Body of the Condemned" and "Docile Bodies," "The Means of Correct Training," "Panopticism" (169-213);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "Body/Power" (55-62);
Student Presentation: Discipline and Punish: Charlene Green
15 February 2007
Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason: "The New Division" and "The Birth of the Asylum" (221-278);
The Foucault Reader: "Complete and Austere Institutions," "Illegalities and Delinquency," "The Carceral," and "Space, Knowledge, and Power" (214-256);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "Questions of Geography" (63-77);
Student Presentation: Discipline and Punish: Sally Stratso
22 February 2007
Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason: "Conclusion" (279-289);
The Foucault Reader: "Right of Death and Power over Life" (258-272), "We 'Other Victorians'" (292-300) and "The Repressive Hypothesis" (301-329);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "Two Lectures" (78-108);
Student Presentation: The History of Sexuality, Volume I: Maggie Martinez
1 March 2007
The Order of Things: An Archeology of the Human Sciences: "Preface," "Las Meninas," "The prose of the world," and "Representing" (ix-77).
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "Truth and Power" (109-133);
The Foucault Reader: "Preface to The History of Sexuality, Volume II" (333-339);
Student Presentation: The History of Sexuality, Volume II": Anne Schoolfield
Annotated Bibiography Due
8 March 2007
The Order of Things: An Archeology of the Human Sciences: "Speaking" and "Classifying" (78-165).
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "Powers and Strategies" (134-145);
The Foucault Reader: "On the Genealogy of Ethics: An Overview of Work in Progress" (340-372);
Student Presentation: The History of Sexuality: The Care of the Self, Vol. III: Jen Stein
15 March 2007
The Order of Things: An Archeology of the Human Sciences: "Exchanging" and "The limits of expression" (166-249);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "The Eye of Power" (146-165);
The Foucault Reader: "Politics and Ethics: An Interview" (373-380);
Student Presentation: This is Not a Pipe : Pam Sawyer
Mid-Term Examination due (take home essays)
22 March 2007. No class. Spring Holiday.
29 March 2007
The Order of Things: An Archeology of the Human Sciences:"Labor, Life, Language" and "Man and his Doubles" (250-343);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "The Politics of Health in the Eighteenth Century" (166-182);
The Foucault Reader: "Polemics, Politics, and Problemizations" (381-390);
Student Presentation: Fearless Speech: T.J. Geiger and Michelle Lockart and Harry McMaster
5 April 2007
The Order of Things: An Archeology of the Human Sciences: "The Human Sciences" (344-387) and The Archeology of Knowledge: "Introduction" (3-17)
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "The History of Sexuality" (183-193).
Short Paper Due. You can either email it to me any time this week or just bring it to class on 12 April.
Note: For this week only, the class will meet online and NOT face to face on April 5th. I will post a lecture and discussion questions no later than Monday, April 2, and you will have until Sunday, April 8th to post a total of ten times and in response to all three discussion questions.
12 April 2007
The Archeology of Knowledge: Part II: "The Discursive Regularities" (21-70);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "The Confession of the Flesh" (194-228);
Student Presentation: language, counter-memory, practice: selected essays and interviews by Michel Foucault: Katt Blackwell
19 April 2007
The Archeology of Knowledge:: Part III: "The Statement and the Archive" (79-131);
Power Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977: "Afterward" (229-259);
Student Presentations: Technologies of the Self: A Seminar With Michel Foucault;: Kristen Garrison and Gary Wilson
26 April 2007
The Archeology of Knowledge: Part IV: "Archeological Description" (135-195);
Harry McMaster will present this evening on Society Must Be Defended.
3 May 2007
The Archaeology of Knowledge: Part V: "Conclusion" and "Appendix: The Discourse on Language" (199-237);
Nothing is Fundamental (film);
Student Presentations: TBD: Lei Zhang
Final Examination 6-8 p.m. 10 May 2007
Student Presentation (5%): Each presentation should be about 20-30 minutes long and present the key concepts associated with the assigned text. Essentially, you are teaching this text to the class. Please use audiovisual materials as necessary (i.e. Powerpoint, handouts, etc.). I will send you your grade by e-mail the following day with brief comments. Primarily you will be graded on the effectiveness of the content you have presented to the class.
Short Essay (10%. Due 5 April): This essay will be between 5-10 pages long, summarizing and describing the influence of Foucault on a particular field or topic. You should consider this essay preparation for writing your final research paper, but if you wish you change your topic you may do so.
Research Paper (30%. Due 26 April): This research paper should be between ten and twenty pages long and be suitable for presentation at a scholarly conference or published in a scholarly journal.
Annotated Bibliography (10%. Due 1 March): You will present an annotated bibliography listing works in a field influenced by Foucault (rhetoric, feminism, sociology, medicine, mass media, history, literary studies, political science, etc.) You should five to ten works in this bibliography, including scholarly articles and books published primarily in recent years. Each student should choose a field different from the other students, so please approve your field of interest with me in advance so that I can prevent duplication. I would like to make these bibliographies available to your fellow students on Blackboard eventually.
Mid-term Examination (20%): For your mid-term examination, I will give you five questions on 8 March and ask you to write three 500 word essays in response due the following week (15 March). Please send these responses to me as e-mail attachments before class begins on 15 March. When we return from spring break, I will choose one response for each topic and allow the class to read that response (with your permission).
Final Examination (Comprehensive. 25%): For your comprehensive final examination, you will have the option of an oral examination during final examination week or an in-class written examination that will be held on Thursday, May 10th from 6-8 p.m. I highly encourage you to choose the oral examination option. The final examination (either the oral or written version) will focus on the concepts, methodologies, and techniques discussed in the class.
Schedule for Oral Examinations: Typically our discussions will take about thirty minutes. Then, I would like to give thirty minutes to reading your paper with you present and giving you oral feedback and a grade. If we need more time, we can plan to meet in the summer. You should walk out of our session knowing (1) your oral final examination grade; (2) your paper grade; and (3) your course grade. I will upload grades to the university on Thursday, May 10th.
Friday, May 4:
Monday, May 7:
Tuesday, May 8th:
Wednesday, May 9th:
Last updated: 3 May 2007