This course will draw on cross-disciplinary literature from social science, law and philosophy. The course will be in three parts. First we will look at a literature in the area of epistemology to try to understand what counts as knowledge and what issues arise in our attempt to define that question. Second we will consider what epistemological questions are raised by various research methods? Looking at several different social science disciplines we will consider what is "objectivity" in research? Does research uncover the truth about social reality? How does the identity of the researcher shape what she finds? What is hidden or revealed by the relationships of power that define research contexts? We'll look at the genealogy of debates about relativism in the philosophy of history, sociology, economics and political science to see what epistemological assumptions underlie various methods? What are the moral and political pitfalls of empirical investigation of cultural diversity, and how does relativism engage these pitfalls? Finally, we will consider how this applies to our understanding of what law is and where we can find it. Indeed, we will need to consider whether law is itself a social science or compatible with social scientific research.
This course is motivated by a large question: What philosophical issues are important for practitioners of social science and in particular, social scientists attempting to understand the law? Sociologists, anthropologists, historians, economists, - undertake "research" in many guises. These processes of knowledge construction are informed and challenged by various epistemological frameworks and assumptions perhaps most explored by those working in philosophy. This course will thus initiate a conversation between philosophers thinking about epistemology and social science practitioners thinking about research.
Since it is not possible to participate without being in class, attendence will be mandatory. You are encouraged to leave time to read the material more than once. Although all the material is ostensibly written in English, most of it is more akin to mathmatics writeen in prose. There are a lot of techinical terms which it will take some time to master. I have provided some links at the bottom of the page to various resources that should help you navigate this strange new way of thinking. Although difficult, it will pay off many dividends for as long as you continue to think about the meaning of things in the world (which is to say, forever).*
Assignments And Evaluation
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Assigned |
Due |
Returned |
| Class participation |
20% |
passim |
| Test |
25% |
February 29 |
March 3 |
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| Analytical paper |
30% |
March 21 |
April 9 |
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| Final |
25% |
| Monday, May 6, 2024 |
5:30PM-8:00PM |
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Note: The above dates are tentative. They will be finalized by the end of the 3rd week of classes. |
Grading standards are in part subjective and excellence in one area may
compensate for deficiencies in another. No curve will be used to
calculate the grades in this class. Hence, it is theoretically possible
for every student to receive an A if he or she meets the standards for
that grade. My primary goals are for each student to develop the
critical thinking skills and to understand the ideas covered in this
course by the time it is completed. If later exams and papers
illustrate this proficiency, earlier grades which do not will be
discounted. The following will give you a general guide to the typical
performance associated with each letter grade.
While displaying an understanding of the course materials is very important, the quality of your writing is a central part of my evaluation of your work. At a minimum, you must make sure that the grammar and syntax of your essays are correct. Papers that are disorganized or poorly written will be graded downwards. Do not hand in the first draft of your work. Apart from the presentation of your work, the following criteria will be used:
A: all course requirements met, work shows full understanding of course material and an original perspective on the subject
B:
all course requirements met, work shows full understanding of course
material (or satisfactory understanding of course material and an
original perspective on the subject)
C: all course requirements met, work shows satisfactory understanding of course material
D:
work fails to meet minimum course requirements, either in full and
timely completion of requirements or in satisfactory understanding of
course material
F: work falls far below minimum
course requirements either in full and timely completion of
requirements or in satisfactory understanding of course material.
Skills
The majority of this course consists in abstract reasoning. Even when we apply these ideas to practical situations you will be challenged to consider them in the context of different theories of interpretion, different definitions of law and different principles of morality. It is not assumed that you have had any prior training in philosophical reasoning. However, it is assumed that you are comfortable thinking analytically and conceptually. The latter is particularly important. philosophy concerns itself with the meaning of things. In many respects it is a matter of establishing definitions. You will not find the answer to these definitions in any dictionary or encyclopedia. In this course you will learn to parse ideas, look for internal contradictions in definitions, make analogies between different concepts and apply them all to existing problems in law and society. By the end of the course you should
- understand different modes of inquiry in the study of social phenomena including
- Empiricism
- Interpretation of Social Meaning
- Critical Theory
- post Modernism
- be able to apply these ideas to different areas of social inquiry such as history, law, and political science.
participation
It is not possible to participate without being in class, attendence will be mandatory. You are encouraged to leave time to read the material more than once. Although all the material is ostensibly written in English, most of it is more akin to mathmatics writeen in prose. There are a lot of techinical terms that will take some time to master. I have provided some links at the bottom of the page to various resources that should help you navigate this strange new way of thinking. Although difficult, it will pay off many dividends for as long as you continue to think about the meaning of things in the world (which is to say, forever)..
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Class Culture |
Freedom of expression is at the root of academic discourse and the advancement of knowledge.
This course will deal with a wide range of topics, some of which may challenge a student’s deeply held beliefs and perhaps even cause offense. While no topic will be censored simply
because it has this effect, students are expected to treat the differing views of others with respect.
While tolerance toward the opinions of others does not preclude expressions of disagreement,
which are, indeed, encouraged, it does require that these expressions be based on the content of
the ideas expressed and not on personal traits or values of the speaker. All class participants will
be expected to tolerate the expression of opposing views and to engage in reasoned discourse
about them.
I will endeavour to insure that the classroom is free of any conduct that has the purpose or effect
of creating an intimidating or hostile environment. Furthermore, I will attempt to give each
student an opportunity to express his or her own opinion and to treat student opinions with respect. Any student who believes that he or she has not been given adequate opportunity to contribute to class discussions is encouraged to bring this to my attention.
Extremely Important: If you experience difficulty in this course for any reason, please don’t hesitate to consult with me. In addition to the resources of the department, a wide range of services is available to support you in your efforts to meet the course requirements.
Academic Support Centre (x3360, MGC 243) offers study skills workshops, individual instruction, tutor referrals, and services for students with learning disabilities. Writing support is available in the ASC Writing Lab or in the Writing Centre, Battelle 228.
Counselling Centre (x3500, MGC 214) offers counselling and consultations regarding personal concerns, self-help information, and connections to off-campus mental health resources.
Disability Support Services (x3315, MGC 206) offers technical and practical support and
assistance with accommodations for students with physical, medical, or psychological
disabilities.
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please notify me in a timely manner with a letter from the Academic Support Centre or Disability Support Services so that we can make arrangements to address your needs.
Academic Integrity
The American University’s “Academic Integrity Code” governing standards for academic
conduct apply. Students may discuss the subject matter of their essays with anyone. All
students, however, must compose their own essays and may not show or read their essays to any
other persons, except for proofreading or typing assistance by a person not enrolled or previously
enrolled in the course.
The use of another person’s words or ideas without proper attribution constitutes plagiarism or false authorship. Both are serious academic offenses. By turning in an essay, a student is certifying that the essay is entirely his/her own work. If there are any questions about this matter, consult the Academic Integrity Code or see the instructor. It will never be tolerated,
under any circumstances and your case will be referred to the Dean – WITHOUT EXCEpTION
AND IMMEDIATELY. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University’s Academic Integrity Code, which you find on-line at: http://www.american.edu/academics/integrity/code.htm
Treat your peers with respect
Keep an open mind, engage with the material, participate in discussion and treat your classmates with respect. This means respecting divergent views as well as allowing them to learn – class disruptions (walking in and out, chatting etc) will be reflected in your participation grade.
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