Update re. Fall 2026: I will be teaching a new class on Philosophy of Mind. Details to be announced soon!
For the Spring semester, I will be teaching my Big Books of Continental Philosophy class. Enrollment is now open: partiallyexaminedlife.com/enrollment.
The class is discussion-oriented; I’ll talk plenty, but I rely on you to engage with me, with each other, and with the text.
When is it? Each session occurs every other week and lasts 75 min.
- Saturday 11:30am ET/10:30am CT (first class is Jan. 17)
- Monday 1pm ET/noon CT (first class is Jan. 19)
If you would like to take the class but can’t attend one of these times, contact me with your availability; a third section will be added if there is sufficient demand (most likely Fri 5:30pm ET before the Sat. class, or on Wed. after the Mon class at either 10am ET or Wed. 9pm ET).
What are the readings? We will read a manageable selection from the following books (the dates indicate the range of section times currently offered; you would be attending ONE of each of the paired dates):
- Jan. 17/19: Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit: Self-Consciousness and Master/Slave
- Jan. 31/Feb. 2: Schopenhauer’s The World as Will and Representation on Will
- Feb. 14/16: Kierkegaard’s Fear & Trembling
- Feb. 28/Mar. 2: Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra
- Mar. 14/16: Heidegger’s Being & Time on Dasein (the human condition)
- Mar. 28/30: Sartre’s Being & Nothingness: Nothingness and Bad Faith
- Apr. 11/13: Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception: The Body
- Apr. 25/27: Camus’ An Absurd Reasoning/Myth of Sisyphus
- May 9/11: Arendt on the Banality of Evil (Eichmann in Jerusalem)
How long are the readings? Do I actually have to read them?
The reading selections are based roughly on what we read for the relevant PEL episode (so search this site for a given topic, and you’ll see), shortening to make them more manageable as I see fit.
At minimum, you should in preparation listen to the PEL episode associated with the episode, and be prepared with some thoughts about what you hear. You should also always try to at least start the readings to get a flavor. The more you’re able to read, the more you’ll learn. In many cases, an audiobook version is freely available, so that’s a great option of you’re short on reading time, or use them to experience more of the book that is assigned on the syllabus.
Is there homework? Tests?
The only work is class prep per the above. There are no tests, but the syllabus will include study questions. If you’d like feedback on your writing or one-on-one time, you can purchase one-off tutoring sessions (typically $50 for the first hour, negotiated after that).
What if I can’t make it to one or more of the sessions?
Again, each session is recorded; you can watch them according to your schedule. Too much going on that week? Just skip it and come to the next one, or come to the other scheduled session for that week.
How much does it cost?
$310 for the course (9 sessions). (If this is too steep for you, contact me about a possible payment plan or discount.)
I also expect you to maintain an active PEL Citizenship (whether through our website, Patreon, or Apple) through the duration of the class (so $7/month), as some of the episodes you’ll need to listen to are paywalled, and our Discord server used for optional additional discussion is also restricted to supporters.
If you’d like just the recordings of the course, without coming to the live sessions, the cost is $200; since I’ve given this course before, upon your purchase, I’ll send you the Fall 2024 syllabus which includes links to all recordings (audio and video).
Is this class beginner-safe? Only for beginners? Should I take your Core Texts class first?
As with all of my classes, beginners should feel comfortable, but experienced philosophy readers (even ones returning to these texts you might have studied in school) are also very much welcome. You absolutely don’t have to take my other class first.
However, if you do want to purchase the past recordings for the Core Texts class instead of taking this new one, those are available for $200 (email me about how to get it); at this point, I don’t think I’ll be offering that class again any time soon.
Can I take a sample class?
The participants in one of my past classes have all consented for you to watch this full length, entirely unedited initial session from my last class (Core Texts in Philosophy); this new one uses the same format. Check it out.
How do I sign up?
Reserve your slot via your payment through partiallyexaminedlife.com/enrollment.
Should I start preparing now?
Absolutely! Go start listening to our Hegel’s Phenomenology episodes, particularly #36 (you can purchase it or become a PEL Citizen), and start reading. For a general overview of the book, start with #275.
Are these classes actually any good?
Here are a few quotes from some past students:
- “This was the first philosophy class I have taken… Our class has left me with a feeling of success and hunger for more.” -Molly M.
- “It was something I really looked forward to and enjoyed… I also think the price was good, as in, I feel like I got real value from each lesson.” -Eran F.
- “The readings were excellent… the right length for us to get a flavor and understanding of the authors and key concepts while also being manageable.” -Roger D.
- “I owe you a debt of gratitude… You know way more about philosophy than most professors… I appreciated how you encouraged students to share and how you expanded on their thoughts.” – Renee S.
- “My goal with taking this course was to get back in the habit of reading Philosophy and continue to sharpen my critical thinking skills. I’ve definitely achieved that… Your ability to connect anything anyone had to say back to the reading is simply awesome. As well as your facilitation of discussion at large.” -Ben D.