Emory vs DePaul (German Idealism and Romanticism)

[Ungüey]

Hello to all.

 

I'm finding it very very hard to decide between the philosophy phd programs at Emory and DePaul.

I know the decision is multifaceted and ultimately quite personal. I would still very much appreciate getting some opinions and insight (particularly if there is someone out there who knows either program first hand). My main interests center around German Idealism, German Romanticism, Schelling, Heidegger. Any info to feed my considerations and help me make an informed decision will be very appreciated. Which program would you say is better suited to my interests or generally stronger/better regarded?? Thanks!!

[nietzxsche]

I'll chime in. I'm very familiar with the faculty at DePaul, so let me just push them a little. DePaul is in my opinion, one of the strongest departments to do continental philosophy, especially given your interests. Elizabeth Milan is strong in German Romanticism, Fredrich Seyler does a lot of work on Fichte and I presume he would too be very adept at Schelling. Maria Acosta, a recent hire, has published on Hegel and Schiller, amongst others within the German tradition. Kevin Thompson is a Hegelian fiend - he is amazing. Also, William McNeill is very reknowned for Heidegger and Nietzsche. Sean Kirkland also does some work on Nietzsche. Avery Goldman does work on Kant.

 

It seems like given your interests, DePaul has a faculty that is well equipped to provide you with all of the resources that you need. Emory, on the other hand, whilst also being another equally strong department, has definitely less to offer with regards to your interests. As far as I know, Donald Verene is strong on German Idealism, and Andrew Mitchell is also highly regarded on Heidegger. Dilek does work on Kant. However, their department is very much focused on other aspects on Continental thought, like existentialism, phenomenology. Emory is also highly known for American philosophy.

 

To sum it up, as well as provide my position on this: I believe that for your interests, DePaul would be a much better fit with regards to the faculty they have. I, too, have been accepted to both doctoral programs, amongst others. They are both equally regarded as top departments to do Continental philosophy. Good luck, pal.

Edited March 2, 2015 by nietzxsche

[Ungüey]

Thanks a lot for your take on this, @nietzxsche! I really appreciate it. Indeed, I agree DePaul has a strong advantage on the faculty factor, given my interests. I was told, however, that Emory provides a stronger institutional platform from which to undertake one's studies. This would be visible, among other things, in better financial support and funds for travelling and further training. 

I'd love to know a bit more about your AOI and whether you already know to which program you will be going.

 

Anyone else who may also chime in with some advice? I would be vert grateful

[sar1906]

I definitely associate DePaul with the heavier continental work, especially German Idealism and Heidegger, whereas I associate Emory strongly with American philosophy in addition to its various other areas of specialty.  I don't think you can go wrong at either.  Are you going in with a M.A.? 

Edited March 2, 2015 by sar1906

[Ungüey]

Thanks @sar1906!

 

No M. A.

 

I only have a bachelor in Philosophy (Master degree in something unrelated). I'm essentially getting back to Philosophy after a somewhat involuntary time away from an academic engagement with it. The thing is, beyond universities' websites, I've been having a hard time finding up to date info on programs which cater to the more continentally inclined. Most rankings and reviews seem to focus on analytical philosophy.

[sar1906]

Thanks @sar1906!uality of t

 

No M. A.

 

I only have a bachelor in Philosophy (Master degree in something unrelated). I'm essentially getting back to Philosophy after a somewhat involuntary time away from an academic engagement with it. The thing is, beyond universities' websites, I've been having a hard time finding up to date info on programs which cater to the more continentally inclined. Most rankings and reviews seem to focus on analytical philosophy.

Cool.  So you've been accepted or you are finding out for next admissions season?  Have you visited?  I think a major consideration for thinking about the quality of the program is the placement rankings, which you should be able to find on the department website.  How fixed are you in terms of research interests?  Emory might provide a slightly more diverse philosophical climate if you are interested in branching out a bit.