Jennifer Hockenbery

Dean for Humanities and Professor of Philosophy

A.B., Bowdoin College
M.A., Ph.D., Boston University

Programs: Philosophy, Classical Studies, Women's and Gender Studies, Humanities

As dean of humanities, I am able to learn from the faculty and students in a multitude of disciplines. As a philosopher, I am interested especially in the nature and possibility of philosophy, itself, as the desire and search for truth/s about one's self, one's world and one's place in that world. My teaching interests are broad and varied; I enjoy introducing students to the philosophers of the ancient and late antique world as well as to universal human questions as addressed globally and currently. I am always happy to leave the task of administration for a few hours in the classroom learning from St. Norbert College students on their own philosophical journeys.

My research interests are more specifically focused on Augustinian Studies and Gender Studies. My most recent book, "Wisdom's Friendly Heart: Augustinian Hope for Skeptics and Conspiracy Theorists" explores the possibility for philosophy in the 21st century using the ideas of African philosopher and theologian, Augustine. My 2015 work, "Thinking Woman: A Philosophical Approach to Gender," is a philosophical analysis of the writings of women philosophers who addressed the question of womanhood. This text is meant to start conversations among readers about the nature and vocation of women as well as the best way for feminists to advocate for women. I have also edited a volume on the teaching of philosophy, "Just in Time: Moments in Teaching Philosophy," and a volume of essays about the role of Luther's theology in the history of philosophy, "The Devil's Whore: Reason and Philosophy in the Lutheran Tradition."


Courses
PHIL 120 Philosophy of Human Nature
PHIL 389 Special Topics (variety of courses)