PHIL10100 Existentialism and Humanism: An Introduction to Continental Philosophy

Academic Year 2020/2021

Existentialism and humanism are philosophical approaches that emphasize our freedom as human beings to take charge of our lives, holding that we have the capacities necessary to deal with the suffering and meaninglessness that sometimes affects us. The concepts we will examine include: individual freedom, human suffering, alienation, absurdity, the death of God, the human construction of meaning and power.

This module explores the work of a number of philosophers who have argued for existentialist and humanist approaches. We will also consider critical reactions to those approaches, which have generated an anti-humanist perspective. A wide choice of study material will be presented, including texts by:

* Kant
* Schopenhauer
* Kierkegaard
* Marx
* Adorno
* Nietzsche
* Sartre
* Camus
* Beauvoir
* Foucault
* Arendt


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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge of a number of key philosophical texts exemplifying Existentialist, Humanist and Anti-Humanist approaches to human life. A capacity to contrast texts and offer an informed and independent perspective on specific debates. A capacity to engage with texts critically and argumentatively in discussion and written work.

Indicative Module Content:

As detailed in module descriptor

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

8
Autonomous Student Learning

93
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and futorials 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHIL1010E - Intro to European Philosophy E


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Attendance: Tutorial Attendance Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10
Examination: Written Examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

45
Continuous Assessment: Short on-line Assignment Week 4 n/a Graded No

15
Essay: 1,500 Word Essay Week 10 n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

To be decided.