PHIL10100 Existentialism and Humanism: An Introduction to Continental Philosophy

Academic Year 2022/2023

What makes us 'human'? Is our humanity something we 'do' or something we 'are'? Can we be more or less human? How do we give meaning to our human existence or is that existence ultimately meaningless? How do we treat others and how should we treat them? Are we ever really free?
In this module we examine approaches to these and related questions from the European philosophical tradition. Thinkers we will read include: Kant, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Camus, Beauvoir, Sartre, Fanon and others. Our main themes will be imagination, rationality, freedom, responsibility. Further details will be posted on Brightspace.

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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:
Students will learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and independent reading. Students are encouraged to engage in class discussions (in lectures as well as tutorials) and to bring their own examples/questions/topics to class. 
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
Examination: In-person end of semester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Graded No

70
Essay: 2,000 word essay Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written feedback on individual essays 2 weeks after submission. In-Class general feedback. Drop-in feedback session after essays returned (2 weeks post-submission).

Name Role
Professor Maeve Cooke Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Peter Larsen Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Haikyung Kwon Tutor
Nathan Mulder Tutor