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PHIL10100

Academic Year 2023/2024

Existentialism and Humanism: An Introduction to Continental Philosophy (PHIL10100)

Subject:
Philosophy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Philosophy
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Lisa Foran
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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 In Module Component Repeat Offered
Continuous Assessment: Participation in tutorials (7 in total) Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No
15
No
Essay: 1,500 word essay. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No
20
No
Examination: In-person end of semester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No
65
No

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).