Module Catalogue 2023/24

PHI1005 : Existentialism and the Self

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Adam Potts
  • Lecturer: Dr Daniel Koczy
  • Owning School: School X
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
Pre Requisites
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the main themes in existentialism exploring ideas like subjectivity, anxiety, freedom and authenticity.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will cover the work of some key existentialist thinkers such as:
• Kierkegaard
• Dostoevsky
• Sartre
• Merleau-Ponty
• De-Beauvoir

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will:
•       become acquainted with the principal theories of Existentialism developed from the mid nineteenth century to the present day;
•       come to recognise the impact that Existentialism has on other philosophical disciplines;
•       acquire a basic grasp of the central concepts of existence and essence.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will:
•       be able to use the terminology of Existentialism;
•       develop skills of analytical and critical thinking;
•       engage critically and sensitively of key texts, drawn from a variety of ages and traditions.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion140:0040:00Essay preparation and completion
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture161:0016:00N/A
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities201:0020:00Specific research or reading activities developed and directed by academic staff
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching161:0016:00Tutorials
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops41:004:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1104:00104:00Review lecture material, prepare for small group teaching and assessment
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
PHI1105Existentialism and the Self (Study Abroad Semester 1)
PHI1205Existentialism and the Self (Study Abroad Semester 2)
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures introduce central themes in European philosophy and provide an introduction to basic concepts and techniques in Existentialism. General study skills are to be taught in seminars, in particular skill in hermeneutically engaging with philosophical texts. Reading and reflecting on books and articles will take place in private study

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1A502000 word essay
Essay2A502000 word essay
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay tests the ability to think creatively, self-critically and independently, managing one’s own work to time limits. Students will be assessed on their knowledge of key topics in Existentialism. They will be assessed on their skill to sensitively interpret texts drawn from a variety of ages and traditions.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Original Handbook text:

Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.