PHI1005 : Existentialism and the Self
PHI1005 : Existentialism and the Self
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Adam Potts
- Lecturer: Dr Daniel Koczy
- Owning School: School X
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
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 Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | Essay preparation and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Specific research or reading activities developed and directed by academic staff |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 104:00 | 104:00 | Review lecture material, prepare for small group teaching and assessment |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 25 | 1000 word essay |
| Essay | 2 | A | 75 | 3000 word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Each 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
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHI1005's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PHI1005's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.