module
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL2002: Existentialism
This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the place of existentialism as a philosophical tradition, while also exploring the cultural movement of existentialism that flourished in Europe during the 20th century. The module will situate existentialism within the history of philosophy and critically explore and investigate the challenges associated with the practice and method of existentialism as a philosophical movement. In addition, the module will explore the intersections between philosophical existentialism and literary existentialism. A further aim is to encourage you to be able to reflect existentially about your own lived experience and to explore the contemporary relevance of the existential approach to a variety of topics and disciplines.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Identify and cogently discuss the key methods, questions, themes and topics within the existential tradition 2. Critically distinguish and evaluate various approaches to existentialism, and related critiques, within the 20th century |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Demonstrate a high level of understanding of the interrelation between theories, values and lived experience 4. Demonstrate sound knowledge of different types of philosophical analysis |
| Personal and Key Skills | 5. Demonstrate a significantly expanded philosophical vocabulary and understanding with respect to key ideas in twentieth century European philosophy 6. Engage in complex arguments both orally and through writing 7. Conduct research independently engaging with complex ideas and problems |