Study Abroad & Exchange Programmes at Glasgow

What kind of beings are we? In what sense are we free? What is it to live an authentic existence? How do we find meaning in our lives? This introductory course explores the central questions that define existentialism and its continuing relevance for contemporary philosophy.

Block 1

2 hours per week for 10 weeks

Mondays, 19.00-21.00

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Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of the course are to:

■ Introduce students to the main ideas and arguments that define existentialism

■ Present those arguments in their 19th and 20th century contexts

■ Explore the ongoing relevance of existentialist ideas for contemporary philosophy

By the end of this course, through class discussions and optional formative assessment, students will be able to:

■ Analyse and evaluate key arguments associated with existentialism.

■ Demonstrate knowledge of the historical contexts of those arguments.

■ Demonstrate an understanding of the ongoing relevance of existentialism to contemporary philosophy.

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