The course explores the relationship between existentialism, atheism and religion through key texts from the main authors associated with existentialism such as Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, Shestov, Heidegger, Sartre and Camus.

10x2hr seminars as scheduled in MyCampus.

None

Report on class presentation (1,000 words) - 20%
Two x 2,000 word Essays - 40% each

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 course will provide the opportunity to:

■ introduce students to the main themes associated with existentialism's relation to religion and the intellectual issues arising therefrom

■ introduce students to some of the key figures and texts of 19th and 20th century existentialism

■ develop students' understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to the material

■ nurture the ability to ask independent questions and to experiment with original responses.

By the end of the course students should be able to:

■ identify and evaluate key aspects of existentialism's relation to religion

■ show knowledge of the key thinkers and works from 19th and 20th century existentialism

■ engage in interdisciplinary study relating philosophy, religion, and literature

■ have strengthened analytical and writing skills

■ be prepared for further independent research.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.