Overview

Existentialism isn’t just a philosophical school; it’s a compelling, often unsettling lens through which to explore what it truly means to live. Originating with Søren Kierkegaard’s radical rejection of organised religion and systematic thought, existentialism challenges us to confront life’s deepest questions: What is the meaning of existence? How do we navigate the weight of freedom, responsibility, and the burden of choice? In this module, we dive into the heart of existential thought, not as an abstract theory but as a living, breathing way of engaging with the world. From the streets of post-war Paris to contemporary films, literature, and psychology, existentialism has cast a long shadow on how we think about the human experience. We will examine the powerful works of thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, José Ortega y Gasset, Franz Kafka, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Kierkegaard himself. But this is no passive exploration of old ideas; this is a dynamic investigation of how these ideas resonate with us today. Alongside lectures, each week, we’ll engage in an existential book club where we read, discuss, and critically engage with the works that have shaped our understanding of freedom, authenticity, anxiety, absurdity, and the search for meaning. Together, we’ll explore the existential tensions in the search for individuality in a world that often seems to demand conformity. What does it mean to truly live authentically? How can we find meaning in a world that sometimes seems to offer none? And, in a society where technology and media increasingly shape our experiences, how do we preserve our individuality amidst the noise? This module isn't just about learning existential theory—it's about applying it. As we reflect on the teachings of existential giants, we’ll critique them through the lens of our own lived experience. From the anguish of making life-altering choices to the deep satisfaction of living authentically, existentialism is not merely for the philosophical elite but for anyone who is ready to reflect on the most profound questions about life, existence, and the nature of being. This module will challenge you to face the uncomfortable, but ultimately liberating, realities of what it means to be human in the modern world.

Part One: Foundations of Existentialism We begin with an introduction to existentialism, outlining its philosophical underpinnings and key figures. Key concepts such as Sartre’s notions of consciousness, being, nothingness, facticity, and transcendence will be explored in-depth. Students will examine how these concepts form the foundation of existentialist thought and set the stage for the exploration of human freedom and authenticity.

Part Two: Freedom and the Human Condition In this part, we focus on the central existentialist theme of freedom. Sartre’s famous phrases, "we are condemned to be free" and "existence precedes essence," will be unpacked, offering insight into the radical implications of human freedom. Students will reflect on the burden of freedom, the choices we face, and the existential responsibility to define our own essence in a world devoid of predetermined meaning.

Part Three: The Absurd Here, students will explore the concept of the absurd, which captures the tension between humans' desire for meaning and the apparent meaninglessness of the universe. By examining the works of Kafka, Camus, and Kierkegaard, students will engage with different responses to the absurd, considering themes such as rebellion, despair, and the search for authenticity in a seemingly indifferent world.

Part Four: Bad Faith and Self-Deception Sartre’s concept of bad faith—our tendency to escape from the anxiety of freedom by deceiving ourselves—will be explored in this section. Students will analyse how bad faith manifests in everyday life, from societal roles to personal relationships, and reflect on the challenge of embracing existential authenticity.

Part Five: The Existence of Others In this section, we examine the role that others play in shaping our lives and influencing our ability to live authentically. We will explore Sartre’s ideas on the gaze of the other and the way in which societal expectations limit personal freedom, before reflecting on how to break free from these constraints to achieve true self-authenticity.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:- Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.- Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.- Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.- Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

-good -Good C- - C +. Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:- Good structure and logically developed arguments.- At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.- Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning.- Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.Very Good B- - B+. Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:- Very good structure and logically developed arguments.- Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.- Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.- Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

-excellent -A - - A*. Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:- Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.- Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.- Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the guiding themes, and the range of perspectives in which the existentialist tradition expresses its ideas and arguments.

• Display detailed knowledge of major texts that comprise the existentialist tradition.

• Display some knowledge of the ways in which these texts have been variously interpreted and developed by existential thinkers.

• Understand the cultural contexts in which existentialism developed in order to appreciate ways in which they reflect those contexts or add new perspectives to them.