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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PH 302"
COURSE NAME: "Existentialism"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Antomarini Brunella
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 11:30-12:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: One previous philosophy course or Junior Standing Co-requisites: EN 110; Recommended Junior Standing
OFFICE HOURS: on appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course aims to give students insight into the historic-philosophical phenomenon of existentialism, in its phenomenological roots, and its successive developments and interpretations.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

 

This course is an introduction to the main themes of (predominantly German and French) existentialism, retracing its phenomenological sources of inspiration. Phenomenological analysis is introduced in its various facets, from Husserl and Heidegger and Arendt. The issues of finitude, appearance, responsibility, political engagement, freedom, decision, alienation, absurdity, crisis, action, and emotions are explored. A special emphasis is placed on the relevance of these problems to present life.

The following authors will be read and examined in part:

(on reserve in the library and online when possible)

 

 

 

Hannah Arendt, Origins of totalitarianism

Martin Heidegger, Being and Time / On the Way to Language

Karl Jaspers, Philosophy of existence

Soren Kierkegaard, Either-Or

Georg Lukacs, Soul and Forms

Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Phenomenology of Perception /Visible and invisible

Friedrich Nietzsche, Gay Science /Genealogy of Morals

Charles Sanders Peirce, On phenomenology (lecture by Ivo ibri)

Jean Paul Sartre, Essays in existentialism

 

 

REFERENCE FILMS:

Luis Bunuel Charme discret de la Bourgeoisie

Andrej Zvyagintsev The return

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

 

Developing skills in critical thinking, theoretical analysis, ability in associating or distinguishing relevant and outdated elements of existentialism.

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
mid term exam 25%
final exam 50%
two papers at home, participation in class, presentations 25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Students should plan to regularly attend the class, since we will often broaden the topics contained in the texts to contemporary issues, and since this class is mainly intended to the rousing of students’ personal thoughts and ideas.

Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

Academic honesty:

As stated in the university catalogue, Any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, respective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision. 

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Introduction

Kierkegaard

Reading Kierkegaard

Introduction to Phenomenology

Peirce. Ivo Ibri's lecture

Nietzsche

Reading Nietzsche

Heidegger

Reading Heidegger

Film: Luis Bunuel

Commenting on the film

Lukacs

Jaspers

Seminar

Review

Sartre

Reading Sartre

Merleau-Ponty

Reading Merleau-Ponty

Arendt

Reading Arendt

Seminar

Film: The return

Discussion on the film and review

Seminar and review

Seminar and review

Review

FINAL EXAMINATION