The University of New South Wales

go to UNSW home page

Undergraduate Handbook

PRINT THIS PAGE
Introduction to European Philosophy - PHIL1014
Library lawn

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: http://philosophy.arts.unsw.edu.au/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Provides a broad introduction to themes in European Philosophy, such as: the character of human subjectivity, rationality (and its limits), alienation, progress, history, freedom and how to understand meaning and morality with the waning of religious authority. Focuses on the legacy of the Enlightenment (Rousseau, Kant), the principal critics of this tradition (Hegel, Marx and Nietzsche), the emergence of existential and phenomenological themes in the work of thinkers such as Heidegger; some of the influential sources of contemporary theory such as the Frankfurt School and Hannah Arendt, and postmodern thinkers such as Foucault.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:
  • Describe the thought of a number of key thinkers in the Western modern tradition
  • Critically reflect on the various strengths and weaknesses of each theory and develop an appreciation of how each addresses the central theme of the course
  • Apply aspects of these theories to contemporary life
  • Display skills associated with scholarly inquiry in the discipline of philosophy, particularly information literacy and critical analysis skills.

Assessment

  • Research portfolio - 35%
  • Essay (1500 words) - 35%
  • Participation - 10%
  • In-class test - 20%

URL for this page:

© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.