Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - HUM 350 B100

Special Topics: Great Figures in the Humanistic Tradition (4)

Great Figures: Nietzsche

Class Number: 4602

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2023
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary study of the life and works of an individual who has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour (e.g. philosophy, politics, literature, economics, religion). This course may be repeated once for credit. Students with credit for this topic under another Humanities course number may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:


HUM 350: Great Figures: Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche is probably the most controversial philosopher in the 20th century. His ideas of the Übermench (literally “Over-man”) and the “Blond Beast” were taken to have inspired the Aryan fantasies and murderous plans of Adolph Hitler and the Nazis. But Nietzsche has also inspired post-modern philosophers at the other end of the political spectrum in their criticisms of various aspects of modern society and forms of subjectivity. This course will provide an introduction to the life, thought and influence of Nietzsche. After an over-view of his life, we will read selections of texts from his early, middle and late periods. We shall also then address the "use" and "abuse" of Nietzsche's thought and explore the relation between his thought and Eastern traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism.  

Grading

  • Presentation 20%
  • Short Essay 5-7 pages 25%
  • Long essay 10-12 pages 35%
  • Class participation and protocol 20%

NOTES:

This course counts towards a certificate in Religious Studies.

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Portable Nietzsche, Edited and Translated by Walter Kaufmann (London: Penguin, 1977). 
ISBN: ‏ :978-0140150629

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.