Summer 2020 - PHIL 280 E100
Introduction to Existentialism (3)
Class Number: 5491
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Aug 14, 2020
Fri, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: TBA
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Instructor:
Simon Pollon
scp4@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A study of existentialist philosophers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and Camus and a survey of precursors such as Kant and Hegel.
COURSE DETAILS:
Many of us have had at least one reflective moment in which we asked: what is the meaning of life? What is its significance? Its purpose?—How are we supposed to go about existing? Suppose that, while pondering these questions, one realized that the world as we know it can offer no rationally acceptable answers to these questions. What then follows such a realization? Despair? Anxiety? Angst? Ennui?
What should follow this realization, according to Existentialism--a philosophical and literary movement originating in the mid 19th Century--is a further realization: it falls to you to determine the answers to these questions from within your own subjectivity. You must determine the meaning and purpose of life for yourself, and how to live in accordance with this meaning and purpose—you must determine how you ought to be.
In this course we will discuss how various Existentialists grapple with these central conceits and concerns.
Grading
- Participation (assessed on the basis of both attendance and contributions to class discussion) 25%
- Reading Reflections (5 of 6, 10% each) 50%
- Final Exam (Take home final exam due Aug 14) 25%
REQUIREMENTS:
Online presence will be required at the scheduled lecture time. Participation will be assessed on the basis of attendance and participation during online lectures.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera, microphone (built into the computer or tablet is fine), and internet access. Headsets are advisable but not necessary. Students have access to free Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud found here https://www.sfu.ca/itservices/remote-study-work-resources.html. If students do not have reliable access, they should inform the instructor and contact the IT desk to see if a loaner computer can be arranged. There is one computer lab on campus for limited access. It is recommended that students use broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE) internet connection, with bandwidth of at least 1.5Mbps (upload and download).
REQUIRED READING:
Albert Camus. The Outsider. Hamish Hamilton. 2010 ISBN-13: 978-0241950050
Fyodor Dostoevsky. Notes from Underground. Trans Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. Vintage. 1994 ISBN-13: 978-0679734529
Søren Kierkegaard. Fear and Trembling/Repetition. Ed and Trans Edward V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Princeton UP. 1983. ISBN-13: 978-0691020266
Frederiche Nietzsche. The Gay Science. Bernard Williams ed. Cambridge UP 2001. ISBN-13: 978-0521636452
Jean-Paul Sartre. Existentialism is a Humanism. Ed. John Kulka. Trans. Carol Macomber. Yale UP. 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0300115468
Physical textbooks can be purchased online via retailers like Amazon, or as ebooks, or acquired in other electronic formats. Textbooks may also be available to rent or purchase through Vitalsource.com, or in digital format through the library.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philmgr@sfu.ca More details on our website: SFU Philosophy
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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
TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020
Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.