Module:

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: HD319)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

This module introduces students to developments in 19th and 20th century philosophy with a special emphasis on existentialism and phenomenology. A task in this module is identifying and deciphering what philosophy is appropriately conceptualized as existentialist philosophy. Accordingly, this module examines earlier philosophers including Kierkegaard and Heidegger before turning to traditional existentialist theorists including Sartre and De Beauvoir. The module complements these mainstream existentialist theorists by introducing the work of Fanon (on race) and Carel (on illness) The modules examines key existentialist themes including despair, self,death, authenticity, being, consciousness, freedom and ambiguity. This grounding in existentialist thought informs a critical consideration of the relevance existentialism offers in understanding human development and identity.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define and describe philosophical accounts of the self, human being, individual in existential and phenomenological thought.
2. Critically describe, differentiate and compare alternative existential and phenomenological accounts of the self.
3. Appraise and defend a critical analysis of one of the key thinkers on the course.
4. Reflect on and evaluate debates on existentialism and phenomenology as it relates to race, health, and identity
5. Critically analyse and reflect on the relevance of existential and phenomenological ideas of authenticity, freedom, despair and ambiguity in their own lives.

Total Workload: 0

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment 1	50%	n/a
Assignment	Assignment 2	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None