Module: Topics in European Philosophy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Topics in European Philosophy
Module Code	PHE1024 (ITS: TP321)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

An introduction to important themes and figures in post-Kantian Continental thought. This course provides a survey of important themes and issues in German Idealism, Marxism, Phenomenology, Existentialism, and Post-Structuralism. Among particular figures considered are: Hegel, Marx, Kierkegaard, Heidegger, De Beauvoir and Foucault.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and understanding of a variety of themes and topics in philosophy.
2. Engage with a variety of particular issues, themes and topics in philosophy.
3. Enjoy enhanced critical and analytical skills.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Independent Study	103	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11346	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ian Leask	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	n/a	100%	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

German Idealism
Hegel and the 'completion' of philosophy

Marx
Marx's materialist response to Hegel. Base and Superstructure. Althusser on the 'Ideological State Apparatus'

Kierkegaard
Religious faith as beyond philosophical containment? Subjective truth. The Knight of Faith. The 'suspension of the ethical'

Phenomenology
Husserl - intentionality; presence and absence. Heidegger - finitude and authenticity. De Beauvoir - the making of 'woman'

Foucault
Modernity and docility. The school as vector of power

Indicative Reading List

Books:

W. Mc Neill & K. Feldman (eds): 0, Continental Philosophy: An Anthology,
Richard Kearney (ed): 0, Continental Philosophy in the 20th Century,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None