2023-2024 Yavapai College Catalog 
    
    Nov 26, 2024  
2023-2024 Yavapai College Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]

PHI 244 - Existentialism


Description: The nature of human existence and our abilities to live meaningful and authentic lives. Emphasis on French, German, Danish, and Russian authors who maintain that life has no inherent meaning that humans can discover, but that we must determine meaning for ourselves. Topics may include: the human condition, the meaning of life, death, self-deception, authenticity, integrity and responsibility, guilt and shame, and love and sexuality.

Prerequisites: ENG 101  or ENG 101A  or ENG 103 . Reading Proficiency.

General Education Competency: Written Communication; Diversity; Critical Thinking

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0

Course Content:
  1. Historical developments of existential thought in German, French, Danish, and Russian philosophy
  2. The human condition
  3. The problem of the meaning of life
  4. The problem of authenticity
  5. The problem of free will
  6. The problem of death

Learning Outcomes:
  1. Explain the historical developments of existential ideas in Continental Philosophy. (1)
  2. Analyze key problems in existentialism. (2-6)
  3. Assess personal beliefs regarding the human condition. (1-6)

Required Assessment:
  1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 2,500 words of monitored writing, which includes a 1,500 word essay that undergoes iterations of the writing process (i.e., outline, rough draft, and etc.), using academically appropriate sources.