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Existentialism & Phenomenology - CED00166C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Simon Skempton
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module provides a broad introduction to the existentialist and phenomenological movements in modern European philosophy. The key theme of the importance of individual lived experience, something ignored by the abstractions of both traditional metaphysics and modern scientism, will be explored through studying the ideas of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, and Levinas. The relationship of the movements to political theory (e.g. Beauvoir and Fanon) and literature (e.g. Camus) will also be examined. There will be some consideration of critiques of existentialism and phenomenology from various perspectives.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of a selection of key texts in existentialism and phenomenology. 
  • Compare and contrast different approaches to some of the issues in existentialism and phenomenology.
  • Analyse and evaluate a selection of key texts in existentialism and phenomenology.

Indicative assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 2000 Words		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 2000 Words		 N/A 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

  • Phenomenology and Existentialism, Solomon, R. (ed.), Rowman and Littlefield, 2001.
  • Existentialism: An Introduction, Aho, K., Polity Press, 2014.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.