Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Module Catalogue

PH924-20 Nietzsche

Department
Philosophy
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Andrew Huddleston
Credit value
20
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Download as PDF

Introductory description

This module provides an advanced introduction to Nietzsche, one of the most seminal thinkers in the tradition of continental philosophy.

Module aims

The principal aim of this module is to provide an advanced introduction to Nietzsche. We do so by undertaking an in-depth study of one of Nietzsche’s most important books The Gay Science (1882). In it, Nietzsche treats a wide variety of themes, including truth and our search for truth, the 'death of God,' the eternal recurrence, and life as an aesthetic phenomenon. We will proceed methodically through the main sections of the text, paying particular attention to the relevance of the structure and style of Nietzsche’s presentation for understanding the philosophical content.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Reading:

Nietzsche, The Gay Science, trans. Walter Kaufmann (Vintage, 1974)

Michael Ure, Nietzsche's The Gay Science: An Introduction (Cambridge University Press, 2019).

Further secondary readings TBA.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • By the end of the module students should have a sound and scholarly understanding of Nietzsche’s The Gay Science and important themes from his philosophy as they appear there. They should also be able to discuss incisively and critically key concepts and ideas both in seminar discussions and written work.
Indicative reading list

Nietzsche, The Gay Science, trans. Walter Kaufmann (Vintage, 1974).

Subject specific skills

Close textual reading skills.
Hermeneutic skills.
Advanced reasoning skills.
Fluency in essay writing.

Transferable skills

Strong presentation skills, verbally and in writing.
Skills in logical and analytical reasoning.
Skills in creative thinking.

Study time

Type Required
Seminars 9 sessions of 2 hours (100%)
Total 18 hours
Private study description

No private study requirements defined for this module.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group A3
Weighting Study time
5000 word essay 100%
Feedback on assessment

Feedback on essays will be provided on the coversheet for the essay, addressing standard areas
of evaluation and individual content.

Courses

This module is Core option list A for:

  • Year 2 of TPHA-V7P2 Postgraduate Taught Continental Philosophy

This module is Option list B for:

  • TPHA-V7PM Postgraduate Taught Philosophy
    • Year 1 of V7PM Philosophy
    • Year 2 of V7PM Philosophy

This module is Option list C for:

  • TPHA-V7PM Postgraduate Taught Philosophy
    • Year 1 of V7PM Philosophy
    • Year 2 of V7PM Philosophy

This module is Option list D for:

  • Year 2 of TPHA-V7PM Postgraduate Taught Philosophy