Program Overview

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Existential Philosophy & Critical Theory

Introduction

The Structured Elective in Existential Philosophy & Critical Theory is designed to introduce students to key philosophical issues and arguments, enabling them to analyze and evaluate philosophical arguments, construct robust arguments, and acquire habits of independent thought and critical reasoning.

What is the Structured Elective about?

The modules available in this structured elective focus on philosophical questions that occur naturally, such as the nature of mind, truth, meaning, knowledge, and consciousness. A central focus of a philosophical approach to an issue is to refine a motivating query to find a question that is crucial to understanding important features of human life.

Why should I take this Structured Elective?

Philosophical questions are general and cut across other domains of human knowledge. The philosophical way of answering these questions is through the use of reason, as opposed to observation or experiment. In taking this elective, students will be enabled to apply knowledge and understanding gained in studying philosophical questions and methods to intellectual enquiry and specific pragmatic concerns.

How would this Structured Elective benefit me?

There are four key benefits to taking this structured elective:

• Employability: Signals to future employers that you have an interest and aptitude for considering philosophical issues and methods.
• Making Judgements: Offers students the opportunity to learn about philosophical frameworks and methods to attain a greater understanding of skills of enquiry, argumentation, analysis, and critical thinking.
• Communications and Working Skills: Emphasizes dialogue in the formation of knowledge, encouraging students to practice recognizing premises of arguments, analyzing consistency, and constructing objections.
• Learning Skills: Requires students to develop skills in verbal and written communication, problem-solving, clear thinking, and analysis, along with robust and persuasive argumentation.

How do I take the modules in the Structured Elective?

To earn this Structured Elective, students must take the specified modules in or after 2019/20. Students must take 15 credits from the list of modules outlined below and will not be awarded this Structured Elective if graduating with a major or minor listed in the Eligibility section.

Modules

The following modules are available:

• PHIL10100: Existentialism and Humanism (5 credits)
• PHIL20500: Phenomenology & Existentialism (5 credits)
• PHIL20570: Philosophy & Literature (5 credits)
• PHIL20710: Body Mind World (5 credits)
• PHIL31040: Philosophy & Interpretation (10 credits)
• PHIL31010: The Philosophy of Nietzsche (10 credits)
• PHIL31050: Critical Theory (10 credits)
• PHIL31150: Phenomenology and History (10 credits)

Eligibility

Students will not be awarded this Structured Elective if they are graduating with a major or minor in:

• Philosophy, Politics & Economics (COS1)
• Law with Philosophy (LWW1/PLI2)
• BCL International Philosophy (LWW7/PLI5)
• BCL European Philosophy (LWW8/PLI6)
• Philosophy Minor (PLI1)
• Philosophy Joint Major (PLJ1)
• Philosophy (PLJ2)
• Philosophy (PLS3)
• Philosophy major (with language minor) (PLW2)
• Philosophy major (with other minor) (PLW3)