PHI306: Close Reading of a Modern Philosophical Text
Key details
| Accredited towards | Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts |
| Unit type | Elective unit |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Indicative contact hours | 3 hours per week |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Offered in | Semester 2 |
| Tuition fee | Learn more |
Overview
This unit involves a close reading of a text in modern philosophy that pays careful attention both to its philosophical content and to its literary character. Friedrich Nietzsche’s On the Genealogy of Morals contains Nietzsche’s fullest treatment of Christianity as a spiritual “slave revolt” against aristocratic, warrior morality, as well as an historical-cum-philosophical account of “bad conscience” and a wide-ranging and at times seemingly unfocused discussion of the meaning of “ascetic ideals”. We will read the entire text. This unit may be counted towards either the Philosophy or Literature major.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the major themes and questions in the text
- Evaluate critically the arguments presented in the text
- Develop an advanced appreciation of the significance of the author’s choice of the literary form of the text
- Apply advanced written communication skills in academic essays and appropriately use references and bibliographies according to academic conventions
- Confidently participate in group work and to contribute with clarity and coherence.
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