Kierkegaard and the Existentialist Tradition
SCAND 480 - Winter 2023
Meeting times:
Monday 2:30 – 4:20pm, LOW 216
Wednesday 2:30 – 4:20pm, ECE 037
Morten Bøje Stensgaard Larsen, Visiting Lecturer of Danish
Office: Raitt Hall 305V
Office hours: by appointment
Email: mbsl@uw.edu
Course Description:
This course explores the profoundly rich and deep world of the Danish philosopher and theologian Søren Aabye Kierkegaard’s writing. By discussing core texts of Kierkegaard, central concepts to his thinking, such as spirit, choice, anxiety, and freedom, will be illuminated. Further, the French school of Existentialism - with prominent figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus - will be brought into conversation with Kierkegaard, in order to examine how they, each in their own way elaborate on Kierkegaard’s project. Finally, the course investigates the relationship between existentialism and the literary fiction of modern Scandinavian writers.
In contrast to what we normally would expect to read in terms of philosophy, the works of Kierkegaard is equivocal, inhabited by different voices often in direct disagreement with one another. Often, reading Kierkegaard can seem like solving a puzzle box, and the texts constantly addresses the readers own convictions and beliefs. The method of indirect communication was essential to Kierkegaard, as he believed that truth could not just be “delivered” to his readers. On the contrary, the texts should set the reader on a path for a subjective, sincere truth. That is why, in this course, we will also engage ourself in the texts; not only try to understand what is being said but also asses whether that said resonates with us.
During the course, an active and prepared participation will be required. Study questions will be giving prior to classes, guiding the class and group discussions.
Student learning objectives:
- Establishing an existentialist vocabulary.
- Gain familiarity with the existentialist tradition and themes.
- Identifying and analyzing existentialist theme in literature, art, and cinema.
- Gain a basic set of literary analytical skills.
Assignments and evaluation:
- Produce two critical response papers (2 pages) (20%,)
- Make two peer review of your co-students' response papers (10%)
- Write a brief synopsis (250 words) for a final paper (20%)
- Produce an original, 5 pages, final paper with an independently chosen topic, demonstrating analytical skills. (30%)
- Participation (20%)
Papers will be judged on the inclusion of textual evidence, demonstration of careful readings of the texts and substantiated arguments.
Grading Scale:
All gradings will be given according to the GPA scale. You find University of Washington’s official grading system here: https://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/front/Grading_Sys.html
Diversity and equity:
The Department of Scandinavian Studies builds cultural awareness and understanding through research, teaching, service and community outreach. The students in this class engage curricula and field experiences structured to foster knowledge of others and their cultures. Awareness of and respect for difference is essential to preparing students for citizenship. The Department of Scandinavian Studies views each student as an individual and supports the equal treatment of all those who enroll in this class in particular. This class is an inclusive space where all religions, ethnicities, genders, sexualities are welcomed, valued and appreciated. If you have personal requests or requirements in this regard, please come talk to me about it.
Land acknowlegdement:
The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot nations” including the Duwamish, on whose traditional lands the University of Washington-Seattle stands in violation of the Treaty of Point Elliott
Religious Accommodation Policy:
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/)
Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/)
This course adheres to the University of Washington Religious Accommodations Policy.