Course Catalogue

Existentialism: Atheism, Reason, and Faith TRS4058

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The course explores the relationship between existentialism, atheism and religion through key texts from the main authors associated with existentialism such as Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, Shestov, Heidegger, Sartre and Camus.

Timetable

10x2hr seminars as scheduled in MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry to TRS or one of the SMLC programmes and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes.

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Essay (2000 words) - 50% 

■ Presentation report (1000 words) - 25% 

■ Presentation of 10 minutes - 25% 

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the Essay (2000 words), but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There are no alternatives to the presentation report, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ A recording of presentation as alternative to presentation. 

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The course will provide the opportunity to:

■ introduce students to the main themes associated with existentialism's relation to religion and the intellectual issues arising therefrom

■ introduce students to some of the key figures and texts of 19th and 20th century existentialism

■ develop students' understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to the material

■ nurture the ability to ask independent questions and to experiment with original responses.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course students should be able to:

■ identify and evaluate key aspects of existentialism's relation to religion

■ show knowledge of the key thinkers and works from 19th and 20th century existentialism

■ engage in interdisciplinary study relating philosophy, religion, and literature

■ have strengthened analytical and writing skills

■ be prepared for further independent research.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions