PY4326 From Existentialism to Post-Structuralism

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr G W B Pedriali

Dr G W B Pedriali
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Walter Pedriali

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module provides and introduction to postwar French philosophy. The module charts the development of a highly distinctive conception of the self, and of the norms and values we live by, through close study of key works by figures such as Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, Levinas, Foucault, and Derrida. The module closes by discussing the enduring influence of French philosophy on contemporary gender theory and postcolonial theory.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PY1012

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 Lecture (X11 weeks), 1 seminar (X11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

33

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

259

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Extract and evaluate precisely formulated arguments from texts that appear to eschew explicit argumentative structure
  • Apply insights gained through the use of phenomenological methods to specific issues in contemporary philosophy, politics, and economics
  • Deploy a better understanding of gender and postcolonial theory in a variety of contexts, including non-academic ones
  • Analyse and evaluate claims concerning the metaphysics and pragmatics of social change