Pay close attention to due dates!

Monday, we will continue/finish our discussion of Barrett’s The Encounter with Nothingness. Then, we will pick up with Sartre.

1. (Due 9/28) Existentialism is a Humanism–Jean Paul Sartre is often the first name to come to mind when one considers Existentialism. His brand of atheistic existentialism so dominates the existential landscape that one forgets that the “first existentialist” Kierkegaard was indeed a theist. Nevertheless, Sartre’s essay most clearly defines the existential mindset. It becomes a fundamental piece of this course’s foundation.   Additionally, his essay establishes some of the tenets of existentialism that are universally applicable.  Read and ANNOTATE! Be sure you are able to discuss the four reproaches of existentialism and his defense against those reproaches.

2. (Due 9/29) Class Forum–Remember you must post by midnight Monday! AND REMEMBER TO BRING A PRINTED COPY OF YOUR RESPONSE IN TO CLASS. The responses should be added to the reading response section of your binder. Be sure to include the heading and title each printed response.

3. (Due 9/30) The Absurdity of Life without God by William Lane Craig–In his essay, Craig presents argues for choosing biblical Christianity in the face of an absurd world. Please ensure that you understand the nuances of his argument! Wednesday’s class will feature a “round table” critical discussion of his argument. So again, let me stress: be sure you understand his argument.

4. (Due 10/1) Soren Kierkegaard–Read and annotate That Individual. Be sure you can articulate Kierkegaard’s thesis and supporting argument. The following week we will write our first précis. This requires that you have at least Control of the source article. In this case, our source is That Individual. Print out the précis detail sheet.