HW12H: Existentialism is a Humanism and More

September 24, 2015 By

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.

Precis Presentation by KA

August 27, 2015 By

Thesis: In “The Idea of Death in Existentialism” J Glenn Gray argues, through the use of Martin Heidegger and Karl Jaspers, that acknowledging death and the finality of human existence is the only way that one can live in truth and give meaning to an otherwise meaningless existence. [Read more…]

HW12C due 3/2: Precis and Man’s Search for Meaning

February 27, 2015 By

1. Man’s Search for Meaning–We are now reading Part II. Read all sections up to page. 122 (Through Life’s Transitoriness). Please be prepared to contribute meaningfully to a discussion of these sections.
2. The Precis on That Individual–Details on the Precis! A precis (form both singular and plural, pronounced “pray—see”) is a brief summary of the essential thought of a longer composition.  It attempts to provide a miniature of the original selection, reproducing the same proportions on smaller scale, the same ideas, and the same mood and tone, so far as possible.  The writer of a precis cannot interpret or comment; his or her sole function is to give a reduced photograph of the original author’s exact and essential meaning.

This is an exercise in scholarship/academics.  Again, you are to capture the essence of the source article. Do not inject your opinion.  Beyond the first sentence, you should never again use phrases like: “Kierkegaard says” or “He believes” or any of that ilk. Summarize as if you were summarizing your own work instead. Reference the sample precis for a model (Be Careful! Avoid the temptation to plagiarize this model precis). One caveat regarding the model, do not follow the structure of the first sentence (rather, use the template we discussed in class: In That Individual, Soren Kierkegaard argues___________). Your precis should not be longer than 2 pages single-spaced. This will be weighed as a project/essay grade so put forth effort and thought (just as you always do).

HW12C due 2/12: Kierkegaard and Craig

February 9, 2015 By

1. While there is no reading due tomorrow, please be ready to discuss Barrett and Sartre. I hope to hear a discussion tomorrow that demonstrates control of Sartre’s defense. We will review the reproaches and Sartre’s defense. Additionally, we will discuss anguish, abandonment, and despair. Keep in mind, that we must understand the source material before engaging in a critical discussion.

2. (DUE 2/12) Soren Kierkegaard–Read and annotate That Individual. Be sure you can articulate Kierkegaard’s thesis and supporting argument. In the new 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.

3. (DUE 2/13) 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! The discussion on Friday will be of the critical variety.

4. Man’s Search for Meaning–Linked, you will find the copy of the text that I would like you to buy for the class. We will start it over the break!

HW10 due 11/26: ASC Precis

November 25, 2014 By

1. ASC–All three précis are due tomorrow. Keep the following in mind:

  • Heading should be on all précis. Remember, the heading should be placed in the upper left hand corner and SINGLE SPACED.
  • Titles should look like this–Precis: (Title of the article)
  • The précis should be single-spaced
  • .75 margins on both left and right sides
  • Font size 12, arial or times new roman
  • Staple precis in front of relevant source article. Remember, I expect to see that you have highlighted and/or marked the source text. Do not staple all three precis/sources together.
« Previous Page
Next Page »