HDCB01051U DCC Søren Kierkegaard and the Challenge of Existence

SØREN KIERKEGAARD AND THE CHALLENGE OF EXISTENCE is a course in English for all international students, which has been offered each semester during the past ten years. Students are admitted according to the date they hand in the registration form.

Kierkegaard is the only Danish philosopher of undisputed international rank and legend. However, his ideas are unorthodox to such extent that they are discussed in virtually all subject areas including, for example, art history, political science, psychology, literature or the natural sciences.

Kierkegaard’s works revolve around basic human experiences like aesthetic lust, despair, anxiety, morality, passion, knowledge, absurdity and faith. In particular, Kierkegaard claimed to present a complete summary of the basic possible ways in which we can live our lives. We will analyze and criticize these ways thoroughly in order to find out to what extent they may give us a true point of orientation.

Every lecture presupposes a short reading of not more than five pages and will provide sufficient room for discussion. The course also integrates a City Walk through Kierkegaard’s odd personal life as well as the screening of two of the best, deeply “Kierkegaardian” Danish movies: Breaking the Waves and Adam’s Apples.

The lectures do not presuppose specialized knowledge and will introduce the respective themes without jargon. The short essays (no minimum number of pages) can be composed freely and do not have to be “philosophical”. They can be submitted in English or in German. Individual student-counseling of the lecturer will be available.

www.danishculturecourse.ku.dk

Name of Exam: HDCB01051E Danish Literature and Philosophy in Context of Danish Culture and Society.