This semester we will concentrate on two important figures in the existential tradition: Soren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre.  Main themes will include: human freedom and "criterionless choice," the existence or non-existence of God, the nature of beli
ef, the structure of human consciousness, the notion of an "unconscious" mind, human emotions, self-deception and morality.  There are two lectures and one discussion section per week.

Readings will be from: Kaufmann, Existentialism From Dostoevski to Sartre (a collection); Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling, Sartre's weird novel, Nausea.  There will be short weekly quizzes, two essay-type examinations and several short papers.