Nietzsche and Critics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

One of the following subjects is recommended but not required:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Nietzsche’s bold and original challenges to traditional morality and the primacy of reason have made him one of the best known and most influential of modern thinkers. This course provides a broad introduction to Nietzsche as a philosopher by addressing his views on a range of themes such as tragedy, history, morality, knowledge, the eternal recurrence and the will to power. We also consider some of Nietzsche’s more prominent critics and the wide range of interpretations to which his rich but controversial work have given rise.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• acquire a braod understanding of the central themes and aims of Nietzsche's thought as well as a deeper critical understanding of some of those issues through independent study and assessments;
• develop the ability to understand critical commentary on Nietzsche's work and to ass independently its relevance for contemporary debates within and beyond philosophy;
• appreciate the difficulties of engaging with historically important and provocative philosophical works, and acquire skills in the careful interpretation and balanced critical evaluation of such works;
• work individually and in groups to interpret philosophical texts, explain clearly and critically evaluate the ideas contained in them.

A 2000 words essay, 50% (due mid-semester), a take-home examination, 50% (during the end of semester examination period).

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial participation. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After 5 working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Set readings for this subject will be made available via the LMS.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.