Kierkegaard: The Individual in the Global Society

The main topic of the course is Søren Kierkegaard's witty and deeply earnest exploration of the problem of self identity. Beginning with the breakdown of culture-specific ethnic and religious categories that have traditionally defined the self, the course treats Kierkegaard's scathing critique of religious culture and politics, his view that religious demands can conflict with seemingly universal ethical duties, and his assertion that the look of the Other is a defining factor in self-identity.

Professor George Pattison from the University of Oxford was a guest instructor in the 2010 summer program.  He and Assistant Professor David Possen of Yale University will be invited to participate the coming summer.  Our courses usually feature at least one visiting lecturer from the IARU network.

This is the second year that the University of Copenhagen is repeating this course. The course is repeated due as it has received good student evaluation and strong academic content.

Lecturers and tutors:
Prof K. Brian Söderquist, Dept. of Theology, University of Copenhagen
Guest lecturers from the Søren Kierkegaard Research Centre at the University of Copenhagen

Towards the beginning of the course, students will enjoy a sponsored weekend bike trip to Gilleleje, Tisvilde, Gribskov and Søborgsø to see some of the sites Kierkegaard incorporates into his authorship. We will read passages from Kierkegaard at the various sites.

The primary aim of the weekend tour is to let the students get to know each other well. Their familiarity with each other beyond the classroom will encourage students to ask questions, and openly discuss and debate Kierkegaard's thoughts.

This course is open to 3rd or 4th year undergraduate and 1st year graduate.

In general, class will take the form of a lecture followed by a dialogue between instructor and the students. Readings will be assigned for each class, and the discussion led by the instructor will focus on this reading. Comments and critical questions from students are highly encouraged. We will meet 3 times a week, for 3 hours at a time (11 class sessions altogether, including field studies). This course is worth 15 ECTS credits. Participants may choose to complete either a BA or MA level exam.

BA requirements:

• Active class attendance (75 % attendance as documented in the attendance record).
• Familiarity with a reading list (primary and secondary literature) of 800-1000 pages.
• A written paper of 8-10 pages with 1.5 line spacing (formally, 2400 characters per page, including spaces), based on 400-500 pages of primary literature. The paper will receive a letter grade, evaluated by an internal grader.

MA requirements:

• Active class attendance (75 % attendance as documented in the attendance record).
• Familiarity with a reading list (primary and secondary literature) of 1,200-1,500 pages.
• A written paper of 12-15 pages with 1.5 line spacing (formally, 2400 characters per page, including spaces), based on 500-750 pages of literature. The paper will receive a letter grade, evaluated by an internal grader.

The International Office at the University of Copenhagen will find housing for all IARU students.

Tuition fee:

• Students from EU/EØS countries, IARU universities and other universities with exchange agreements – No tuition fee
• Students from non-EU/EØS countries with a permanent Danish residence permit – No tuition fee
• Students from non-EU/EØS countries – Tuition fee is DKK13,000

Accommodation: approximately DKK3,000-4,500/month

Estimated text book costs: DKK400