126-462 Introduction to Reading Nietzsche

37.5 points of second/third year subjects in German. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 37.5 points of European studies at second/third year and satisfied the language prerequisite for this subject. see Prerequisites.

The subject presents a general introduction to reading Nietzsche in the original German with an emphasis on those aspects of his thought which have most intellectual currency today. Attention will be paid to fragments unpublished in Nietzsche's own lifetime, especially those relating to his analysis of language and his critiques of philosophical discourse and human identity. Works from which extracts will be read and discussed include Über Wahrheit und Lüge im außermoralischen Sinn, Die Philosophie im tragischen Zeitalter der Griechen, Die Geburt der Tragödie, Menschliches, Allzumenschliches, Jenseits von Gut und Böse andZur Genealogie der Moral. Students who complete this subject should have a familiarity with Nietzsche's major writings; have a critical appreciation of the contradictions within Nietzsche's thinking; have an understanding of the relation of philosophical and literary discourses within Nietzsche's work.

A 1000 word class paper and an essay of 3000 words for 3rd year, a 1000 word class paper and a 4000 word essay for 4th year.

A subject reader will be available.