126-462 Introduction to Reading Nietzsche

This subject is taught in German. Formerly available as 126-024. Students who have completed 126-024 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject will only be run if there is a minimum of six participants.

37.5 points of second/third year subjects in German language. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 37.5 points of European studies at second/third year.

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 Attention will be paid to fragments unpublished in Nietzsche's own lifetime, especially those relating to his analysis of language and his critiques of philosophical discourse and human identity.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 and Zur 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; and have an understanding of the relation of philosophical and literary discourses within Nietzsche's work.

• have acquired skills in research, critical thinking and contextualising information;

• have developed skills in communicating knowledge intelligibly through oral presentations and essays in German.

A 1000 word classpaper for 3rd year students 30% (due during semester) and a 1200 word classpaper for 4th year students 30% (due during semester), an essay of 3000 words for 3rd year students 70% (due at the end of semester) and an essay of 4000 words for 4th year students 70% (due at the end of semester).