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The Existential Self: Chaos, Meaning and Human Potential (607L5)

30 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Spring teaching

This module introduces key theoretical ideas in existential sociology. It relates to the criminological concepts of evil, punishment and suffering. And the module teaches methodological techniques of narrative analysis, autoethnography and creative life-writing.

The first part of the module addresses four central themes of human existence (death, freedom/responsibility, isolation, meaning).

The second part of the module tackles three moral dilemmas (good vs evil, order vs chaos, potential vs limitation).

The final part of the module explores artistic representations of existentialist themes (in theatre, literature and film).

By applying these ideas to your own personal challenges, you may come to understand yourself better, be socially responsible and live an authentically meaningful life.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 267 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.