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Systems of Freedom: An Introduction to German Idealism & Romanticism - CED00201C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2024-25

Module aims

The ‘golden age’ of German philosophy (1781-1831) produced some of the most audacious and demanding works of philosophy ever written. This course provides an introduction to the philosophical systems of the German Idealist philosophers, Kant, Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel, with particular focus on their overarching theme of the nature of human freedom. The intertwining of this movement with the philosophies of the Jena Romantics (Hölderlin, Novalis, Schlegel) and other associated thinkers (e.g. Jacobi and Schleiermacher) will also come under scrutiny.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of a selection of key texts in German Idealism and Romanticism.  
• Compare and contrast different approaches to some of the issues in German Idealism and Romanticism.
• Analyse and evaluate a selection of key texts in German Idealism and Romanticism
 

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted. The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

  • Bykova, M. (ed.), The German Idealism Reader (London: Bloomsbury, 2020)
  • Bauer, M. and Dahlstrom, D. O. (eds.), The Emergence of German Idealism (Washington D.C.: Catholic University of America Press


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.