Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07
This course explores the key existential questions in the modern world. Through a series of theoretical approaches and case studies it examines the changes in individuals' understanding of sex, the meaning of life, and death. The overarching theme of the course focuses on the changing attitudes and practices surrounding existential issues in light of an increasingly secularised social context. As church involvement and knowledge of Christian beliefs have declined, people have little choice but to become increasingly inventive, which in turn affects the shape of the modern self. The course addresses these individual and cultural shifts through a sociological framework.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Old Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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This course explores the key existential concerns - sex, death and the possibility of an afterlife - through a sociological lens. In part one, we begin by examining the social and historical construction of human sexuality. Key topics covered are the science of sex, sexualisation of modern societies, and pornography as the commodification of sex. Part two of the course deals with the questions of death, dying, burial and mourning practices, as well as representations of death in popular culture, from celebrities to vampires. In part three we take a look at the changing images of life after death in modern societies. We finish by briefly exploring the human quest for immortality through a variety of examples, ranging from ancient mythology to latest scientific discoveries.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%); consisting of two 2,500 word essays.
Resit: 1 three-hour examination (100%)
Tutorial group presentations and one online quiz
Written feedback will be provided for continuous assessment work. This will normally be provided within three weeks of the submission date. Oral feedback will also be provided on tutorial facilitation where appropriate.
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