MARX & NIETZSCHE
PHH 3510 – 0001
SPRING 2009
Tuesday & Thursday
3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Dr. Nam T. Nguyen
(407) 823-5414
nnguyen@mail.UCF.edu
Website: pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~nnguyen
Office Hours: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p. m. (T&R)
Philosophy Department (Psychology Building)
Second Floor, # 238
Course Description and Objective
The underlying objective of this course is to help students to gain an understanding of
the differing and similar thoughts of Karl Marx and Friedrich Nietzsche. Students will
explore and examine: (1) Marx’s concepts of humanism, alienation, scientific socialism,
dialectical materialism, the theoretical and historical notions of labor, value, and
exploitation; (2) Nietzsche’s concepts of naturalized humanity (homo natura),
philosophical anthropology, existential nihilism, morals and morality, and the ethics of
religion. Students will have the opportunity to creatively and critically analyze the works
studied and to formulate and pursue philosophical questions.
Texts
1. Karl Marx: Selected Writings, ed., Lawrence H. Simon
2. Basic Writings of Nietzsche, trans. and ed., Walter Kaufmann
3. The Portable Nietzsche, ed. and trans., Walter Kaufmann
Course Requirements
1. Two Exams (200 points).
2. Final Exam (150 points).
All questions will include short-answer definitions and essay questions. All exams
will be based on lectures, class discussions, and assigned readings.
3. A Five-Page Essay Paper (100 points).
a. In addition to five pages, a Works Cited page must be included. Minimum
sources: five. The paper must be word-processed; double-spaced; one inch
margins; 12 pt. font. Plagiarism, whether intentional or not, will result in loss of
points. Grammar, spelling, and clarity will be considered on the grade along with
content.
b. The essay paper is due no later than the assigned date. Late paper will be
automatically deducted 50 points.
c. The student must discuss his/her essay topic with the instructor. Without
the instructor’s approval of the topic, the student’s paper will NOT be
graded.
4. Any conflict with the exam’s scheduled date must be addressed prior to exam date.
5. Missed exams cannot be made up – except for serious illnesses (requiring a
formal doctor’s excuse) or emergencies (documentation must be given).
Grading
Exams, essay paper, and final exam will be graded on a numerical scale. The student’s
final grade will be based on the cumulative total of points.
A = 405 – 450
B = 360 – 404
C = 315 – 359
D = 270 – 314
F=
– 269
Withdrawal
My goal is that every student successfully completes this course; however, if you
cannot meet the requirements and challenges of this course, it is necessary that you
withdraw from the course. Students who discontinue attendance and assignments and do
not withdraw will receive an F for the course.
Note
At the instructor’s discretion, during the course of the semester this syllabus may be
subject to change. Students are responsible for informing themselves of changes
announced in class.
READING ASSIGNMENTS
Jan. 8
Jan. 13
Jan. 15
Jan. 20
Jan. 22
Jan. 27
Jan. 29
Feb. 3
Feb. 5
Feb. 10
Feb. 12
Feb. 17
Feb. 19
Feb. 24
Feb. 26
Mar. 3
Mar. 5
Mar. 10
Mar. 17
Mar. 19
Mar. 24
Mar. 26
Mar. 31
Apr. 2
Apr. 7
Apr. 9
Apr. 14
Apr. 16
Apr. 21
Apr. 23
Apr. 30
Introduction to the course
Karl Marx: Selected Writings: 98-121; 27-28
121-129; 132-142
40-61
61-79
157-176; 186
220-230; 244-252
264-282
Exam # 1
Basic Writings of Nietzsche: “The Birth of Tragedy”: 22-24; 33-52
56-74; 81-98
199-202; 233-235; 258; 305-307; 327-329
394-398; 416; 439-448; 461-462; 469-470
472-475; 542-545; 551-554; 556-557; 561-564; 576-577
657- 665; 673-677; 680-681; 685-687; 692-696
The Portable Nietzsche: 93-101; 121-136
Exam # 2
NO CLASS (Spring Break)
137-179
183-191; 197-238
249-255; 264-272; 280-284; 295-307
Essay Paper due. 308-319; 324-333; 340-343
467-470; 472-491
492-501; 529-537; 563
569-592
592-599; 606-618
618-636
636- 656
Lecture on Existentialism
Final Exam Review
Final Exam (1:00 PM – 3:50 PM)