COP1: Kierkegaard: The Individual in the Global Society

The main topic of the course is Søren Kierkegaard's witty and deeply earnest exploration of the problem of self identity. Beginning with the breakdown of culture-specific ethnic and religious categories that have traditionally defined the self, the course treats Kierkegaard's scathing critique of religious culture and politics, his view that religious demands can conflict with seemingly universal ethical duties, and his assertion that the look of the Other is a defining factor in self-identity.

Professor Joel Rasmussen from the University of Oxford and Assistant Professor David Possen of Yale University were guest lecturers in the 2012 summer program. They will both be invited to participate this coming summer as well. Our courses usually feature at least one visiting lecturer from the IARU network.

This is the fourth year that the University of Copenhagen is offering this course. It is being offered again because it has received good student evaluations and because of its strong academic content.

Lecturers and tutors:

• Prof K. Brian Söderquist, Dept. of Theology, University of Copenhagen
• Guest lecturers from the Søren Kierkegaard Research Centre at the University of Copenhagen

Toward the beginning of the course, students will enjoy a sponsored weekend bike trip to Gilleleje, Gribskov, Søborgsø, and Helsingør to see some of the sites Kierkegaard incorporates into his authorship. We will read passages from Kierkegaard at the various sites.

One aim of the weekend tour is to help the students get to know each other better. Their familiarity with each other beyond the classroom encourages them to ask questions in class, and creates an atmosphere in which they feel free to debate and discuss Kierkegaard's thoughts.

This course is open to 3rd or 4th year undergraduate students and 1st year graduate students.  The course aims at students interested in religion, philosophy, theology etc. All disciplines are welcome, no background in Philosophy is required.

Learning Outcomes

In general, class will take the form of a lecture followed by a dialogue between instructor and the students. Readings will be assigned for each class, and the discussion led by the instructor will focus on this reading. Comments and critical questions from students are highly encouraged. We will meet 3 times a week, for 3 hours at a time (11 class sessions altogether, including field studies). This course is worth 15 ECTS credits. Participants may choose to complete either a BA or MA level exam.

Contact Hours: 33 total contact hours + 30 field trip hours (estimate)

Credit equivalent: 15 ECTS

Accommodation will be available in student halls of residences.  Costs range from DKK 3,000-4,500/month and one month's rent refundable deposit.

Students must arrive by Tuesday, 2 July 2013.

Tuition fees	:	IARU students from EU/EEA countries – Tuition fee DKK 3,000 IARU students from non-EU/EEA countries – Tuition fee DKK 9,000 IARU students whose home university has a GSP exchange agreement with the University of Copenhagen – no tuition fee (please seek details from your local GSP coordinator)
Accommodation including any deposits	:	DKK 3,000-4,500/month and one month's rent refundable deposit.
Other deposits	:	N/A
Field Trip	:	N/A
Textbook Fees	:	DKK 400
Miscellaneous Fees	:	N/A
Living Expenses	:	Approx. DKK 2,500 for three weeks

1. Can I participate in more than one GSP course at your University, concurrently?
   No, that is not possible at the University of Copenhagen
2. If I am accepted, when will I receive more course details, such as course content, reading lists, timetables, payment schedule & cancellation policies, campus maps and other logistics details?
   Your course coordinator will e-mail you directly by 1 June with all the information you need before the course begins.
3. Will I have access to student facilities such as computer labs, libraries and health services at the hosting university?
   There may be limited access to these facilities, but course coordinators will be available to give advice for each course. The University of Copenhagen does not provide health services so we recommend students to take out travel insurance before departure to cover their stay in Copenhagen. If you need a GP or dentist during your stay, you are able to contact any local GP or dentist to make an appointment. Your course coordinator or local students in your course can assist with contact details. You are also welcome to come to the University of Copenhagen student guidance centre in Fiolstræde 1 or call (+45) 3532 2918 for assistance.
4. Will I need a visa to attend this GSP course?
   Visa requirements depend on your nationality. If you require a visa, you will receive all the required application material with your letter of admission from the University of Copenhagen. EU/EEC nationals do not require a visa.
   
   Please contact the International Office admission team if you have questions regarding your visa This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
5. How can we interact with other participants and GSP alumni before the course?
   Please visit our GSP Facebook page and join the various events groups to meet informally with other GSP participants as well as alumni. You may also post questions to course coordinators on the FB Wall.

You can direct your questions about course credits and scholarships to your home institutions. More details about the application process and deadlines will be available in the "How to Apply" page.

For further information about this course, visit http://www.teol.ku.dk/english/summer_courses/