The entire breadth of this course is organized around the great existential question Why does the universe exist? (a variant of Why is there something rather than nothing?). We will study a wide range of philosophers, theologians, and writers who have engaged with this question from various points of view. However, your exposure to this “wide range” of thinkers will be further facilitated through four sub-sections each punctuated by the submission of a Critically Reflection Journal Entry. Each Journal entry is worth 10% of your final grade. Taken together they will form the “rough draft” basis for your Final Essay Assignment.
Students are required to engage their guiding question with the primary readings, accented with content from the learning modules. Granted each reflection is just that, a 2-3 page, double-spaced “reflection,” there is a certain level of criteria that each EPJ should include the following criteria:
1) Structure and Form: Guiding question must be placed in context with respect to current readings as well as any immediately prior readings. This is an “introduction” demonstrating connection of ideas across the modules. — 3 marks
2) A critical summary of how the modules readings/content has challenged the student’s guiding question. This part can be broad/general — 4 marks
3) Effective incorporation of at least one quotation from primary literature to demonstrate the insights claimed in above mentioned critical summary. The philosophical import of the quotation must then be interrogated critically. Speculation and possible further lines of questioning are encouraged. — 3 marks