The course will primarily study selections from the work of Friedrich Nietzsche, who exercised a huge influence on Twentieth Century philosophy, literature and art. We will look at essential philosophical background as well as important legacies of Nietzsche's ideas. In particular, Schopenhauer’s theory of the ‘world as will’ forms a vital background to understanding Nietzsche’s wide-ranging critique of morality; while Nietzsche's interest in the question of ‘the value of truth’ has had a deep influence on post-structuralist philosophy.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. critically engage with some of Nietzsche's key ideas;
2. demonstrate familiarity with some of the critical literature on Nietzsche;
3. articulate reasoned views on Nietzsche’s philosophy, supported by close reading and argument; and
4. conduct independent research in the area of study, supported by proper notes and bibliography.

Research-Led Teaching

This course will situate Nietzsche as an important figure in the history of philosophy, whose questions remain vitally relevant today. The 2022 course will read Nietzsche as a philosopher deeply engaged with thinking about the decay and dissolution of the values that have organised a civilisation, and asking how we move through such a period of 'decadence' toward another future. These timely questions arise for Nietzsche with regards to Christianity and modernity, science and morality. They might arise for us not only in such areas, but also in contexts such as the present climate crisis.

Field Trips

To be advised. We may, if possible, make a field trip to the National Gallery of Australia.

Required Resources

You need to access a reputable translation of some of Nietzsche's main writings including: The Gay Science, The Genealogy of Morals, Beyond Good and Evil, and, Twilight of the Idols. Readings will have to be brought to classes, so a hard copy of the books is ideal.

The Walter Kaufmann translations are recommended, and all are available in fairly cheap paperback Penguin editions. There are many second-hand copies available. You may also use any of the translations published by Cambridge University Press, but I will be referring to the Kaufmann or Hollingdale translations available in Penguin..

The 'Basic Writings of Nietzsche' is good value and contains several key works including Beyond Good and Evil and the Genealogy of Morals.

Recommended Resources

Reading recommendations will be made week by week.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	1.5 hr introductory lecture, no tutorials For week by week topics, see further information on Wattle.
2	2 hr lecture plus 1 hr Seminar style - Class Tutorials on Tuesday	In the 7 teaching weeks where we have a 3 hour block of teaching (weeks 2, 3, 5, 6, 9. 10, 11) we will move from a lecture set-up for the first two hours (2-4pm) to a seminar style for a more discussion-based third hour (4-5pm, listed on ANU timetable as tutorial 1). Suitable breaks will be provided. Only the first two hours (the formal lecture) will be recorded. NB: This arrangement is subject to change if we are not able to access the campus due to COVID-19.
3	2 hr lecture plus 1 hr Seminar style - Class Tutorials on Tuesday	ASSESSMENT 1: due 11/3: Interpretation exercise: reading of a section (500 words)
4	Canberra Day - No lecture on Monday, Class Tutorials on Tuesday	In the 3 teaching weeks with no lectures (3,7, 8) you can spend more time on reading. Also use the time to review material so far; and to make sure you come well-prepared to your tutorials, which will be held as normal.
5	2 hr lecture plus 1 hr Seminar style - Class Tutorials on Tuesday	ASSESSMENT 2: due 24/3: Interpretation exercise: key concept (500 words) Mid-term essay questions released
6	2 hr lecture plus 1 hr Seminar style - Class Tutorials on Tuesday
7	Easter Monday - No lecture on Monday, Class Tutorials on Tuesday	ASSESSMENT 3: due 19/4: Essay questions will be set in week 5 (1500 words)
8	Anzac Day - No lecture on Monday, Class Tutorials on Tuesday
9	2 hr lecture plus 1 hr Seminar style - Class Tutorials on Tuesday	Final essay questions released
10	2 hr lecture plus 1 hr Seminar style - Class Tutorials on Tuesday
11	2 hr lecture plus 1 hr Seminar style - Class Tutorials on Tuesday
12	1.5 hr Concluding lecture - Class Tutorials on Tuesday	ASSESSMENT 4: Final essay due 27/05: Essay questions will be set in week 9 (2500 words)

Tutorial Registration

Required. Register via WATTLE.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
ASSESSMENT 1: Interpretation exercise: Reading of a section	10 %	11/03/2022	21/03/2022	1
ASSESSMENT 2: Interpretation exercise: key concept	10 %	22/03/2022	31/03/2022	1, 2
ASSESSMENT 3: Mid-term essay	30 %	22/04/2022	09/05/2022	1, 2, 3
ASSESSMENT 4: Final essay	50 %	27/05/2022	30/06/2022	1, 2, 3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at lectures and participation in tutorials is expected. The 'seminar-hour' is optional and will not be recorded. Attendees at all teaching events are expected to be active contributors to discussion. Although lectures will be recorded, there will be discussions in lecture times that may not be fully audible to those listening on-line.  

Please bring your texts for the course to lectures and tutorials – we will sometimes refer to them. 

Assessment Task 1

ASSESSMENT 1: Interpretation exercise: Reading of a section

Reading Nietzsche's works presents novel challenges for those used to a more traditional or conventional philosophical style. In this exercise I am looking for an interpretation of his thought focussed on one section. Try to capture both the general line of argument and a sense of its liveliness, as well as communicating a sense of engagement, perhaps puzzlement, or a surprising insight you may have felt in looking at a section of Nietzsche's works. You may choose the section you focus on from the ones we have discussed in class but I will also recommend a few. Try to write in a style that is expressive but also analytical. You do not need to cite any critics if you don’t wish to – only learning outcome 1 is relevant to this exercise.

Word limit: 500 

Value: 10% 

Please submit assessment task via Turnitin 

For all assessments use standard 12 point (eg Times New Roman) and 1.15 spacing.

Referencing 

Any standard referencing system (eg Harvard) can be used, just use it consistently.  However, in citing Nietzsche please refer to SECTION numbers not page numbers.

You can also give abbreviations if you wish of the titles (eg Gay Science, GS; Beyond Good and Evil, BGE.) You will see that I often cite in this way eg GS #335 and this is standard in the literature.

Assessment Task 2

ASSESSMENT 2: Interpretation exercise: key concept

In this exercise I am looking for an interpretation of Nietzsche's thought focussed on one key concept for which he is well-known - eg. nihilism, will to power, genealogy. You can choose one that we have discussed in class. Here you need to cite and discuss at least one, and up to three critics, offering a commentary on this idea.

(NB: For each week there is a key term specified (eg week 1 ‘Nihilism’) that you should prepare for class by thinking about and writing some notes on. During the course you should come every week prepared to share some reflections on this term. This in-class aspect of the assessment item won’t be formally delivered like a presentation – its just a matter of being prepared with some thoughts if called upon. In some weeks we may lead the tutorial discussion by sharing some of these.)

Word limit: 500 

Value: 10% 

Please submit assessment task via Turnitin 

Referencing - see note on assessment 1

Assessment Task 3

ASSESSMENT 3: Mid-term essay

Details of task: 6 questions will be set (in week 5) and you may choose among them. You may also develop your own question in consultation and with the approval of your lecturer. Your essay should address the question set and include some close interpretive reading of Nietzsche. See assessment rubrics for this and the final essay below. 

• Your bibliography should include reference to at least 3 critical texts
• You MUST submit this assignment in order to qualify to complete the course (it’s a ‘hurdle’ assignment.)

 Word limit: 1500 

Value: 30% 

Please submit assessment task via Turnitin 

Referencing - see note on assessment 1

Assessment Task 4

ASSESSMENT 4: Final essay

Details of task: 6 questions will be set (by week 9) and you may choose among them. You may also develop your own question in consultation and with the approval of your lecturer. Your essay should address the question set and include some close interpretive reading of Nietzsche. See assessment rubrics below. 

• Your bibliography should include reference to at least 4 critical texts 
• You MUST submit this assignment in order to qualify to complete the course (it’s a ‘hurdle’ assignment.)

Word limit: 2500 

Value: 50% 

Please submit assessment task via Turnitin.

Referencing - see note on assessment 1

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be marked and returned via Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Under special circumstances work may be resubmitted if it has not met the standard of a pass. A compelling case must be made.

Privacy Notice

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Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students