Existential philosophy course exploring Nietzsche, Sartre and themes of freedom and authenticity
AU$319.00
Next: Mon, 01 Jun 6:00PM (AEST)

Existentialism: God, Freedom & Self


Explore the profound questions at the heart of Existential philosophy in this engaging 8-week course. From Nietzsche and Kierkegaard to Sartre, Beauvoir and Camus, examine themes such as nihilism, the Death of God, anxiety, freedom, responsibility and authenticity.

While existentialism is often portrayed as gloomy, this course reveals its passionate commitment to living deliberately and courageously. Discover how thinkers across Europe grappled with meaning, ambiguity, ethics, feminism, anti-colonial struggle and the transformative encounter with the Other.

Through guided discussion and accessible explanations, you will learn to engage deeply with the paradoxes of existence and cultivate a richer understanding of self and others.

Course Outline

  • Weeks 1–2: Nietzsche, Kierkegaard and Husserl — nihilism, faith, phenomenology and consciousness.
  • Weeks 3–5: Heidegger, Sartre and Camus — being, freedom, authenticity and the absurd.
  • Weeks 6–8: Beauvoir, Fanon, Buber, Levinas, Cioran and Weil — ethics, otherness, pessimism and grace.

Schedule & Pricing

  • 8 weekly sessions, 6:00pm–8:00pm (AEST)
  • Delivered live online via Zoom
  • Course fee: $299

Details

2 hours

You will learn

  • Understand major existentialist thinkers and core themes
  • Analyse ambiguity, freedom and ethical responsibility
  • Deepen insight into individuality and relations with others

You will get

  • Expert-led online lectures and guided discussion
  • Clear explanations of key philosophical concepts
  • Curated readings and multimedia learning resources

Appropriate for

Anyone interested in philosophy and the paradoxes of existence. Beginner-friendly with no prior knowledge required.


Preparation

What to bring

  • Notebook and pen
  • Device with stable internet connection
  • Willingness to engage in discussion

What to wear


Your Teacher

Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

38 reviews

Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors

The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.

We do this by:

  • Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
  • Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
  • Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
  • Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
  • Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.

Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.

Terms & Conditions

At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.  

At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.

That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably.  Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:

Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

 Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued.  If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.

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