Short course
Hegel: An Introduction
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
21/01/2027 - 18/02/2027
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£190.00
Hegel's philosophy is notorious for its difficulty and obscurity. It claims to present 'absolute knowledge', showing how everything is comprehensible from the standpoint of 'spirit', by means of a peculiar 'dialectical' logic. History is supposed to reveal the realization of reason, apparently culminating and concluding in Hegel's own time (if not his head!). And yet Hegel's philosophy has also been wildly influential, an unavoidable point of reference, positively and negatively, for following philosophical movements. This course will provide an introduction to Hegel's system and his main claims, enabling participants to decide if it is still possible to be a Hegelian!
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Course aims
Course aim: To introduce participants to Hegel’s philosophical system.
Course objectives:
1. To introduce students to the key ideas and arguments of G.W.F. Hegel.
2. To encourage students to think critically about Hegel’s ideas.
3. To enable students to appreciate Hegel’s philosophical achievements.
Programme details
Course starts Thursday 21 January 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Thursdays, 4.30-6.30pm.
Week 1: Hegel: the context and motivations of his philosophy.
Week 2: Absolute idealism : ‘the real is the rational’, ‘the true is the whole’.
Week 3: Dialectic: ‘the power of the negative’.
Week 4: Spirit: ‘the I that is we and the we that is I’.
Week 5: History: the progress of reason; has the Owl of Minerva now flown?
Teaching methods
Students will be provided with a course pack containing the main extracts from Hegel’s texts to be considered in the course. The tutor will give a presentation in class, before opening up for discussion. Electronic presentations will be used and made available to students in advance in a variety of formats.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
1. have become familiar with the main elements of Hegel’s thought.
2. have developed informed and considered views as to the strengths and weaknesses of Hegel’s philosophical positions.
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Dr Meade McCloughan
Meade McCloughan has been studying philosophy for over 40 years and has taught at University College London and Birkbeck College London. He is on the organising group of the Marx and Philosophy Society.
Certification
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £190.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- Hegel / Frederick Beiser
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.