This course is an introduction to contemporary philosophy and the developments of modern thought beginning with phenomenology, the incredibly influential school of thought that sought to return to an examination of our lived experience in order to understand reality as such more fully. Phenomenology was a response to idealism and radical skepticism, and it is this intersection of thought that provides the starting point for this course because of its relevance to understanding the genesis and present state of contemporary philosophical movements. Among these movements, existentialism and humanism are highlighted in this course because of their prevailing relevance and acceptance today and their impact on the Church. In turn, special emphasis will also be given to the Christian personalists such as Karol Wojtyla and Edith Stein, who developed their work in the face of modern philosophical and political ideals that lead to a reduction of the human person. This course will help students to understand the key figures and philosophical undercurrents that greatly impacted the Church in the 20th century, especially Vatican II and Catholic social teaching.