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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of methodologies, concepts and questions that are engaged within the discipline of philosophy
Demonstrate an understanding of the historical contexts for the production and reception of philosophical concepts and arguments
Enter into critical and exegetical dialogue with philosophical texts
Critically analyse philosophical arguments
Construct and defend philosophical arguments and positions
This module is the first in a strand of core philosophy provision and it develops ideas and frameworks that will be picked up in TRS5412 Modern Philosophy: Mind, Self and World. The module covers selected episodes from the history of western philosophy, from Platonic to early modern philosophy, looking at debates about the material or immaterial basis of the mind, the nature of the soul, and the notion of agency and order. Through consideration of such historical debates, the module provides an introduction to fundamental questions and concepts of philosophy, and the developing critical tradition that reflects upon the formulation of these questions and problems as an essential path to answering them.
The module will be taught in plenary sessions which will make use of a blend of teaching and learning methods. These will normally include: lecture-style presentations by the tutor or visiting lecturers; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity will be given; and learning will be supported where appropriate by VLE and other electronic resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module; and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans and feedback on submitted work.
Workshops/ Seminars
Hours: 40
Guided Independent Learning
Hours: 160
Further details relating to assessment
Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.
Students may also negotiate their assessment topic with the lecturer.
001 Directed activities; throughout semester 2 10%
002 Essay; 2,000 words; mid-semester 2 45%
003 Presentation; 10 mins; end of semester 2 45%
Module Coordinator - Josh Poklad
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2
