Module overview
An Individually Negotiated Topic offers you the opportunity to explore in detail some central themes in a philosophical area of your choice. The areas that can be studied vary but may include, among others, Plato, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Wittgenstein, Contemporary Aesthetics, History of Aesthetics, Ethics, Epistemology, Philosophical Logic, Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, Feminist Philosophy.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- research a complex topic independently
- manage the time and resources available to you in order to achieve success in the above tasks
- present the outcome of your research orally in a seminar context
- critically assess the cogency and success of proposed solutions
- write a clear and well-structured overview of the main issues, possible problems and solutions relevant to topic being examined
- engage in group discussion, making and taking constructive criticism
- summarise the central themes, questions, problems and solutions related to that topic
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- understand complex philosophical texts. This involves: • identifying the central themes and problems in a philosophical text • identifying main views and solutions offered by the authors • identifying authors’ arguments in support of the above
- critically assess complex philosophical texts. This involves: • identifying and explaining solutions to the philosophical questions and problems proposed in the central texts • assessing the cogency and success of the above • identifying and explaining other possible solutions and assessing their relative merits
- articulate, present and debate philosophical ideas, both orally and in writing, in an open-minded but rigorous way
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the relationship between the different texts studied, where appropriate.
- the central themes, problems and arguments in the texts studied
- how to undertake independent research appropriate to the production of an assessed essay
Syllabus
The syllabus will vary depending on the topic you choose, and your interests concerning that topic.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching activities include
- Tutorials
Learning activities include
- Reading assigned material
- Attending tutorials and contributing to discussion
- Doing research for and writing assessed essays
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Wider reading or practice | 20 |
Follow-up work | 20 |
Completion of assessment task | 40 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 60 |
Seminar | 10 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: External