Philosophical Frontiers
| Module title | Philosophical Frontiers |
|---|---|
| Module code | PHL3080 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Adrian Currie (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 24 |
|---|
Module description
Philosophical Frontiers is a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge philosophy in small-group environments. The module focuses on a newly published or forthcoming philosophical monograph from any tradition or specialization. There is likely to be direct contact with the author towards the end of the module, either by email, skype or a visiting lecture. Teaching is seminar-based, with a focus on student-led discussion and learning. Although there are no pre-requisites, the intensive nature of the module requires a keen interest in philosophy and a commitment to seminar attendance. Due to the research focus, it is good preparation for your undergraduate thesis.
Module aims - intentions of the module
- You will critically engage with work on the frontiers of philosophy through reading a recently published or forthcoming monograph.
- You will learn research skills in both self-motivated and group contexts.
- You will develop core philosophical skills such as critical reflection, argumentation and clarity of expression.
- Examining a cutting-edge monograph will help you cover new research methods and trends; understand the importance of sustaining a philosophical project beyond the journal-article format; and about situating philosophical work within disciplinary context.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate familiarity with a cutting-edge philosophical monograph.
- 2. Critically understand the historical and philosophical context of a piece of cutting-edge philosophy.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Critically analyse and respond to philosophical arguments.
- 4. Develop your own philosophical ideas.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Provide clear and concise written and oral communication skills.
- 6. Demonstrate comprehension of complex ideas and writing.
- 7. Show creativity, enabling lateral thinking, new ideas and problem-solving skills.
Syllabus plan
The syllabus is focused around a single monograph, which will vary from year to year and is chosen by the module convenor. Each week will involve reading a single chapter, with the occasional supplementary reading where appropriate.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 22 | Weekly 2-hour lectures/seminars or 1 hour lecture + 1 hour seminar. |
| Guided Independent Study | 50 | Weekly assigned readings |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Preparation for class discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | 48 | Preparation for essay |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay plan | 100 words | 1, 3, 4, 7 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 0 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 70 | 2500 words | 1-7 | Written |
| Seminar Presentation & either PowerPoint slides or handout. | 20 | 10 minutes, 10 PowerPoint slides or 2-sided handout | 1, 2, 5, 6 | Written |
| Reading Reports (The mark will be an overall mark for the set: you will have 8 chances to submit a reading report, and if you submit at least 5 reports over the semester, youll get the full 10% (each report is worth 2%, up to a total of 10%). | 10 | 5 reports x 25 words | 3, 5, 6 | You will get feedback on these assignments in three ways: (1) reading reports will form the basis of tutorial discussion, so you will receive (and offer) feedback from your peers during class; (2) convenor provides general feedback during classes; (3) you can receive individual feedback on request. |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (2500 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
| Seminar Presentation | 1-1 presentation | 1, 2, 5, 6 | August/September reassessment period |
| Reading Reports | 750 word paper summary | 3, 5, 6 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Each year the module will differ depending on the selected monograph, but here is an indication of the kinds of options that could be explored:
Nguyen, Thi (forthcoming). Games: Agency as Art, Oxford University Press.
Potochnik, Angela (2017) Idealization and the Aims of Science, Chicago University Press
Stoljar, Daniel (2018) Philosophical Progress: in defence of a reasonable optimism. Oxford University Press.
Alexandrova, Anna (2017). A Philosophy for the Science of Wellbeing. Oxford University Press.
O’Connor, Cailin (forthcoming). The Origins of Unfairness. Oxford University Press.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 17/02/2020 |
| Last revision date | 14/09/2022 |
