PHI355 Philosophical Project 1 (Autumn Semester)
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OutlineThese are optional, inquiry based learning modules. Each semester a variety of topics will be set. For each topic, a short list of key readings is provided. Having chosen a topic, students are expected to master the readings, and to supplement them with at least two others pieces of relevant literature that they have used the available library and web resources to uncover. Then, having agreed an essay plan and title with the tutor assigned to them for the module, they write an extended essay that identifies the central issue (or issues) under discussion, relates the various responses to that issue found in the literature, evaluates those contributions, and goes some way to identifying a satisfactory resolution of the issue.Students will have three separate contact hours with a tutor. Where more than one student has chosen a topic, collaboration between them is encouraged. For the first two contact hours, all the students studying that topic will meet the tutor together. Although you should be careful to maintain a range of methods of teaching and study in their third year, you may take both Project modules. You may also do Projects while opting for assessment by Long Essay in your other modules – although Single Honours students may take no more than a total of three modules that are either Project modules or modules assessed by Long Essay, and Duals no more than two. However, as these modules will require more self-directed study, and a longer form of written assessment, you should consider carefully whether this module is suitable for to you. If uncertain, you should seek guidance from your personal advisor before making your module choice. |
How the Projects WorkEach project consists of a short list of central readings. Your task is to digest, analyse and respond to these pieces. In addition, you are to find and digest at least two further bits of relevant literature.Assessment is by extended essay (4500 to 6000 words). (This module counts towards your maximum number of long essays for the year—3 for singles and 2 for duals.) Your essay should analyse the set literature, agree an essay plan with your tutor, identify the central issue or issues you will discuss, relate the various approaches to that issue contained in the literature set, evaluate the state of the debate, and make some attempt to say where, in your opinion, the truth lies. You should also draw on the two additional bits of literature you have found to help you with some or all of these tasks. Where possible, you will work collaboratively with your fellow students on digesting the set literature and identifying relevant supplementary material. You have the right to three contact hours with the member of staff assigned to this project. If several of you are working on the same topic, you will be expected to spend the first two of those hours with the tutor as a group. Contact hours will occur, by arrangement, in weeks 3, 7 and 11 of the semester. |
The Projects - Autumn SemesterNote that a different set of projects is offered for the Spring semester module.Pyrrhonian Scepticism Intuitionism Cooperation and the Prisoner’s Dilemma Zeno Trust Evil of Death Racism Scientific Realism Transcendental Arguments. |
Lecture - take place in week 1 and 2 of term onlyThu 5-6 [Weeks 1 & 2 only]Room: HI-LT02 |
