Philosophy (Summer School) module (SS03011)

Learn basic philosophical concepts and skills to prepare you for future philosophical study

Module code

SS03011

Semester

Runs during the summer

School

School of Humanities Social Sciences and Law

Discipline

Humanities

This course is a general historical introduction to philosophy. It covers some of its key thinkers, its principal movements, and its themes.

It will also cover basic philosophical concepts and skills to prepare the student for future philosophical study.

What you will learn:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

recognise the value and importance of philosophy
apply philosophical thought to quotidian experiences, situations, and events
engage and reflect, on a personal level, with philosophical problems and ideas
comprehend and analyse philosophical texts, particularly with respect to identifying and expressing their core arguments
write a short philosophical work with a coherent argument

Essay (70%) - The final essay will be based on a question emerging out of the material covered. More than one question will be available, and essay guidance will also be given.
3 x short journal entries (30%) - This weekly piece will be an informal personal reflection on a thinker, a theme, an idea, or a concept covered in the week’s seminars. This reflection may be in the form of a diary, or thoughts about a topic discussed, or an experience/situation the content brought to mind in the student’s own life, or an expression that is meaningful to the student, or why the student liked a particular idea/thinker, etc.

Week Topic