Teaching and assessment for European Philosophy MA (Hons)

School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law

Teaching

We use a range of teaching methods, from lectures, to small group seminars or tutorials.

For most modules in Levels 1 and 2 you will attend two lectures and one tutorial in each week. This may vary in Levels 3 and 4 where you may have one lecture and more small working groups or seminars per week.

For the philosophy lectures you will be introduced to the major themes and topics of a philosopher or philosophical problem. For the tutorials you will question and develop your own world views, construct arguments to defend them, and put together projects in small groups to illustrate them.

You will also engage in independent reading and research, with specially designed worksheets and assignments to help you to do this most effectively.

At Levels 1 and 2 you will have a tutor who leads the weekly tutorial discussion and who is there to help you if you need advice.

Assessment

Assessments are carried out through coursework and exams and vary in type and weighting from module to module.

Methods of assessment can include:

essays
tutorial performance
exams
online journals and discussions

At Level 4 you will apply the skills you have learned by writing a dissertation on a topic of your own choice.

Modules

In Levels 1 and 2 you'll also study additional Humanities or Social Science subjects, such as economics, English, history, politics or psychology.

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: HU11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module provides you with a sense of the different roles that Humanities can play in today’s world by examining and contextualising several current issues and concepts around the question of the future through a study of examples based mainly upon historical, literary, and philosophical texts.

Humanities in Practice full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: EN11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module will introduce you to university-level work in Literary Studies. We focus on the three main genres of drama, poetry, and the novel, using examples from various times in literary history.

Introduction to Literary Study full module details

Module code: EN12014 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module explores the strengths and weaknesses of differing theories of literary interpretation. You will read poems, plays, and novels from a variety of historical periods together with works of literary theory while exploring weekly topics e.g. Beginnings, Character, Satire, Love and Desire, Secrets, The Body, and Fear and Terror.

Approaches to Reading full module details

Module code: HY11004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Revolutions is a key concept in modern political and intellectual history. But why do we refer to particular political event as 'revolutions'? How does the label 'revolution' affect how political ideologists and historians have interpreted the significance, the causes and consequences of highly complex and turbulent events in modern history.

Revolutions in World History full module details

Module code: HY11005 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module studies the exchange of goods, people, and ideas that tied together Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

It explores the origins of globalization and provides a comparative understanding of the development of European empires in Africa and the Americas.

The Rise of Atlantic Empires, 1500-1750 full module details

Module code: PF11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop basic linguistic knowledge. You will learn cultural awareness and transferable communication skills. These will be of use to you in your personal and professional life.

You will work within the level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Applied French 1A (Intensive) full module details

Module code: PF11003 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills. This will be of use to you in your personal and professional life.

You will work within the level of A2-B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all skill areas.

Applied French 1A full module details

Module code: PF12002 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Develop basic linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills. These will be of use to you in your personal and professional life.

You will work within the level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all skill areas and selected skill areas of A2

Applied French 1B (Intensive) full module details

Module code: PF12004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

You will develop linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills. This will be of use to you in your personal and professional lives.

You will work within the level of B1 to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all skill areas.

Applied French 1B full module details

Module code: PI11005 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module gives you an introduction to the basic terminology of aesthetics as a philosophical subject.

Through engagement with both ancient and modern conceptions of the relationship between art and philosophy, you will identify and critique key stages in the development of this relationship.

Introduction to Aesthetics full module details

Module code: PI11007 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This is a dynamic course on modern philosophy that explores the realms of thought and reality. It uncovers the minds that shape today's philosophical discussions, as it dives into the rich tapestry of contemporary philosophy.

Descartes, Thought and Reality full module details

Module code: PS11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop basic linguistic knowledge. You will learn cultural awareness and transferable communication skills. These will be of use to you in your personal and professional life.

You will work within the level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Applied Spanish 1A (Intensive) full module details

Module code: PS11003 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills which will be of use to you in your personal and professional life. You will work within the level of A2-B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all skills areas.

Applied Spanish 1A full module details

Module code: PS12002 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Develop basic linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills which will be of use to you in your personal and professional life. You will work within the level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all skills areas and selected skill areas of A2

Applied Spanish 1B (Intensive) full module details

Module code: PS12004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

You will develop linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills which will be of use to you in your personal and professional lives. You will work within the level of B1 to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all skill areas.

Applied Spanish 1B full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: AG20001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

For undergraduate students seeking to gain a better understanding of career planning process.

Ideal for anyone who wants to get started with choosing a career path or make plans towards their future. Suitable for students who need the flexibility of online learning.

Career Planning Module Online full module details

Module code: AG22037 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module will provide work experience alongside university study to further enhance employability and help you plan for your future.

It will suit students who can bring a professional attitude to their internship and are keen to take practical steps towards developing transferable skills for their future.

Internship full module details

Module code: HU21001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module introduces important concepts about gender and sexuality and shows how these concepts have changed over time.

Lecturers from English Literature, Philosophy, History, Creative Writing, Film, and Languages offer influential ideas from their disciplines, and help you recognise how sex-gender systems have real and physical consequences in individuals' lives.

Gender, Sexuality, Culture full module details

Module code: PI21004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module illuminates the transformative impact of 20th-century philosophical movements on our understanding of existence and reality.

From existential angst to the exploration of Dasein, you will critically engage with pivotal writings that have shaped modern philosophy and continue to influence our understanding of life and existence.

Thinking about life: Existentialism, Life World and Dasein full module details

Module code: PI22006 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

In this module, we delve into the fascinating world of art and aesthetics, exploring why some philosophers have sought to defend the value of beauty in the modern world, and why some argue good art without being beautiful is in fact one of the great achievements of 20th century art.

Aesthetics full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: PI31023 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 2

This module is for anyone who is interested in how recent feminist and queer thinkers, writers and artists have critiqued and transformed philosophy

Feminist Philosophies and Queer Theories full module details

Module code: PI31027 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 2

From the battlefields of linguistic nationalism to the seismic shifts caused by global English-language dominance, this module plunges into the heart of linguistic dilemmas in the 21st century.

Examine why language matters beyond traditional philosophy of language, cultivating your critical thinking skills and reflecting on your own relationship to language.

Philosophising in Tongues: Philosophy, Politics and Language full module details

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: PI40007 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 2

The Philosophy Dissertation represents the culmination of the undergraduate Philosophy degree.

It is uniquely challenging, rewarding, and offers you the opportunity to use the research skills and interests gained over the course of your entire degree, and to channel them towards a research topic of your own choosing and design.

Philosophy Dissertation full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: PI42014 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 2

Dive into the heart of philosophy with "Phenomenology: Exploring Openness and Attunement." This module is your gateway to understanding the ways in which philosophical thinking has evolved over time and how it shapes our understanding of the world today.

Fundamental texts in the European tradition - Phenomenology full module details

Module code: PI42015 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 1

In this module you will study dialectics. Dialectics is a method and a way of thinking which aims to understand issues by assessing conflicting arguments about them. It has applications in many areas of contemporary debate.

Dialectics: Systems and their Negations full module details

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