Module FOUD0107: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0107: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To provide an introduction to Philosophy
• Develop the ability for students to identify, critically analyse and evaluate theories, concepts and arguments of Philosophy
• Enable students to collect, describe and analyse philosophical sources
• Students will develop knowledge and understanding of selected areas of Philosophy

Content

• Epistemology
• What it means to be human
• Issues and challenges of ethics
• Philosophy of religion and art
• Political Philosophy across a range of cultures

Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
• SSK1 significant developments in the history of western
• SSK2 philosophical thought;
• SSK3 a range of major philosophical texts;
• SSK4 important philosophical concepts, questions, arguments and methods.

• SSS1 Critically analyse ideological and cultural perspectives
• SSS2 Recognise and appreciate cultural and social diversity of philosophical thinking
• SSS3 Apply philosophical approaches to other disciplines

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• KS1 Communicate effectively in writing
• KS2 Understand introductory theories and ideas
• KS3 Research and identify appropriate source material
• KS4 Demonstrate critical analysis of relevant texts
• Test will assess: SK1, SK2, SK3, SSK4, SS1, SS2, SS3, KS1, KS2, KS4.
• Assignment will assess: SK1, SK2, SK3, SSK4, SS1, SS2, SS3, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• All teaching will take the form of seminars with a view to encouraging the active participation of all students.
• Throughout the programme students will be given a range of exercises designed to develop their ability to understand, analyse and formulate arguments.
• The assessment methods aim to take account of the need for students to be able to make effective use of primary and secondary sources and to express their ideas both verbally and in writing.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Throughout the course students are expected to consolidate their learning through background reading. Exercises and library research will be set to enable students to measure their progress and confirm understanding of the material.