Module PHIL2081: POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY

Department: Philosophy

PHIL2081: POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY

Prerequisites

• At least one 'Year 1' module in Philosophy.

Corequisites

• At least one other 'Year 2' module in Philosophy.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To examine how philosophical perspectives can aid understanding of social and political issues, and how social and political issues can have relevance to philosophical theories.

Content

• The module will fall into two parts.
• In the first part, a number of theories in analytic political philosophical are examined, typically including liberal egalitarianism, libertarianism, socialism and communitarianism, as well as challenges to these from multiculturalist and feminist theories.
• In the second part of the module, a selection of philosophical issues arising from the nature of contemporary society are explored. Topics covered will typically relate to gender, race and class.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate both knowledge and critical understanding of :
• key contemporary perspectives in analytical political philosophy
• the philosophical implications of some modern political issues.
• the key areas of social philosophers and relevant thinkers from related disciplines
• the philosophical impications of some issues arising in contemporary society.

• grasp, analyse, evaluate and deploy subject-specific concepts and arguments
• locate, understand, assess and utilise pertinent philosophical sources (and, where appropriate, sources from other relevant disciplines, such as history, political theory and sociology).

• express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing
• comprehend complex ideas, propositions and theories
• defend their opinions by reasoned argument
• seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information
• tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion.

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

• Lectures deliver basic module-specific information, and provide a framework for further study.
• Discussion groups provide opportunities for students to test their own understanding of the material studies, and defend and debate different opinions.
• Guided reading provides a structure within which students exercise and extend their abilities to make use of available learning resources.
• The Formative exam provides an opportunity for students to test their knowledge and understanding of the module content, and their ability to present and defend relevant arguments and theories, uninhibited by the need for summative assessment.
• The take-home examinations test students' overall knowledge and understanding of the module content, and their ability to bring it to bear on new problems

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One formative take home exam at the end of Michaelmas Term.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University