Module PHIL3101: Philosophy Short Dissertation

Department: Philosophy

PHIL3101: Philosophy Short Dissertation

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

• At least one other 'Year 3' module in Philosophy.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any other dissertation module.

Aims

• To enable students to conduct an extensive study or survey of a philosophical problem or author, with the guidance of a supervisor, and to write up their findings in a formal academic way.

Content

• The topic of the dissertation is chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor.
• Supervision sessions are held to discuss work in progress, and cover planning and structure of the dissertation, research methods (e.g bibliographical searching and reference) and final presentation.
• Students are expected to submit preparatory plans and drafts for discussion to an agreed schedule.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module students will have detailed knowledge of a topic their choice, agreed with their supervisor, in philosophy or history and philosophy of science and medicine

• locate, understand, assess and utilise pertinent philosophical (and, where appropriate, historical) sources
• interpret and criticise relevant texts.
• develop a deeper understanding of the concepts, arguments, and discourse of the dissertation topic.

• develop and improve their long-term research project planning and management skills
• express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing and discussion
• 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

• Individual supervision sessions provide students with guidance for reading to discuss the progress of their research, and to assess their understanding of the topics and arguments covered in their dissertation.
• Workshops provide opportunity to plan, present, discuss, and critique short versions of the overall topic and argument with peers.
• The dissertation tests knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the dissertation, the ability to identify and explain philosophical and/or historical issues, and, using relevant research material to present relevant theories and arguments and to make reasoned judgements on their merits and demerits.
• The dissertation must not exceed 5000 words and must be submitted by the first Friday of the Easter Term of the Final Year.
• Students' performance and progress will be assessed via teacher-supervisor review based on direct observation and feedback from the dissertation supervisor. Students will be assessed on their engagement with the supervision process over the course of the academic year until the dissertation submission date.
• Workshops will be recorded, unless the lecturer judges that lecture capture is inappropriate, in line with the official university lecture capture policy.
• Structured conversations will be used to help assess understanding.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.