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Unit information: Introduction to Philosophy A in 2024/25

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

Unit name Introduction to Philosophy A
Unit code PHIL10005
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Mankowitz
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

None

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

None

Units you may not take alongside this one

None

School/department Department of Philosophy
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Unit Information

An introductory unit for all taking Philosophy as beginners, this unit leads students into some central problems of epistemology and metaphysics. It consists of two strands, one text-based and one topic-based. The text-based strand consists of six lectures each on Descartes' Meditations and Hume's first Enquiry. The topic-based strand consists of lectures on knowledge, truth, and the distinction between reality and appearance.

Your learning on this unit

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the key historical texts covered.
  2. demonstrate knowledge of the key secondary literature on these texts, and be able to engage critically with it.
  3. engage critically with the authors’ positions and arguments.
  4. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the key issues in metaphysics and epistemology covered.
  5. demonstrate familiarity with some key contemporary literature on these issues, and be able to engage critically with it.

How you will learn

Lectures, small group work, individual exercises, seminars and virtual learning environment.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative): 

None

Tasks which do not count towards your unit mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted): 

None

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative): 

  1. Detailed Essay Plan, 500 words (10%) [ILOs 3, 4, 5]
  2. Essay, 1500 words (15%) [ILOs 1-5]
  3. Exam (75%) [ILOs 1-5]

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHIL10005).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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