2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHIL3722 Philosophy and Literature

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Aaron Meskin
Email: a.meskin@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students must have completed 20 credits of Level 2 Philosophy modules

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. display in oral and written form knowledge and understanding of some central problems, argument, and theories of literature dealt with in the module;

2. read and analyse complex texts and be sensitive to issues of interpretation;

3. use a variety of philosophical techniques (example, description, argument) in written communications;

4. engage in philosophical theorizing, analysis and evaluation to justify their point of view.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should:

1. have some first-hand experience of the writings of some major philosophers in the philosophy of literature;

2. be aware of some of the frontiers of current debate and research in the philosophy of literature.

Syllabus

The module will develop an in-depth understanding of some central issues in the philosophy of literature. What distinguishes literary works from say history books? What is it to read or appreciate a work as literature? How and why do we value great literature? Addressing these kinds of questions will involve covering issues such as the nature of literature, what the values of literature are and the nature and value of distinct literary genres.

Assembling the elements of philosophical criticism from these studies, the module will bring them to bear on a variety of literary texts chosen for their relation to and capacity for provoking philosophical reflection. The module presumes no formal expertise in literature or literary studies but does assume an interest in literature.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	9	1.00	9.00
Seminar	16	1.00	16.00
Private study hours			175.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Seminar preparation: 109 hours;
Reflection on instructor's comments on first essay: 2 hours;
Essay writing: 64 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The first 2,000 word assessed essay will be due roughly midway through the semester and students will receive marks and feedback prior to the second essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,000 words	50.00
Essay	2,000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 06/05/2016

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