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2005/06 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS3820 Plato: Three Dialogues

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr E.E. Pender

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2005/06

This module is approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module students will understand the hermeneutical issues of the dialogue form and be able to engage with Plato's thoughts on metaphysics, ethics and politics.

Syllabus

We will read excerpts from three works of Plato: Gorgias, Republic and Phaedo.
The goal will be to appreciate each dialogue as an individual whole but also to locate both common ground and clear differences between the debates. Plato's metaphysics will be explored through his Theory of Forms, as presented in Republic, and his views on the soul's immortal nature, as considered in all three works studied. His political thought will be approached through Gorgias and Republic, which, following Plato's own links between ethics and politics, will lead on to an exploration of the Theory of Tripartition, as presented and discussed in Republic. The nature of the philosophical life (and afterlife) will be discussed with particular reference to the Phaedo. Throughout we will be concerned with the question of how Plato's use of the dialogue form has serious implications for those seeking to understand his philosophy.

Teaching methods

Lectures: 16 x 1 hour;

Seminars: 4 x 1 hour.

Private study

4 hours reading per lecture: 64 hours;
5 hours reading per seminar: 20 hours;
Short assessment preparation: 20 hours;
Essay assessment preparation: 40 hours;
Revision: 36 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Mid-term assessment (sem 1) and seminar participation.

Methods of assessment

1 x 1000 word assignment, to be submitted in week 7 of semester 1 (20%);
1 x 2500 word essay, to be submitted at the end of semester 2 (60%);
1 x 1.5-hour examination, with passages for comment, at the end of semester 2 (20%).

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 09/04/2013

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