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2007/08 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS3860 How to be human: Aristotle's anthropology

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Prof Malcolm Heath
Email: M.F.Heath@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2007/08

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything has been variously estimated at 42 (Douglas Adams) and 1 (Plato). Aristotle produced a more complex and interesting set of suggestions. His interdisciplinary research project ranged from very general questions about the structure of reality (how many things does 'is' mean?) and our understanding of it (how many kinds of answer are there to the question 'why?') to details of empirical and theoretical biology (how do hedgehogs copulate? what are brains for? what is it to be a living thing?). Human beings, like many other animals, live in social groups; uniquely, they can give and reflectively evaluate reasons for what they think, say and do. Hence the study of being human leads to questions of ethics (what is the best way to live?) and politics (what form of society will best support that way of life?). There is no doubt that Aristotle got many things wrong (brains are not body-heat regulators). But it is may be that his underlying concepts and ways of thinking have something to contribute to our own self-understanding. This module explores this possibility, seeking to understand and critically evaluate Aristotle's ideas about what it is to be human.For further information, visit us at the Electives Fair or contact the Department of Classics, situated on the first floor of the Parkinson Building, south end (email: classics@leeds.ac.uk; website: www.leeds.ac.uk/classics/; telephone: 0113 343 3537).

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- give a concise and accurate account of basic concepts in Aristotle's philosophy;
- identify and comment briefly on issues in Aristotle's understanding of being human raised by passages from Aristotle's works;
- display an understanding of, and comment critically on, a chosen issue in Aristotle's understanding of being human;
- give an informed assessment of the relevance of Aristotle's approach to our own self-understanding.

Syllabus

The module will study aspects of Aristotle's philosophy relevant to understanding his thinking on the nature of human existence. Topics covered in the introductory overview will include: the nature of existence; explanation and understanding; the nature of living organisms; psychology and physiology; human society and culture; the kind of life which is most appropriate for human beings. The second stage of the course will provide an opportunity for more detailed discussion and evaluation of his ethical and political thought, and will encourage students to assess the possible relevance of Aristotle's approach to our contemporary human self-understanding.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

30 hours - consolidating lectures
30 hours - preparing seminars
40 hours - background reading
40 hours - reading Aristotle
10 hours - writing assignments
20 hours - writing essay
10 hours - revising for exam

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

2 x 750 word assignments in Semester 1 monitor understanding of basic Aristotelian concepts. Participation in seminars in Semester 2 monitors ability to apply these concepts in interpreting and evaluating Aristotle's anthropology.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Not more than 750 words	10.00
Assignment	Not more than 750 words	10.00
Essay	Approximately 2,500 words	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		80.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		20.00

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: 26/02/2008

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