2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHIL1555 Philosophy for PPE

30 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Kal Kalewold
Email: k.kalewold@leeeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

PHIL1333 PPE First Year Seminar Semester 1 & PHIL1444 PPE First Year Seminar Semester 2

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is delivered over two semesters and provides a wide-ranging introduction to philosophy. In the first semester, it covers a variety of topics in theoretical philosophy, which investigates the nature of the mind, personal identity, knowledge, and free will, among other foundational issues. In the second semester, the module covers a variety of topics in moral and political philosophy, which broadly inquire into our duties to one another as human beings and co-citizens.

Objectives

The overarching aim of the module is to provide students with an introduction to philosophy that will supply a solid foundation for further study in the discipline at higher levels. Although the module is not limited to moral and political philosophy, it does include a special focus on these areas of philosophy, since they interact with and complement other disciplines in the PPE programme particularly well.

Through discussion-based lectures, classroom discussions, and a close reading of primary texts, the module aims to ensure that students obtain substantive knowledge of core theories and ideas across philosophy and develop the analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate them.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

1. Construct rationally persuasive arguments for or against philosophical conclusions.

2. Clearly communicate an understanding of key philosophical texts and issues through the accurate explanation of source material in their written work.

3. Creatively use sources, evidence, theories and ideas to conduct critical analyses of relevant philosophical texts and hypotheses.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

4. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)

5. Critically analyse source material and demonstrate independence of thought (Academic and Work Ready skill)

6. Search for appropriate material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work Ready, Digital and Sustainability skill)

7. Conform to standards of academic integrity including when and how to appropriately acknowledge someone else’s work (Academic and Work Ready skill)

Syllabus

In semester 1, the module provides a survey of topics across theoretical philosophy. For example, the module may cover topics such as the metaphysics of race and gender, scepticism, the nature of consciousness, and decision-theory. In semester 2, the module covers a variety of topics in moral and political philosophy. Example topics include: social justice, normative ethical theories, and the ethics of markets.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Seminar	1	1.00	1.00
Seminar	16	1.50	24.00
Private study hours			255.00
Total Contact hours			45.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative assessment in this module is designed to facilitate (i) differentiated instruction, (ii) active student reflection on skills development, (iii) student self-assessment, and (iv) student choice.

In addition to the formative feedback available to students in office hours and seminar-based activities, students are given three options for formative feedback, and may take advantage of all of them if they so choose:

1. Submission of a critical analysis of a passage of philosophical text for written feedback
2. Submission of an essay plan
3. Weekly completion of a short multiple-choice topic comprehension quiz

By giving students access to a wide range of options for formative feedback, these varied methods of formative assessment take account of the wide array of knowledge and skills that students at this stage of their academic study will need to aid their development as learners, and it enables the instructor to respond to students’ individual needs. The first option for formative assessment aids students in building their skills in critical thinking and analysis, while the third option helps them to gain insight into their own comprehension of key philosophical theories and ideas. The second option assists students in developing skills at planning and developing arguments.

Together, these methods of formative assessment build students’ academic self-conception and encourages them to take ownership over their intellectual development. Students are invited to reflect upon the feedback that they receive on these methods of formative assessment, and to incorporate them into their written work.

In addition, students are asked to read and reflect on(i) the PRHS marking criteria for their upcoming summative assessment, and (iii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module. These exercises encourage students to think about current expectations and take an active role in honing their knowledge and skill development.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,000 word essay due at the end of semester 1	50.00
Essay	2,000 word essay due at the end of semester 2	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Essay 1 assesses course material from semester 1 and will be due at the end of that semester. Essay 2 assesses course material from semester 2 and will be due at the end of that semester.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:19:42

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