BA Ancient History and Philosophy

Year 3

(Award available for year: Bachelor of Arts)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the year/programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:

- understand and demonstrate coherent and detailed command of the key concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques which constitute Philosophy and Ancient History, some of which will be informed by recent research/scholarship in the two disciplines;
- demonstrate a skilled knowledge of generic and subject-specific qualities, i.e.,
- present a structured and coherent argument
- have detailed knowledge of critical terminology
- deploy accurately standard techniques of analysis and enquiry within the two disciplines;
- demonstrate a conceptual understanding which enables the development and sustaining of an argument;
- describe and comment on particular aspects of recent research and/or scholarship;
- appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limitations of knowledge in the two disciplines;
- make appropriate use of scholarly literature and primary sources;
- apply knowledge and understanding in order to initiate and carry out an extended piece of work or project;
- conform to professional boundaries and norms where applicable;
- engage in reasoned discussion of often highly-charged topics with people of opposing views;
- identify the underlying issues in a debate, to analyse complex problems and to detect relevance and irrelevance;
- construct a reasoned argument for a point of view, and to present it in clear, structured prose;
- display openness and independence of mind: be receptive to new ideas and approaches, and be able to subject them to critical scrutiny;
- read and analyse complex texts, and be sensitive to issues of interpretation;
- display knowledge and understanding of some central theories and arguments in general philosophy, applied philosophy and the history of philosophy;
- have first-hand experience of the writings of some major philosophers;
- engage in informed reflection on their own lives and place in the world, and on the presuppositions of other people, other times and other disciplines;
- show a further enhanced knowledge of Ancient Greek and / or Roman history: the aspect(s) involved will depend on choice of options;
- undertake independent study into a chosen topic or topics in either of the partner subjects.

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

- the transferable/key/generic skills necessary for employment related to the area(s) studied;
- the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
- the deployment of decision-making skills in complex and unpredictable situations;
- the communication of information, ideas, problems and solutions in a variety of ways to a variety of audiences;
- the ability to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

This may typically include, to an extent commensurate with the level of study:
- independence of thought;
- capacity for critical reflection;
- capacity for critical judgement;
- ability to gather, memorise, organise and deploy information;
- ability to extract key elements from data and identify and solve associated problems;
- ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies;
- ability to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking;
- ability to engage in lateral thinking;
- ability to marshal argument;
- ability to present material orally;
- ability to present material in written form;
- ability to work with others;
- ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
- basic IT skills.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:

- research-based training;
- qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment at graduate level entry;
- skills necessary for the exercising of personal responsibility;
- decision making;
- demonstrating the ability to apply a broad range of aspects of the two disciplines;
- work that draws on a wide variety of material;
- the ability to evaluate and criticise received opinion;
- evidence of an ability to conduct independent, in-depth enquiry within the two disciplines;
- work that is typically both evaluative and creative;
- demonstrating advanced knowledge of Philosophy;
- demonstrating advanced knowledge of ancient Greek and / or Roman history.

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the syllabuses of the modules chosen within those specified for the year/programme, but will typically include elements of both formal examination and assessed essay work.