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Beginning Philosophical Research - PHI00016C

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. David Austin
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module is designed to help students develop as independent researchers. Students are also given the opportunity to develop their presentation skills

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

  • To enable students to carry out independent research into philosophical topics of their choosing.

  • To build knowledge of significant philosophers, and key philosophical themes.

  • To develop methods for effectively communicating philosophical ideas outside of the traditional format of the academic essay.

  • To develop the skills of research, independent thinking, and time management

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to …

  • undertake independent research projects.

  • articulate and defend their philosophical views in an academic essay.

  • present their research as an academic poster, making efficient use of the format to convey complex information in a concise and accessible way.

  • present their research orally, and field questions in response to their presentation.

Module content

This module is designed to help students develop as independent researchers. It has two components.

In the first component, students will attend a series of philosophical lectures, introducing them to a broad range of topics beyond the ones covered in other first-year modules. Students will then write an essay on a topic of their choice. Students will be given suggested reading and guiding questions to help them begin on their essay, but are also strongly encouraged to carry out their own independent research as well.

In the second component, students will run their own independent research project into a philosopher of their choice. Students will be supported by a research supervisor, but the students are in charge of leading their projects. At the end of their projects, students will produce an academic poster on their philosopher, which will provide them with an opportunity to find ways of effectively communicating complex information in a concise and accessible way. Students will also give an oral presentation on their poster

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Summative Essay		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Poster		 N/A 30
Essay/coursework
Poster Presentation		 N/A 20

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Formative assessment: Poster plan to be submitted at a date agreed with module convenor

Summative assessment:

  1. 1,500-word essay (50%)
  2. Poster (30%)
  3. Oral presentation of poster (20%)

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Summative Essay		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Poster		 N/A 30
Essay/coursework
Poster Presentation		 N/A 20

Module feedback

Summative assessment will be returned within current guidelines for turnaround.

Indicative reading

Key texts will depend upon the topic and philosopher chosen.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.