Short Dissertation - PHI00041H

«Back to module search

Module summary

This module enables students to work independently on a well-defined philosophical problem, chosen by themselves with guidance from a supervisor.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26
B	Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

Subject Content

• To enable students to work independently on a well-defined philosophical problem, chosen by themselves with guidance from a supervisor.

Academic and Graduate Skills

• To develop students' abilities to apply philosophical tools and techniques, in order to advance understanding of intellectual problems, and to work independently.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

• Students should be able to display a critical understanding of a philosophical topic of their choosing, with a grasp of the forefront of current research in the area.

Academic and graduate skills

• Students should be able to analyse complex areas of knowledge, displaying critical awareness and synthesise information and ideas from a variety of sources at the forefront of the discipline; Students should show the ability to work autonomously and self critically.

Module content

Applying for the Short Dissertation module:

• The intention to apply for the Short Dissertation should be indicated on the option module app at the time students choose their third year modules.

• Students will be sent information and guidance by email about how and when to submit a Dissertation proposal for approval. A clear deadline for proposal submission will be provided to students. The deadline will be in the Semester before the one in which the Short Dissertation will be taken: ie May prior to S1, October prior to S2.

• Students are responsible for identifying a potential Philosophy member of staff to act as their dissertation supervisor and to discuss their ideas with them in first instance. Once a topic, title and supervisor have been identified and agreed with the supervisor, then you will need to submit a Proposal to the Philosophy Board of Studies for approval by the agreed published deadline.

• The proposal should:
  • be clear and precisely worded
  • include a well-defined and manageable question or topic
  • include some indication of the philosophical background (about 200 words)
  • include a preliminary bibliography (minimum 6 works)

• The subject proposed should not be a mere duplication of topics covered in already available modules, though it may comprise a substantial and detailed development of such a topic.

• Overambitious or poorly researched proposals will not receive approval.

• Students will be contacted by the Chair of Board of Studies to let them know whether their proposal has been approved, declined or returned for adjustments.

Supervision arrangements:

• Students will receive at least four hours of personal tuition.
• Students will submit and receive feedback on a plan of their dissertation by a deadline agreed with their dissertation supervisor.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

All formative and summative feedback will be returned in accordance with University and Departmental policy.

Indicative reading

N/a