Short Dissertation - PHI00041H
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