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PHIL3112: PHILOSOPHY LONG DISSERTATION

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Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 40
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Philosophy

Prerequisites

  • At least two 'Year 2' modules in Philosophy.

Corequisites

  • Another 'Year 3' module in philosophy

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Any other dissertation module.

Aims

  • To get students wrestling with a philosophical problem or a philosophical author on their own, with the guidance of a supervisor, and writing up their work in a formal academic way.

Content

  • The topic of the dissertation is chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor.
  • Tutorials are held to discuss work in progress, and cover planning and structure of the dissertation, research methods (eg.
  • bibliographical searching and reference) and final presentation.
  • Students are expected to submit preparatory plans and drafts for discussion to an agreed schedule.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of this module students will have detailed knowledge of a topic their choice, agreed with their supervisor, in philosophy or history and philosophy of science and medicine

Subject-specific Skills:

  • locate, understand, assess and utilise pertinent philosophical (and, where appropriate, historical) sources
  • interpret and criticise relevant texts.

Key Skills:

  • express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing and discussion
  • comprehend complex ideas, propositions and theories
  • defend their opinions by reasoned argument
  • seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information
  • tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Individual supervision sessions provide students with guidance for reading to discuss the progress of their research, and to assess their understanding of the topics and arguments covered in their dissertation.
  • The advice session for students writing dissertations gives general advice on research resources, layout and presentation.
  • The dissertation tests knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the dissertation, the ability to identify and explain philosophical and/or historical issues, and, using relevant research material to present relevant theories and arguments and to make reasoned judgements on their merits and demerits.
  • the co-requisite is required for pedagogical reasons to extend the student's advanced understanding of the discipline of philosophy.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Individual Supervision616 
Preparation and Reading394 
Total400 

Summative Assessment

Component: DissertationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
dissertation must not exceed 12000 words and must be submitted by the first Friday of the Easter Term of the Final Year 100 

Formative Assessment

None

More information

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