PH353-15 Independent Project
Introductory description
This module offers students the opportunity to write a longer essay, typically during the course of one term, on a specialist philosophical topic of their choice. Registration for the module is dependent on the availability of a suitable supervisor. Agreement of supervision arrangements for the independent project follows the same procedures as those used for agreement of supervision arrangements for dissertations. Students must find a supervisor and agree a topic with him or her during the summer term of their penultimate year, which will be followed by three supervision sessions in the final year, which guide the student’s independent work on the essay.
Module aims
To provide students with the opportunity to study one particular topic in Philosophy at some depth in supervised independent research
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Students may choose their own subject.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Students should be able to understand and discuss at some depth a particular topic, problem or theory in philosophy.
- Students should be able to research the relevant literature, draw up a plan of work, and present their arguments in a clear way.
- Students should be able to isolate the important claims within readings, understand the structure of arguments, test views for strengths and weaknesses, make pertinent use of examples, and compare the substance of views consistently.
- Students should be able to pursue and organize philosophical research using a range of sources (print and electronic media), documenting research carefully, and showing the ability to engage independently in philosophical debate.
Research element
Students will be required to complete their own research on a subject of their choice.
Subject specific skills
Students should be able to pursue and organize philosophical research using a range of sources (print and electronic media), documenting research carefully, and showing the ability to engage independently in philosophical debate.
Transferable skills
Independent research and writing
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Project supervision | 3 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
| Private study | 147 hours (98%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Independent research and writing.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Essay | 100% | Yes (extension) | |
|
5000 word essay |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback on essays will be provided on the coversheet for the essay, addressing standard areas of evaluation and individual content.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of UPHA-V700 Undergraduate Philosophy
- Year 4 of UPHA-V701 Undergraduate Philosophy (wiith Intercalated year)
- Year 4 of UPHA-V702 Undergraduate Philosophy (with Work Placement)
- Year 4 of UPHA-V7MM Undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with Intercalated year)
This module is Core option list A for:
- Year 3 of UMAA-GV17 Undergraduate Mathematics and Philosophy
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 3 of UPHA-VL78 BA in Philosophy with Psychology
- Year 4 of UPHA-VL79 BA in Philosophy with Psychology (with Intercalated year)
- Year 3 of UMAA-GV17 Undergraduate Mathematics and Philosophy
- Year 4 of UMAA-GV18 Undergraduate Mathematics and Philosophy with Intercalated Year
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 3 of UPHA-VQ72 Undergraduate Philosophy and Literature
- Year 4 of UPHA-VQ73 Undergraduate Philosophy and Literature with Intercalated Year
This module is Option list C for:
- Year 3 of UHIA-V1V5 Undergraduate History and Philosophy
- Year 4 of UHIA-V1V6 Undergraduate History and Philosophy (with Year Abroad)