Introductory description

The module offers students the opportunity to write a longer essay, typically during the course of one term, on a
specialist interdisciplinary topic of their choice (in philosophy and literature). It aims to encourage students to bridge the two disciplines. It is a particularly useful choice for students thinking of going on to graduate work, but it is also relevant for career destinations requiring skills in gathering and synthesising material.

Registration for the module is dependent on the availability of suitable supervisors. Agreement of supervision arrangements for the independent project follows the same procedures as those used for agreement of supervision arrangements for dissertations. The independent project would usually entail 3 (max 4) supervision sessions with supervisors in the final year, which guide the student’s independent work on the essay.

Module aims

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 and literature.
• 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.
• Develop time-management skills in the establishment of a research and writing plan.
• Students should be able to pursue and organize research using a range of sources (print and electronic media), documenting research carefully, and showing the ability to engage independently in interdisciplinary debate.

Research element

Students will be required to complete their own research on a subject of their choice.

Interdisciplinary

The student's subject must combine the study of Philosophy and Literature.

Subject specific skills

Students should be able to pursue and organize research using a range of sources (print and electronic
media), documenting research carefully, and showing the ability to engage independently in interdisciplinary debate.

Transferable skills

Independent research and writing