Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL2053: History of Philosophy

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

You will gain a good understanding of some key problems addressed by early modern philosophers, including their rationale and various attempts at solving them. By making a critical study of these topics, focusing on primary texts, your skills in the analysis, evaluation and presentation of arguments will be enhanced.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Identify and discuss the questions, themes and topics addressed by some early modern philosophers.
2. Distinguish and evaluate certain positions and arguments within early modern philosophy.
3. Read and understand early modern philosophical texts in their historical and philosophical context.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate a good understanding of the interrelation between historical events and philosophical developments.
5. Demonstrate sound knowledge of different types of philosophical analysis.
Personal and Key Skills6. Demonstrate an expanded philosophical vocabulary and understanding with respect to key ideas in early modern philosophy.
7. Engage in complex arguments both orally and through writing.
8. Conduct research independently engaging with complex ideas and problems.