Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL2120: Philosophy and Sociology of Race

This module descriptor refers to the 2024/5 academic year.

Module Aims

What are race and racism? How do they manifest in human minds and social relations? What are the political consequences of such phenomena? To examine these questions, the module draws on work in philosophy, psychology, sociology, and the natural sciences. Students are exposed to the central concepts and theories of race and racism considering recent technological developments (e.g., DNA ancestry tests) and recent social events (e.g., Black Lives Matter). This module offers students the opportunity to learn in an interdisciplinary context. Students will be able to apply their knowledge to current affairs, to conduct responsible research on socially relevant topics, among other valuable skills for future employment.  

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 key issues in the contemporary debate around the nature and social implications of race and racism.
2. Distinguish and evaluate the central positions and arguments concerning the nature and social implications of race and racism in the contemporary debate.
3. Articulate the differences and potential connections among the distinct scholarly traditions within the multi-disciplinary reflections about race and racism.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate a good understanding of philosophical distinctions, concepts, and how they apply to real-world cases
5. Demonstrate competency in evaluating philosophical positions, arguments, and methods
Personal and Key Skills6. Critically and competently use of central concepts and distinctions around socially sensitive and relevant topics
7. Analise, communicate, and articulate concepts, positions, and arguments both in written and oral form
8. Engage in independent research, within a limited time frame, on socially sensitive and relevant topics