Module PHL3052 for 2020/1
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL3052: Epistemology
This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.
Module Aims
The module will familiarise you with core concepts in contemporary epistemology, and provide you with an understanding of central theories concerning the nature of knowledge; justification; and epistemic value. Upon completion of the module, you will also have acquired knowledge of the ways in which epistemological concerns relate to and inform wider issues in the discipline of philosophy, such as topics in metaphysics and the philosophy of science.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Understand and explain the philosophical challenges raised by sceptical arguments; 2. Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge of different theoretical approaches to the nature of knowledge; 3. Articulate your own arguments for and against different theories of knowledge; 4. Explain in an informed way how epistemological problems are connected to issues in other philosophical domains, including metaphysics and the philosophy of science |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 5. Analyze in a critical way different philosophical texts; 6. Present and discuss, orally and in writing, a variety of philosophical concepts and arguments; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Illustrate and explain difficult ideas in writing and orally; 8. Analyze complex ideas and concepts and reflect upon them critically; 9. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task. |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form of Assessment Detailed Essay Plan | 600 words | 1-8 | Verbal & Written |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 1500 | 1-8 | Written |
| Exam | 50 | 1.5 hours | 1-9 | Written |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (1500 words) | 1-8 | August\September reassessment period |
| Exam | Examination (1.5 hours) | 1-9 | August\September reassessment period |
