Module PHL1002A for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL1002A: Knowledge and Reality 1
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce you to classical epistemological and metaphysical questions. It presents and analyzes some classical answers to the question of how we know what we know, and about the nature of reality. The module discusses the early modern debate between rationalists and empiricists, as well as older and newer treatments of such related issues as innate knowledge, substance, scepticism and the value of metaphysics
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. define various technical terms pertaining to epistemology and metaphysics 2. present and discuss different philosophical claims concerning the nature of knowledge and reality 3. evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various epistemological and metaphysical views; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. summarize and discuss several philosophical theories; 5. demonstrate knowledge of essential philosophical concepts; 6. break down philosophical arguments and evaluate them; 7. present and justify their own philosophical views with appropriate arguments |
| Personal and Key Skills | 8. communicate ideas clearly and appropriately by written and oral means; 9. discuss abstract ideas in a clear and competent way; 10. engage with on-line interactive material and discussion; 11. engage critically with the assigned readings; 12. engage productively in group discussion. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1,000-1,500 words | 1-11 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 80 | 20 |
...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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Questionnaire | 20 | 30 minutes | 1, 5, 10 | Written |
| Examination | 80 | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1-11 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questionnaire | Questionnaire (30 minutes) | 1, 5, 10 | August/September reassessment period |
| Examination | Examination (1 hour 30 minutes) | 1-11 | August/September reassessment period |
