Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL2016: Metaphysics

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

After an initial introductory overview the module will proceed to consider the following basic philosophical topics:

  • Causation
  • Identity
  • Emergence
  • Supervenience
  • Personal Identity
  • Time
  • Material and Abstract Objects
  • Properties

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity16.5Eleven 90 minute lecture/discussions.
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity10Weekly 1 hour tutorial
Guided Independent Study33Assigned readings associated with each lecture
Guided Independent Study10Preparation for class discussion
Guided Independent Study35Preparation of Assigned Essay
Guided Independent Study50Exam Revision and Private Study

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

Lectures and Powerpoints will be available on ELE

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 assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method

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.

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
50500

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Examination502 hours1-6Written
Essay502000 words1-6Written

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 assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
ExaminationExamination (2 hours)1-6August/September reassessment Period
EssayEssay (2000 words)1-6August/September reassessment Period