Module PHL3040 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL3040: Philosophy Dissertation
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
Writing a philosophy dissertation is an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities in the comprehension, analysis, and critique of philosophical texts. It is also an exercise in the communication of your own ideas, your ability to choose and develop a research topic of your own choice and preference, with the help and guidance from members of the academic staff. You will obtain substantial knowledge of the discussions and problems pertaining to your dissertation topic and enhance your analytic and writing skills.
A well conducted and written dissertation is a text that shows your dedication to define and engage in independent research, explore and present philosophical arguments on the basis of good knowledge of core texts relevant to the topic, and complete a large project on time and at a high academic standard.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate independent research skills 2. Demonstrate analytic skills 3. Complete a substantial piece of original writing in a timely manner |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate literature 5. Develop and demonstrate a high standard of presentational and writing skills 6. Analyse and critique philosophical arguments |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Choose and define personal, relevant themes and questions 8. Demonstrate graduate level skills of written presentation of philosophical material 9. Demonstrate advanced skills in selecting, digesting and organising material for a purpose 10. Demonstrate the ability to develop coherent and cogent arguments based on own research skills 11. Demonstrate high level of independent work ethic and commitment to a project |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation title and study plan | 1 page | 1, 2,7, 10 | Written and verbal |
| Bibliography | 1 page | 1, 2, 4, 9 | Written and verbal |
| Penultimate draft | Variable | 1-11 | Written and verbal |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100 | 9,000 words | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Dissertation (9,000 words) | 1-11 | August/September reassessment period |
