Module PHL3056 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL3056: The Nature of Normativity
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce you to core debates surrounding the nature of normativity. It will present, explore and critically evaluate different approaches, positions and theories within these debates, and will elucidate connections between these and theoretical commitments in other areas of philosophy (e.g. philosophy of mind or ethics). You will therefore enrich your thinking not only about the nature of normativity, but also about other areas in philosophy. It will also encourage you to think critically and constructively about current norms policies, in for example, legal and psychiatric contexts.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Identify and cogently discuss the key methods, questions, themes and topics surrounding the nature of normativity and draw connections with those in other areas of philosophy 2. Critically distinguish and evaluate different approaches and arguments within core debates surrounding the nature of normativity, and appreciate the consequences that these have for positions in other areas of philosophy. |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Demonstrate a high level of understanding of the interrelation between different positions on the nature of normativity, and their consequences and commitments for all areas of normative practice. 4. Demonstrate sound knowledge of different types of philosophical analysis. |
| Personal and Key Skills | 5. Demonstrate a significantly expanded philosophical vocabulary and understanding with respect to key ideas in philosophy of normativity and how this relates to philosophical approaches in other areas of philosophy 6. Conduct research independently, engaging with complex ideas and problems while developing original research insights. 7. Engage in complex and high level argumentation both orally and through writing. |
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 plan | 500 words | 1-7 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 100 | 4000 words | 1-7 | 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 (4000 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
