Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL1010: Introduction to Asian Philosophy

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

Module Aims

At the end of the module you will be familiar with major Asian philosophical traditions, their historical and social background, and their central concepts as discussed in major classical texts. You will be aware of the existence of spiritual traditions concerned with the practice of self-cultivation, and understand the relationship between meditative practices and philosophical worldviews.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Competently illustrate the main tenets of different Asian philosophical traditions;
2. Understand and explain key concepts in classical Indian and Chinese texts;
3. Articulate your own arguments in favour of different conceptions of selfhood;
4. Explain in an informed way the relation between spirituality, philosophy and meditative practices in different Asian traditions.
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Analyze in a critical way different philosophical texts;
6. Present and discuss, orally and in writing, a variety of philosophical concepts;
Personal and Key Skills7. Illustrate and explain difficult ideas in writing and orally;
8. Analyze complex ideas and concepts and relate them to their social context;
9. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.