Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PHILOSOPHY DISSERTATION
Code PHIL306
Coordinator Dr RK Wiseman
Philosophy
Rachael.Wiseman@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 30

Aims

The aim is for the student to choose a topic of special interest in philosophy and conduct research into this area of interest via reading and private study under the supervision of the supervisor to whom they have been allocated.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) The student will produce a systematic piece of written work, organised in chapters and sections in the manner of professional and published work in philosophy, so as to show that the research referred to in the Aims has been mastered in a way appropriate to someone with a grasp of the practice of professional philosophy.

(S1) Students will enhance their abilities in reading and understanding texts and in comprehending abstract material.

(S2) Students will develop their skills in thinking critically, analysing problems and analysing and assessing arguments.

(S3) Students will enhance their ability to identify the issues that underlie debates.

(S4) Students will develop confidence in considering previously unfamiliar ideas and approaches, and their ability to identify presuppositions and to reflect critically upon them.

(S5) Students will enhance their ability to marshal arguments and present them orally and in writing.

(S6) Students will develop the ability to perform bibliographical searches, to include to professional standard citations and bibliographies in their work and to plan, organise and produce presentations a dissertation.

(S7) Students will enhance their oral and written communications skills and develop skill in explaining complex material in a precise manner.

(S8) Students will develop their ability to work independently.

(S9) Students will develop their ability to sift through information, assessing the relevance and importance of the information to what is at issue.

(S10) Students will develop their skills in making appropriate use of information technology, information on the World Wide Web and reference works and databases relevant to the discipline.

(S11) Students will develop the ability to write to a professional standard, using word processing software.

(S12) Students will enhance their capacity to participate, in a dispassionate and respectful manner, in debates about controversial and profound matters.

(S13) Students will develop their willingness critically to evaluate and reflect upon arguments, beliefs, proposals and values, both their own and those of others.

(S14) Through developing their analytical and critical skills and observing good standards of academic practice, students will develop their intellectual honesty.


Syllabus

 

Three one-hour lectures spaced through the module supplement one-to-one tutorials with the supervisor. These sessions will cover (1) Introduction & Preparing a Proposal; (2) Literature & Time Management; (3) The Dissertation Showcase & Writing Up.
A Dissertation Showcase event will take place in Semester 2 for students to present and discuss their work.
During weeks 7-19 of semester 2, a 'Writing Boot Camp' is scheduled: this comprises twice-weekly one-hour bookings of a computer room so students can go and focus on writing in the final phase of their dissertation. This is self-directed learning.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Three one-hour lectures spaced through the module supplement the one-to-one tutorials with the supervisor. These sessions will cover (1) Introduction & Preparing a Proposal; (2) Literature & Time Management; (3) The Dissertation Showcase & Writing Up
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Supervisions
Description: Tutorial meetings with supervisor
Notes: 4 scheduled directed student hours

Teaching Method 3 - Conference
Description: All students are invited to participate in a Dissertation Showcase event in semester 2. Students can give a talk or prepare a poster presentation.
Attendance recorded: No
Notes: 5 scheduled directed student hours

Teaching Method 4 - Writing Boot Camp
Description: These are twice-weekly one-hour bookings of a computer room during weeks 7-10 of semester 2. Students can go and focus on writing in the final phase of their dissertation.
Attendan ce recorded: No
Notes: 8 unscheduled directed student hours


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 3

        4

5

8

20
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 280
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission.  10, 000 words, max.    100       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.