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 INDIAN PHILOSOPHY
Code PHIL326
Coordinator Dr CJ Bartley
Philosophy
C.J.Bartley@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To examine the ways in which philosophy in Classical India develops as a dialogue between thinkers of Buddhist and Brahminical persuasions and to relate fundamental Indian metaphysical concepts to Western counterparts. To investigate what is distinctive about Indian approaches to questions of ontology, soteriology, social harmony, and morality.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to engage in informed discussions identifying and evaluating the concepts and categories in which philosophical discussions were conducted in India.

(LO2) Students will able to be enabled to assimilate a different view Western philosophical traditions from the perspective of Indian philosophical traditions.

(LO3) Students will be able to contextualise information about the Indian worldviews under discussion.

(LO4) Students will be able to think more imaginatively by empathising with unfamiliar outlooks on life.

(LO5) Students will be able to engage in debate informed by an awareness of the particularity and peculiarities of Western philosophical positions.

(S1) Students will develop the confidence to consider previously unfamiliar ideas and approaches.

(S2) Students will enhance their abilities to read and understand texts from non-European cultural traditions.

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

(S4) Students will develop their ability to identify presuppositions and to reflect critically upon them.

(S5) Students will develop a facility to compare and evaluate categories of thought from other civilisations.

(S6) Students will enhance their written and oral communication skills.

(S7) Students will develop their ability to work independently.

(S8) Students will develop an ability to write in a manner that accords with professional standards and expectations.


Syllabus

 

Buddhist Origins; Abhidharma Buddhism; Sautrantika Buddhism; Yogacara Buddhism; Madhyamaka Buddhism; Mimamsa; Advaita Vedanta; Theistic Vedanta; Nyaya-Vaisheshika; Caste.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Variations to teaching methods in hybrid/online teaching are described below. ‘Standard’ delivery is campus-based.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture (asynchronous, online)
Description: 11 x 1 hour lecture. Lectures are tutor-led activities, offering a map of the syllabus and a framework for independent study. Students are encouraged to engage actively with lectures by, for example: (i) asking during the session; (ii) reflecting on and responding to questions posed to them; (iii) producing questions and notes on issues for subsequent discussion in seminars.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar (synchronous, online or on campus as permitted)
Description: 11 x 1 hour seminar. Seminars are opportunities for critical and applied learning based on set readings, and facilitated by the tutor. Seminars thus allow students to respond to tutor- and peer-set questions, deepen understanding, apply ideas, develop arguments and build confidence throug h discussion. One or two students take the lead each week through peer-teaching, delivering presentations based on their own enquiries and identification of questions and topics.
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

10

        21
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 129
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 3. In hybrid/online teaching, the exam is take-home and submitted digitally. There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment.  2 hours    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 - Presentation This is not an anonymous assessment. Reassessment opportunity: Yes  10-15 minutes    10       
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  2,000 word essay    30       

Recommended Texts

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