This module equips students with the philosophical tools to think about and understand contemporary social issues and social change. The teaching staff will introduce students to particular social issues, and to the theoretical tools needed to think about and make sense of them. Staff will then work with the students to hone their understanding and their ability to write philosophically about social issues and change in a meaningful way. The module assumes no prior knowledge of the areas studied. Thus it serves as both a research preparation module and a module for gaining and consolidating knowledge.

(LO1) At the end of this module, you should be able to use philosophical tools to analyse and explain contemporary social issues and problems.

(LO2) At the end of this module, you should be able to conduct independent philosophical research.

(LO3) At the end of this module, you should be able to write at length on philosophical topics.

(LO4) At the end of this module, you should be able to write about philosophical topics in an accessible way.

(S1) Understanding of theoretical concepts from philosophy and their relevance to social issues and problems.

(S2) Conducting independent research.

(S3) Presenting abstract ideas and arguments clearly.

(S4) Constructing and analysing philosophical theories and arguments.

The topics will vary depending on the research interests of the staff teaching on the module. Topics to be explored might include (dis)trust in science, political polarisation, science communication, propaganda, and philosophy of class, disability, gender, race and sexuality.
The teaching for the module will happen in seminars and workshops. 9 compulsory seminars will cover various topics in philosophy and social change. 2 optional writing workshops will be dedicated to helping students prepare for their assessments. 1 of these workshops, in week 6, will be dedicated to helping students prepare their op-ed. The other, in week 12, will be dedicated to helping students prepare their final essay, according to the needs of the students in that cohort.

This module is delivered via 9 90 minute seminars (compulsory) and 2 writing workshops (non-compulsory). The seminars are formative spaces of applied and enquiry-led learning based on pre-set readings, tasks and questions. They are facilitated by the tutor. Seminars offer opportunities for students to respond to tutor- and peer-set questions, deepen understanding, apply ideas, develop arguments and build confidence through group discussion. The writing workshops will assist students with the preparation of their coursework, as well as providing a space for staff and peer feedback on students’ ideas as they are formed and developed.