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 HELLENISTIC AND NEOPLATONIC PHILOSOPHY
Code PHIL368
Coordinator Dr P Vassilopoulou
Philosophy
P.Vassilopoulou@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims
To consider the theories and arguments of some of the most important philosophers of the Hellenistic and Neoplatonic periods.

To study key ethical, epistemological and metaphysical concepts and their interconnections.

To enable students to analyse and practise the dialectical skills portrayed in the texts examined.

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to explain and evaluate some of the main theories in Hellenistic and Neoplatonic philosophy.
Students will be able to analyse concepts and arguments relating to classic ethical, epistemological and/or metaphysical issues.
Students will be able to structure a discussion of central issues in Hellenistic and Neoplatonic philosophy
Students will be able to identify points of agreement and disagreement between different philosophies.
Students will be able to engage dialectically with positions in ancient and/or medieval philosophy and articulate their implications.
Students will be able to present their ideas with clarity and confidence.
Students will be able to develop in writing coherent, structured and informative accounts of abstract philosophical issues.

Syllabus
1 

Representative topics that could be covered in any given year include:

Hellenistic (1): What are we? The Soul and the Human Being.
Hellenistic (2): How do I Know Anything?
Hellenistic (3): What is Reality?
Neoplatonism (1): Plotinian Metaphysics and the Role of Soul.
Neoplatonism (2): Intellect, Knowledge and Self-knowledge.
Neoplatonism (3): On Love: Plotinus and Augustine.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture. Lectures will provide a map of core syllabus material and establish the framework within which students should pursue their own further researches. - 11 x 1 hour lectures.

Seminar. Seminars are student-led - 11 x 1 hour seminars. Seminars are student-led classes in small groups, based on set texts expanding on the lecture material. These should be read beforehand.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           11
11 x 1 hour lectures.
11
11 x 1 hour seminars. Seminars are student-led classes in small groups, based on set texts expanding on the lecture material. These should be read beforehand.
22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  2 hours  2  60  Yes    Examination 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  2,000 words  2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay 
Practical Assessment  10-15 minute seminar  2  10  No reassessment opportunity    Presentation There is no reassessment opportunity, It is not possible to re-sit assessed presentations. Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessed presentation (10%). Presentations occur in seminars and are assessed by the seminar tutor. It is not possible for assessed presentations to be marked anonymously.  

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: