PP3TCP-Topics in Comparative Philosophy: an International Online Course

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Miss Michela Bariselli
Email: michela.bariselli@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a module in comparative philosophy taught by an international faculty who are specialists in their field based in Europe and the UK. It presents core topics in the philosophy of mind, and in social, political and moral philosophy from a variety of cross-cultural perspectives: Indian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Buddhist and Western philosophies.  We will discuss Brahmanist/Hindu concepts of mind, Mengzi and Xuanzang on the experience of other minds, Laozi and Nagarjuna on interdependence, Sextus Empiricus and Dogen on continuous inquiry, and interrogate the concepts of morality and law, nation and tradition from a variety of philosophical perspectives. Classes will be online with an international group of students and faculty but will include in-person seminars and support.

Aims:

This module develops the ability to interrogate fundamental concepts such as mind, consciousness, morality, law, nation, interdependence, inquiry, practice, and the absolute through cross-cultural philosophical dialogues. It builds on studies in cross-cultural philosophy in PP1GJ, PP2GP1 and PP2GP2 as well as on Part 1 & 2 modules in moral and political philosophy and history of philosophy.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will gain competency in evaluating key concepts and issues in philosophy using cross-cultural resources. Through participating in lectures and seminars with an international group of students and faculty, students will develop skills of argumentation, learn to communicate in group discussions, and develop their personal effectiveness and self-awareness. By undertaking research for essays and seminar participation, students will acquire skills of research and inquiry, critically appraise what they learn and reflect on their own beliefs. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their progress, their strengths and weaknesses, and the goals they wish to achieve.

Additional outcomes:

This module gives students an opportunity to enhance their multicultural awareness and intercultural competencies by considering cross-cultural philosophical approaches to key philosophical issues and concepts. Students will be encouraged to gain values of inclusiveness and diversity in their approach through cross-cultural reflections on key concepts in moral, social and political philosophy and use these to develop greater social and civic responsibility.

Outline content:

In this module, we will investigate, philosophically, the nature of mind, consciousness and the self, morality, law and nation, inquiry, interdependence and the absolute from a variety of philosophical perspectives, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Buddhist and Indian, in conversation with contemporary Western philosophy.

Global context:

This module will develop students’ awareness of the variety of ways there are of ‘doing’ Philosophy in an increasingly global and diverse community. It will greatly enhance the resources students have for understanding and developing their own thought and practice by gaining intercultural competence in the investigation of philosophical concepts at the heart of social, political and moral life.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught by online lectures and seminars but include in-person sessions and support. Students are expected to attend 15 hours of lectures and seminars during the term in which the module’s lecture and seminar classes take place. All students are required to write a single essay from a list of questions supplied by the module convenor. The essay assignment will be due in week 11 of the Autumn term. Students are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions and trying to answer the questions posed by others. A reading list and detailed syllabus will be given out at the start of the course.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	28
Wider reading (directed)	10
Advance preparation for classes	10
Preparation for seminars	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10
Essay preparation	15
Reflection	2
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One essay, 2000–2500 words

Formative assessment methods:

Essay plan and seminar participation

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Written assignment, to be completed in August/September. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 14 October 2021