PP3MEDI-Christian, Islamic and Jewish Mediaeval Philosophy

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Luke Elson
Email: luke.elson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to mediaeval philosophy (roughly, the period from 500 to 1500 AD), including thinkers from at least two of the named religious traditions. We will focus on several representative topics (such as moral obligation, or God’s existence, the problem of universals, or the motion of projectiles) and look at what some major thinkers of the period had to say about it. Careful, repeated reading of difficult texts is a crucial part of this module.

Aims:

The programme of study in Philosophy is specifically designed to introduce you to progressive intellectual challenges and to consolidate your previous experience at each new level. This module fits into our graduated, supervised programme for developing independent-learning skills. It builds on our Part 2 provision, in particular by: introducing you to some historical thoughts on still-relevant issues. You will see how many of the topics you’ve considered in your earlier modules were dealt with in a quite different intellectual environment. You’ll use the skills you have developed (such as reading dense and difficult philosophical argumentation) to understand and assess the arguments of mediaeval philosophers.

Assessable learning outcomes:

To read, understand and evaluate the different positions in mediaeval philosophical disputes.

By the end of this module, you will be able to read some difficult and abstract works of mediaeval philosophy, perhaps with the aid of an explanatory text. You will be able to explain how the thinkers we have studied differ on particular topics, explain their arguments, and evaluate those arguments. Your oral skills especially will be improved by an interpretive presentation of atext.

Additional outcomes:

You will gain an appreciation of some of the general historical sweep of mediaeval philosophy, and why it developed in the way it did. You will gain some appreciation of the ways in which the mediaevals did philosophy is in some ways very different to, but also recognisably in the same tradition as, contemporary analytic philosophy. You will also gain an insight into an intellectual world that is arguably more cosmopolitan than our own.

Outline content:

The module begins with a very general sketch of the mediaeval philosophical period. Then for each topic, we will consider what mediaeval thinkers had to say about it, with some context from ancient philosophical thinkers (especially Aristotle) and modern discussion of related topics. For almost every class session there will be assigned reading, which will be the focus of that meeting.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught by lectures and seminars. Since it is a course in the history of philosophy, close and active reading of the assigned texts is crucial.

Students are expected to attend 30 hours of classes during the term in which the module is taught. All students are required to write two essays from lists of questions supplied by the module convenor. The essay assignments will be due (1) in week 5, and (2) at the end of the term in which the module is taught.

In addition, students will be required to write a short summary and evaluation of the topic or reading for discussion once per week. Students are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions and trying to answer the questions posed by others. A reading list and sample questions will be given out at the start of the course.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	35
Wider reading (directed)	90
Preparation for presentations	5
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10
Essay preparation	20
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two written assignments (essays or commentaries), one in week 5 and one in week 11.

1. Assignment 1 - 35%


2. Assignment 2 - 65%

Formative assessment methods:

Comments will be provided on the weekly precis and on the presentation.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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% overall mark.

Reassessment arrangements:

Written assignment, to be completed in August/September. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Up to £50

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 25 October 2022