PP2OID1-Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr George Mason
Email: g.p.mason@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this wide-ranging module, with an emphasis on contemporary political philosophy, we will explore some of the most important concerns for society. We will ask questions such as: Do existing accounts of justice need to be amended to acknowledge, explicitly, the concerns arising from race, gender, and disability? How should political philosophy respond to intersecting oppressions? What aspects of modern life threaten democracy? What is the best method by which to develop theories of justice? Is justice a local or global concern? How should we balance loyalty to our own state with concerns for global justice?

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 will challenge you to analyse and evaluate philosophical arguments, and to articulate and defend your philosophical views in writing, in formal presentations, and in open discussion.

Assessable learning outcomes:

This module fits into our graduated, supervised programme for developing independent-learning skills. The module begins with the closely guided study of key philosophical arguments, assessed through your choice of pre-set essay questions and a presentation.

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• Analyse and evaluate central arguments in political philosophy


• Explain different conceptions of oppression, inequality and/or democracy.


• Apply philosophical methods to current issues of policy and principle.


• Articulate and defend your views in a recorded presentation.


• Write in a clear, rigorous and effective manner.


• Identify and respond cogently to the best criticisms of your positions.

Additional outcomes:

You will also develop your ability to:

• Examine your deepest beliefs and assumptions in a characteristically philosophical way


• Develop a sense of the significance of philosophical thinking in dealing with modern problems


• Supplement your guided study with independent research by following citations and using appropriate library resources.

Outline content:

The central themes on this course, oppression, inequality and democracy, are complex and frequently interwoven. We will consider the different ways in which oppression arises and how different groups of people can be oppressed in multiple intersecting ways. We scrutinise the views of some of the best known political philosophers, using texts from a more diverse range of authors.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught by lectures and seminars. Students are expected to attend 20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars. There are three assessments on this module. The first is an executive summary of a journal article of up to 1500 words. The second is a short, recorded presentation of 5-7 minutes in length. The third is an essay of up to 2000 words. A list of questions will be supplied by the module convenor. Students are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions a nd offering their views on the weekly topic. A reading list will be given out at the start of the module.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Seminars		10
Guided independent study:		170
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	90
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 x 10% oral presentation, First written assignment up to 1500 words: 30%; Second written assignment up to 2000 words: 60%

Formative assessment methods:

Students will discuss a set reading or topic for every seminar class, typically working in small groups and feeding back their discussions to the whole class.  Lecturers will expect students to ask questions and participate in group discussions.

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:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Written assignment, to be completed in the Summer term

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


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: 19 September 2023