JJ3193N: MPU3193 - Philosophy and Current Issues

Module code: JJ3193N

Module provider: International Study and Language Institute

Credits: 0

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Kuan Yong Ching, email: k.y.ching@reading.edu.my

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to introduce to students the use of philosophy as a tool to purify the culture of thought in life through the arts and methods of thinking as well as the humanistic concept is at the core of the course. The main topics in philosophy are discussed in the context of current issues. Emphasis is given to philosophy as a basis for inter-cultural dialogue and fostering common values. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Express current issues based on philosophical knowledge, the Malaysian National Education Philosophy, and Rukun Negara. 
2. Explain current issues based on the main thought streams in various philosophical branches. 
3. Analyse current issues through comparative philosophical perspectives as a basis for intercultural dialogue. 

Module content

• Introduction to philosophy 
• Philosophy in life 
• Logic 
• Psychology and sociology 
• Metaphysics 
• Epistemology 
• Ideology 
• Decolonisation  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and tutorials with two contact hours per week (or four of being delivered intensively), with discussion and debate activities to encourage critical thinking.

The modules can be delivered at any time while the student is registered as an undergraduate, and must be completed before being able to graduate in Malaysia.

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve all of the following to pass this module:

1. An overall module mark of 40%
2. A minimum attendance of 80%. 

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Tasks completed in the lecture sessions will result in peer and tutor feedback. 

Reassessment

Additional costs