PP1GW: Great Works in Philosophy

Module code: PP1GW

Module provider: Philosophy; School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Sev.J. Schroeder, email: s.j.schroeder@reading.ac.uk

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: Yes

Last updated: 2 October 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

In this module, we will delve into some of the most important works in Philosophy. You will learn about the significance of each text and analyse the arguments within them. This is your chance to sharpen your critical skills and become an expert in the field. 

At university, you are on a journey to overcome progressively challenging intellectual obstacles, and this module provides you with important knowledge of philosophical texts and skills to do so. By broadening your understanding and exploring foundational issues across different topics in philosophy, you will be building the skills you need to succeed in your studies and beyond. 

By the end of this module, you will have developed important reflective and critical thinking skills that will serve you well not just in your other classes, but in your future endeavours. So, get ready to think deeply, analyse thoroughly, and unlock the secrets of some of the greatest works in philosophy! 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Read and understand texts relating to different philosophical perspectives. 
2. Discuss the main themes and arguments of each of the texts. 
3. Work collaboratively in small groups. 
4. Communicate the context and importance of each text clearly, organize material and articulate arguments effectively, both orally and in writing 
5. Evaluate the strength of those arguments and write critically about them. 

Module content

The module will draw consecutively on different texts or authors drawn from different areas and/or periods in philosophy. Lectures and seminars will explore the main themes within each text, and the arguments within them as well as identifying implications for other works in that area.  

Additional content will be provided online to support your development of your evaluative and essay writing skills. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Across each semester there will be regular lectures and seminars. The lecture will primarily consist of a presentation from the module convenor(s), but may also include other activities such as quizzes, surveys, open discussion, and group work. The seminars will primarily involve group-led discussion based upon the required and further readings and any further materials provided in the seminar or lecture. Students may be asked to provide an oral presentation in the seminars. 

A mix of lectures, class discussions, online content, assignments, feedback, and structured reading will support you to reflectively and critically engage with the different perspectives studied in each text. In discussions and in your assignments, you will have the chance to develop, explain and defend your own understanding of the texts. 

Study hours

At least 30 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 an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

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.

Examples may include small group work, oral presentation, blog, or contributions to a discussion board. 

Reassessment

Additional costs