PP3ILM: Independent Learning / Extended Essay

Module code: PP3ILM

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

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Walter Veit, email: w.r.w.veit@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

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

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PP3DIS (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 9 July 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module develops your mastery of the advanced skills of philosophy. It enables you to focus on a topic that fascinates you. It builds on your previous experiences of independent learning, for which you have been trained, particularly in the coursework assignments at Part 2 and in the research-led modules you have already taken at Part 3. It improves your research skills and personal effectiveness through developing these independent-learning skills. The emphasis is on developing independent learning and self-awareness, as well as the ability to reflect effectively on your progress and strengths and on the goals you wish to achieve.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Engage in progressive intellectual challenges;
2. Consolidate previous experience at earlier levels;
3. Develop mastery of the advanced written skills of philosophy;
4. Develop mastery of advanced oral discussion skills;
5. Refine independent research skills - particularly the ability of students to discover and develop new material for themselves.

Module content

The content of the module will be determined by the student, with advice and guidance from the academic tutor initially, and then from a supervisor.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The basis of this module is the student’s own independent research and preparation, culminating in the submission of an extended essay. Guidance and support is provided by a supervisor and by regular group work. Students will be encouraged to learn how to present their ideas and improve them through group work. Over the course of the semester, the student will have the opportunity to learn and practise the various different aspects of research necessary for submission of an extended essay: focusing their attention on core issues, building up knowledge of the relevant literature, balancing their ability to represent the views of others with their capacity for critical engagement, developing an independent-minded approach, and where possible, offering original problems and solutions. All students will be required to present their work to the group at regular intervals. They will be required to submit a single extended essay at the end, for summative assessment. Students are encouraged to be active in all group activities, asking questions and trying to answer the questions posed by others. 

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.

Reassessment

Additional costs