PHIL42330: SPECIAL TOPIC IN PHILOSOPHY

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• To provide students with an opportunity to undertake in-depth research into a topic not otherwise available in another relevant module. Special Topics could be drawn from (but not limited to) the research areas reflected in the Departments Research Clusters including: Aesthetics; Phenomenology; Ethics; History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine and Mind, Language and Metaphysics.
• To provide students with advanced, in-depth knowledge of the key literature, theories, concepts, arguments and debates that comprise the relevant topic.
• To provide students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue self-directed research on a specific topic, under the direction of a member of staff with relevant expertise.
• To equip students with extended research training in the form of one-to-one supervisions suitable to enhance their research preparation for PhD study.

• Content of the Special Topic will reflect the teaching and research expertise of members of staff as demonstrated in our current module provision andDepartmental research activities. An appropriate topic will be agreed upon between the student and supervisor.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Students will:
• Acquire an advanced, in-depth knowledge of recent research in a relevant topic.
• Prepare and develop a detailed research plan on a specialized area and refine their research in light of guidance from an expert supervisor.
• Present a rigorous essay reflecting advanced knowledge supported by tailored research-led teaching on a specific topic.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Students will:
• Identify key issues, questions and debates concerning a specific philosophical topic.
• Identify and make use of relevant literature.
• Identify a philosophical problem, formulate a philosophical position and employ advanced critical skills and conceptual knowledge to address the problem and defend the position.
• Write an essay with an appropriately focused research question, a clear, knowledgeable discussion of the topic area, and a structured argument. Essays will display evidence of critical understanding and innovative philosophical thought relevant to the chosen research topic.

Key Skills:

• Students will:
• Use their own initiative to choose a research topic.
• Manage their time effectively in the context of supervised research
• Exercise self-discipline, responsibility and autonomy in pursuing a research project.
• Communicate complex ideas effectively in writing and in conversation with an expert.

• The Special Topic module will involve 5 one-to-one supervision sessions. After initially agreeing a research topic, subsequent supervisions will further develop astudents understanding and offer detailed feedback and guidance both in verbal form and in writing.
• A formative essay of 2000 words will be submitted as preparation for the assessed essay submission.
• A summative essay of 5000 words will be submitted. Students will be required to focus on a specific research question, demonstrate advanced knowledge of the relevant literature, develop a critical understanding of relevant ideas and arguments and put forward a philosophical position in the form of a clear, structured philosophical argument.

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