To introduce the basic core skills and methodologies used in the critical reading, debating and writing of philosophy;

To develop competence in close reading of a philosophical text;

To introduce key debates in ethics, epistemology, metaphysics and existentialism;

To develop confidence in presenting complex ideas on paper and to an audience;

To progress the bibliographical and research skills necessary to finding and using library and online sources effectively

To establish the transferrable learning, communication (written and oral) and digital skills required for entry to an undergraduate programme.

(LO1) Students will be able to apply philosophical reasoning in verbal debates and writing.

(LO2) Students will be able to read critically (an extract from) a canonical philosophical text in detail.

(LO3) Students will be able to write a logically argued and structured philosophy essay referenced with Harvard.

(LO4) Students will be able to describe and contrast certain key themes in the philosophical areas of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology and existentialism.

(LO5) Students will be able to debate contemporary ethical issues using philosophical argument and methods.

(LO6) Students will be able to produce a podcast which communicates certain philosophical ideas to a non specialist audience.

(LO7) Students will be able to find and use library and online resources efficiently.

(S1) Students will demonstrate IT skills appropriate to degree level study in the humanities.

(S2) Students will demonstrate confident communication skills.

(S3) Students will demonstrate the skills in self-directed learning

(S4) Students will be able to apply organisational skills to their learning.

(S5) Students will demonstrate ethical awareness

A representative syllabus is:

Introduction to Philosophy: critical thinking, deductive and inductive reasoning;
Epistemology 1: Philosophical scepticism.
Epistemology 2: Philosophical empiricism.
Metaphysics 1: The existence of God.
Metaphysics 2: Consciousness.
Ethics 1: Utilitarianism and virtue ethics.
Ethics 2: Deontology.
Existentialism 1: Jean Paul Sartre.
Existentialism 2: Simone de Beauvoir.
Podcasting workshop.
Assessment workshop.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Interative lectures cover major themes
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Students to prepare by reading texts and preparing arguments to present.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Online Discussions
Description: Online resources and virtual forums will be established to facilitate debate.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided

Teaching Method 4 - Workshop
Description: Problem-based learning
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 5 - Presentation
Description: 5 minute individual presentation.
Attendance Recorded: Yes