Research Skills in Philosophy

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• understand complex philosophical texts. This involves: - identifying the central themes and problems in a philosophical text - identifying main views and solutions offered by the authors - identifying authors’ arguments in support of the above
• critically assess complex philosophical texts. This involves: - identifying and explaining solutions to the philosophical questions and problems proposed in the central texts - assessing the cogency and success of the above - identifying and explaining other possible solutions and assessing their relative merits
• articulate, present and debate philosophical ideas, both orally and in writing, in an open-minded but rigorous way

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• formulate a research proposal, based on an appreciation of the problems and potential benefits involved in that process
• summarise and present clearly, both orally and in writing, the central themes, questions, problems and solutions related to important texts
• manage the time and resources available to you in order to achieve success in the above tasks
• assess critically the coherence and cogency of research projects
• write an essay introducing one of the themes pertinent to the dissertation project
• research a complex topic independently
• present the outcome of your research orally in a seminar context
• engage in group discussion, making and taking constructive criticism

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• how to undertake independent research appropriate to the production of a structured essay, research proposal and bibliographical analysis paper
• your proposed dissertation topic
• how to use the philosophical research resources that the library and the internet provide

This module prepares you for your own research work. The module will examine the process of writing a structured essay on a topic related to the dissertation project, formulating a research proposal, identifying the problems this may pose and the benefits it may bring. It will also give you practice in conducting bibliographical searches and analyses. The module will further familiarise you with the facilities offered by the library and with internet resources. Through the seminars, the module will give you an opportunity to articulate, discuss and evaluate your developing thoughts on possible dissertation themes.

Teaching activities include

• Seminars

Learning activities include

• Reading assigned material
• Attending seminars and contributing to discussion
• Preparing and giving presentations
• Doing research for and writing assessed essays

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.