Students

PHIL702 – Research Topics in Mind and World

2016 – S2 External

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Albert Atkin
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The unit will examine contemporary research in one of the traditional fields covered by Metaphysics and Epistemology, especially research concerning the relationship between mind and world, as mediated by language, science, and culture. The unit will revolve around a current ‘hot topic' of research in this area. Students will be brought up to speed on this topic so that they are in a position to begin to pursue their own research project.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race
  • Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Race.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Philosophy Paper (5k words Max 50% Week 12
Zoom Presentations (x4) 40% Ongoing
Participation 10% On going

Philosophy Paper (5k words Max

Due: Week 12
Weighting: 50%

You will write a philosophy paper (note: not an essay), exploring one of the cutting edge debates we cover in the course. The paper must emulate the style of a publishable philosophy research paper.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race
  • Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Race.

Zoom Presentations (x4)

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 40%

You will need to produce at least four Zoom recordings of no more than 5 minutes each, using 2-3 slides per recording, giving a philosophical reflection or response to the papers discussed that week. You will need to upload these onto the iLearn site. You may produce more than four if you wish. Each presentation is worth 10 marks. Your best four will count.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race
  • Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Race.

Participation

Due: On going
Weighting: 10%

You will need to participate during the course, whether this is in tutorials, through on-line fora, by commenting on fellow students Zoom presentations, or by emailing the unit convenor with questions, links, observations.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race

Delivery and Resources

The unit will use a weekly two hour seminar. Students my attend, or listen online.

Unit Schedule

We will cover six to ten topics in the unit. The time we spend on each topic will depend on the interests of the group. Initial suggestions are:

 

1. Defining Race

2. Race and Science

3. The Social Construction of Race

4. What should we do with Race: Eliminativism, Conservationism, Reconstructionism

5. Defining Racism

6. (Why) is Racism bad?

7. Racial Profiling: The Criminal Case

8. Racial Profiling: Medicine

9. Race and Language

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race

Assessment tasks

  • Philosophy Paper (5k words Max
  • Zoom Presentations (x4)
  • Participation

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race
  • Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Race.

Assessment tasks

  • Philosophy Paper (5k words Max
  • Zoom Presentations (x4)
  • Participation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race
  • Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Race.

Assessment tasks

  • Philosophy Paper (5k words Max
  • Zoom Presentations (x4)
  • Participation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race
  • Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Race.

Assessment tasks

  • Philosophy Paper (5k words Max
  • Zoom Presentations (x4)
  • Participation

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in the context of philosophical scholarship.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race
  • Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Race.

Assessment tasks

  • Philosophy Paper (5k words Max
  • Zoom Presentations (x4)
  • Participation

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in the Philosophy of Race in written and oral form to a variety of audiences.
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in the Philosophy of Race
  • Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments in recent Philosophy of Race.

Assessment tasks

  • Philosophy Paper (5k words Max
  • Zoom Presentations (x4)
  • Participation