Students

PHIL707 – Research Topics in Philosophy and Cognitive Science

2017 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Senior Lecturer
Colin Klein
Ass. Professor
Richard Menary
Senior Lecturer
Karola Stotz
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit explores some of the cutting edge research questions at the forefront of cognitive science and the philosophy of cognition. The unit explores philosophical problems that arise from the core disciplines of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuropsychology, linguistics, neuroscience and AI and robotics. Topics to be covered may include: embodied and distributed cognition; disorders of the mind; folk psychology and theory of mind; the use of FMRI to understand brain function; is the brain massively modular; can cognitive science explain consciousness, or the self?

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:

  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

General Assessment Information

All tasks will be assessed using the criteria listed under the description of each task, such as: critical analysis, written expression (etc). Each assessment will be graded using a rubric that will be available in grademark For example:

1. Weekly questions on reading: With this task you will be assessed on your understanding of the material as demonstrated by the correct selection of answers in a multiple choice quiz.

2.+ 3. Assessment criteria for this essay are detailed in the rubric provided on ilearn.

4. Assessment criteria include the accuracy of the paper's engagement with the material, the quality of its explanation of how that material relates to the theme of the course, and the technical and stylistic quality of the paper.

A detailed rubric for each task will be supplied on iLearn and Grademark.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Weekly questions on reading 10% No Each week
Essay plan 10% No Week 11: 26/05/2017
Presentation 30% No Week 12+13: 02+09/06/2017
Research Essay 50% No Week 13: 09/06/2017

Weekly questions on reading

Due: Each week
Weighting: 10%

Each week a set of questions on the weekly readings will be posted online. You will be expected to post your answers and engage in discussion of the readings each week. This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.

• Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay

The criterion for assessment is understanding of the week's material, as demonstrated by the correct selection of answers in a multiple choice quiz. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Essay plan

Due: Week 11: 26/05/2017
Weighting: 10%

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.

• Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level

• Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay

Assessment criteria for this essay are detailed in the rubric provided on ilearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Presentation

Due: Week 12+13: 02+09/06/2017
Weighting: 30%

A Video Presentation on the background to your essay topic and an outline of your essay. 20 minute presentation, 10 minute discussion.

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.

• Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level

• Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level

Assessment criteria for this essay are detailed in the rubric provided on ilearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Research Essay

Due: Week 13: 09/06/2017
Weighting: 50%

Research Essay on a topic covered in the course. Topic and title to be agreed with the course leaders by week 10.

The Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and

arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.

• Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level

• Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay

Assessment criteria include the accuracy of the paper's engagement with the material, the quality of its explanation of how that material relates to the theme of the course, and the technical and stylistic quality of the paper. Further criteria are outlined on the rubric provided on ilearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Delivery and Resources

2 hour seminar, online activities, weekly reading. Details are provided in iLearn.

Unit Schedule

A detailed unit schedule is provided in iLearn.

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

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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 outcome

  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Assessment tasks

  • Presentation
  • Research Essay

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 outcome

  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly questions on reading
  • Essay plan
  • Presentation
  • Research Essay

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 outcome

  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly questions on reading
  • Essay plan
  • Presentation
  • Research Essay

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 outcome

  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly questions on reading
  • Essay plan
  • Presentation
  • Research Essay

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 outcome

  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly questions on reading
  • Essay plan
  • Presentation
  • Research Essay

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 outcome

  • 1. Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy. 2. Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level. 3. Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level. 4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay.

Assessment tasks

  • Presentation
  • Research Essay