Students
PHIL7001 – Research Topics in Philosophy II
2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Pierrick Bourrat
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to BPhil/MRes
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will explore various theoretical and practical issues raised by a single important recent theme in philosophy, such as the nature of the self or the impacts of technology. The unit will explore this theme from a variety of perspectives by looking at the relevant metaphysical and epistemological, ethical and moral, and political and social issues it raises. The unit’s topics and themes may differ from year to year but will not replicate those covered in Research Topics in Philosophy I. Students will be exposed to important philosophical debates so that they are able to begin to pursue their own research projects. |
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:
- ULO1: understand issues discussed in the contemporary philosophical literature
- ULO2: analyse philosophical arguments
- ULO3: evaluate philosophical arguments
- ULO4: communicate clearly your own perspective on the philosophical issues examined in this unit
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50% | No | Week 14 |
| Participation in discussion | 20% | No | Ongoing |
| Literature review | 30% | No | Week 4, 8 or 12 |
Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 38 hours
Due: Week 14
Weighting: 50%
Research essay
On successful completion you will be able to:
- understand issues discussed in the contemporary philosophical literature
- analyse philosophical arguments
- evaluate philosophical arguments
- communicate clearly your own perspective on the philosophical issues examined in this unit
Participation in discussion
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%
Participation in discussion
On successful completion you will be able to:
- understand issues discussed in the contemporary philosophical literature
- analyse philosophical arguments
- evaluate philosophical arguments
- communicate clearly your own perspective on the philosophical issues examined in this unit
Literature review
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 4, 8 or 12
Weighting: 30%
literature review
On successful completion you will be able to:
- understand issues discussed in the contemporary philosophical literature
- analyse philosophical arguments
- evaluate philosophical arguments
- communicate clearly your own perspective on the philosophical issues examined in this unit
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
The unit will consist of 12 weekly two-hours zoom sessions, convened by Dr Jane Johnson, Ass. Prof. Mark Alfano, and Dr Pierrick Bourrat (4 weeks each).
Readings:
Each of the three lecturers will provide a set of readings on the iLearn site.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.