Students
PHIL3085 – Contemporary Research Topics in Philosophy
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance
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
Convenor and Lecturer
Jane Johnson
Lecturer
Nicholas Smith
Lecturer
Mark Alfano
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(130cp at 1000 level or above) and (40cp in PHIL or PHL units)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
20cp in PHL or PHIL units at 3000 level
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This course provides students with the opportunity to engage with cutting edge areas of research in contemporary Philosophy. Topics and readings will be carefully curated by leading researchers in the department. You will have the opportunity to enhance your skills of argument and critical reflection as you are guided through these exciting areas of research. The topics will be chosen from the three streams within the department: Ethics; European Philosophy; and Mind, Knowledge and Nature. |
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: Identify and critically evaluate core philosophical concepts from the readings.
- ULO2: Produce arguments and analysis of philosophical positions across the readings.
- ULO3: Use your research skills to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the topics.
- ULO4: Express yourself clearly and precisely when communicating your argument and analysis.
General Assessment Information
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Plan and Presentation | 30% | No | Friday 23rd October |
| Research Essay | 45% | No | Friday 6th November |
| Class Participation | 25% | No | Ongoing |
Essay Plan and Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Friday 23rd October
Weighting: 30%
Presentation of your essay plan.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and critically evaluate core philosophical concepts from the readings.
- Produce arguments and analysis of philosophical positions across the readings.
- Use your research skills to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the topics.
- Express yourself clearly and precisely when communicating your argument and analysis.
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Friday 6th November
Weighting: 45%
Essay on course content
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and critically evaluate core philosophical concepts from the readings.
- Produce arguments and analysis of philosophical positions across the readings.
- Use your research skills to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the topics.
- Express yourself clearly and precisely when communicating your argument and analysis.
Class Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 25%
Participation in weekly class discussion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and critically evaluate core philosophical concepts from the readings.
- Produce arguments and analysis of philosophical positions across the readings.
- Express yourself clearly and precisely when communicating your argument and analysis.
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
All the weekly readings for the unit will be made available through the Leganto link in iLearn.
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.