Students
PHIL701 – Foundations of Research in Mind and World
2018 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Richard Menary
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides the opportunity for an in-depth study of foundational texts in metaphysics and epistemology. This year, we will focus on David Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. In this work, Hume developed a unified empiricist study of human understanding and human nature, incorporating influential and controversial examinations of topics including reason, knowledge, causation, free will and religious belief. We will examine the arguments presented in this text in detail, and consider the influence of Hume’s thought on later philosophy.
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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:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of philosophy
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in philosophy
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Work in cooperation with others to analyse, communicate, criticise, and develop seminal ideas in philosophy.
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.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research essay | 60% | No | week 10 |
| Essay Plans and Presentations | 30% | No | weeks 10-12 |
| Class Discussion | 10% | No | Each Week |
Research essay
Due: week 10
Weighting: 60%
Essay drawing upon research related to course content.
The essay should be 4000 words long. The title and content should be agreed with the course convenor prior to submission (no later than week 8).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of philosophy
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in philosophy
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
Essay Plans and Presentations
Due: weeks 10-12
Weighting: 30%
At the end of the course each student will give a 20 minute presentation on their essay indicating:
1.identifies the philosophical problem that the essay will address
2.locates that problem in an area of philosophy
3.Outlines the structure of the argument, indicating the key concepts or arguments that require attention
in addressing the problem.
Second, each student will be asked to present their proposal and outline and to be prepared to respond to
questions on the proposal.
Finally, each student will be expected to participate in the presentations, to ask questions of other
students and to offer constructive commentary aimed at clarification or refinement of each proposal.
Criteria for assessment: clarity of the question/problem, contextualisation in philosophical debate,
articulation of the argument structure and rationale. Clarity of verbal presentation, value of the
contribution to discussion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of philosophy
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in philosophy
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Work in cooperation with others to analyse, communicate, criticise, and develop seminal ideas in philosophy.
Class Discussion
Due: Each Week
Weighting: 10%
Student preparation for discussion of readings. The quality of their participation in weekly discussions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of philosophy
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in philosophy
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Work in cooperation with others to analyse, communicate, criticise, and develop seminal ideas in philosophy.
Delivery and Resources
The seminar will meet weekly except where indicated in the schedule.
Unit Schedule
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.)
Undergraduate 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 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
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of philosophy
- Work in cooperation with others to analyse, communicate, criticise, and develop seminal ideas in philosophy.
Assessment tasks
- Essay Plans and Presentations
- Class Discussion
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
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of philosophy
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in philosophy
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
Assessment tasks
- Research essay
- Essay Plans and Presentations
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
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in philosophy
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Work in cooperation with others to analyse, communicate, criticise, and develop seminal ideas in philosophy.
Assessment tasks
- Research essay
- Essay Plans and Presentations
- Class Discussion
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
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of philosophy
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts and arguments in philosophy
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Work in cooperation with others to analyse, communicate, criticise, and develop seminal ideas in philosophy.
Assessment tasks
- Research essay
- Essay Plans and Presentations
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
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Work in cooperation with others to analyse, communicate, criticise, and develop seminal ideas in philosophy.
Assessment tasks
- Research essay
- Essay Plans and Presentations
- Class Discussion
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
- Work in cooperation with others to analyse, communicate, criticise, and develop seminal ideas in philosophy.
Assessment task
- Class Discussion