Students

PHIL704 – Research Topics in Modern European Philosophy

2019 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff convenor
Nicholas Smith
Contact via 9850 8881
AHH
By appointment
Lecturer
Jean-Philippe Deranty
Contact via 9850 6773
By appointment
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 the field of Modern European Philosophy. Examples of areas to be explored include recent developments in the Frankfurt School tradition of Critical Theory (especially the ‘recognition’ paradigm’), theories of subjectivity and intersubjectivity, and recent developments in French Philosophy (especially aesthetics). 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:

  • Acquire understanding of debates in modern European philosophy with focus on problems of work
  • Acquire familiarity with methods of modern European philosophy as applied to contemporary problems of work
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments and their application to contemporary social issues.

General Assessment Information

Late Submission Penalty

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
Research Essay 45% No Week 14
Essay preparation portfolio 25% No Week 10
Participation and Presentation 30% No Throughout semester

Research Essay

Due: Week 14
Weighting: 45%

4,000 word research essay.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire understanding of debates in modern European philosophy with focus on problems of work
  • Acquire familiarity with methods of modern European philosophy as applied to contemporary problems of work
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments and their application to contemporary social issues.

Essay preparation portfolio

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 25%

Essay preparation portfolio, consisting of the following sections:

- a self-constructed essay question and a short description of its significance and relevance

- an outline with brief summaries of the key points and arguments

- a short annotated review of the core literature to be used in the essay

- a review of peers' work


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments and their application to contemporary social issues.

Participation and Presentation

Due: Throughout semester
Weighting: 30%

Contribution to class discussion and research presentation


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire understanding of debates in modern European philosophy with focus on problems of work
  • Acquire familiarity with methods of modern European philosophy as applied to contemporary problems of work
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments and their application to contemporary social issues.

Delivery and Resources

The unit will be delivered by way of weekly seminar discussions. 

The seminar is scheduled on Tuesdays, 2-4pm, in Room 311, 4 Western Rd. 

 

Unit Schedule

PHIL 704 Semester 2 2019

Seminar Schedule

 

Week 1

Introduction to the unit JPD/NS

Week 2

The critical theory and political philosophy of work JPD/NS

Week 3

Worries about work 1: unemployment and precariousness NS

Week 4

Worries about work 2: work/life balance, disrespect and meaningless work NS

Week 5

Work and Subjectivity JPD

Week 6

Work and Recognition JPD

Week 7

Autonomy and justice 1 – liberal approaches NS

Week 8

Autonomy and justice 2 – republican approaches JPD

Week 9

Autonomy and justice 3 - socialist approaches NS

 Week 10

Managerialism and cooperative management JPD

Weeks 11-13

Student presentations

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:

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 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 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

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.

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

  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form.

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 understanding of debates in modern European philosophy with focus on problems of work
  • Acquire familiarity with methods of modern European philosophy as applied to contemporary problems of work

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Essay preparation portfolio

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

  • Acquire understanding of debates in modern European philosophy with focus on problems of work
  • Acquire familiarity with methods of modern European philosophy as applied to contemporary problems of work
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments and their application to contemporary social issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Essay preparation portfolio

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

  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Essay preparation portfolio
  • Participation and Presentation

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

  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments and their application to contemporary social issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Essay preparation portfolio
  • Participation and Presentation

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

  • Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments and their application to contemporary social issues.

Assessment task

  • Essay preparation portfolio