Students

PHIL383 – Philosophy Capstone Unit

2019 – S2 Online

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor and Lecturer
Jane Johnson
Lecturer
Katrina Hutchison
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(39cp at 100 level or above or admission to GDipArts in Philosophy) and (12cp in PHIL or PHL units)
Corequisites Corequisites
6cp in PHL or PHIL units at 300 level
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The Philosophy Capstone provides students with the opportunity to ‘cap off’ their philosophical education. Empowered with knowledge obtained from a variety of units undertaken throughout their degree, students are well positioned to critically reflect on what they have learned and the skills they have acquired, and to pose and address larger questions about the nature of philosophy and the philosophical method. Part of the unit will involve reflecting on the knowledge, skills and values furnished by a philosophical education and how these might translate into practice, including the workplace, facilitated through experiences with the PACE activity students undertake as part of this unit of study.

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:

  • Identification of, and critical reflection on, the distinctive attributes acquired and developed during the philosophy degree, and how these relate to Graduate Capabilities.
  • Appreciation of the value and legitimacy of a range of philosophical approaches and traditions.
  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced imaginative, creative and reflective abilities.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

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
PACE Assignment 10% Yes Week 3
Poster 30% No Week 10
Poster Comments 10% No Week 11
Essay 30% No Week 13
Participation 20% No Ongoing

PACE Assignment

Due: Week 3
Weighting: 10%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

The content of this assignment depends on how you have sourced your PACE activity. Students who have found their own PACE activity will write a summary of the work they intend to do, and an explanation of how it meets the aims of the unit. Students who apply for PACE activities that have been sourced by the PACE office, will need to submit a cover letter officially applying for the position along with a current curriculum vitae.  

Successfully completing these documents and submitting copies on iLearn (in addition to the copies submitted to the PACE office) will earn you full marks for this assessment.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identification of, and critical reflection on, the distinctive attributes acquired and developed during the philosophy degree, and how these relate to Graduate Capabilities.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Poster

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 30%

The poster presentation is a critical report on your PACE activity. Posters will be submitted in Voice Thread via the iLearn site.

Producing your poster and receiving feedback on this task from your peers will assist in the development of your essay.

This task will be assessed by the following criteria: clarity of presentation (visual and verbal), structure and content. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identification of, and critical reflection on, the distinctive attributes acquired and developed during the philosophy degree, and how these relate to Graduate Capabilities.
  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced imaginative, creative and reflective abilities.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Poster Comments

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 10%

You will review and comment on the presentations of 2 other students. You will be notified which presentations you will need to review by the beginning of Week 11, and you will submit your feedback on Voice Thread.

Reviewing the work of your peers will assist in honing your critical skills, scaffolding the learning of other students and the development of your final essay.

This task will be assessed by the following criteria: relevance of comments, how engaged and insightful these comments are, and how likely they are to contribute to the further development of your colleagues' work. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identification of, and critical reflection on, the distinctive attributes acquired and developed during the philosophy degree, and how these relate to Graduate Capabilities.
  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Essay

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%

The essay (1500 words) is a scholarly reflection on your PACE activity.

The essay will help you identify and appreciate the distinctive skills you have developed as part of your philosophy major, and how they can be deployed in practical contexts such as the PACE activity.

This task will be assessed by the following criteria: content, structure, argument, critical analysis, written expression and referencing. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identification of, and critical reflection on, the distinctive attributes acquired and developed during the philosophy degree, and how these relate to Graduate Capabilities.
  • Appreciation of the value and legitimacy of a range of philosophical approaches and traditions.
  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Participation will be assessed on the basis of weekly contributions to iLearn discussion forums. Your mark will reflect the philosophical quality of your contributions, your engagement with your fellow students and the timeliness of your posts (they should be posted within a week of the relevant seminar).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identification of, and critical reflection on, the distinctive attributes acquired and developed during the philosophy degree, and how these relate to Graduate Capabilities.
  • Appreciation of the value and legitimacy of a range of philosophical approaches and traditions.
  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced imaginative, creative and reflective abilities.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Delivery and Resources

Required and recommended texts and/or materials

All the weekly readings for the unit will be made available through the Leganto link in iLearn.

Unit Schedule

Provisional Schedule

(consult iLearn for final details and reading assignments)

  • Week One: Introduction

Philosophy Inside the Academy - Methods and Context

  • Week Two: The Analytic Continental Divide
  • Week Three: Ideal Theory
  • Week Four:  Gender in Philosophy
  • Week Five: Race in Philosophy

Philosophy and Public Outreach

  • Week Six: Public Philosophy
  • Week Seven: Field Philosophy

Mid Semester Break

Philosophical Skills

  • Week Eight: PACE Activity
  • Week Nine: PACE Activity
  • Week Ten: PACE Activity
  • Week Eleven: Employability
  • Week Twelve: Debrief and Essay Workshop

 

 

 

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

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Enhanced imaginative, creative and reflective abilities.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Assessment tasks

  • PACE Assignment
  • Poster
  • Essay
  • Participation

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced imaginative, creative and reflective abilities.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Assessment tasks

  • PACE Assignment
  • Poster
  • Poster Comments
  • Essay
  • Participation

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Identification of, and critical reflection on, the distinctive attributes acquired and developed during the philosophy degree, and how these relate to Graduate Capabilities.

Assessment tasks

  • PACE Assignment
  • Poster
  • Essay
  • Participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identification of, and critical reflection on, the distinctive attributes acquired and developed during the philosophy degree, and how these relate to Graduate Capabilities.
  • Appreciation of the value and legitimacy of a range of philosophical approaches and traditions.
  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced imaginative, creative and reflective abilities.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Assessment tasks

  • PACE Assignment
  • Poster
  • Poster Comments
  • Essay
  • Participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Appreciation of the value and legitimacy of a range of philosophical approaches and traditions.
  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Assessment tasks

  • PACE Assignment
  • Poster
  • Poster Comments
  • Essay
  • Participation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced imaginative, creative and reflective abilities.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Assessment tasks

  • PACE Assignment
  • Poster
  • Essay
  • Participation

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Enhanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Enhanced imaginative, creative and reflective abilities.
  • Enhanced ability to demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems, verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Assessment tasks

  • PACE Assignment
  • Poster
  • Poster Comments
  • Essay
  • Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Understanding of how to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to real life situations such as those experienced in the PACE activity.

Assessment tasks

  • PACE Assignment
  • Poster
  • Poster Comments
  • Essay
  • Participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment tasks

  • Poster Comments
  • Essay