Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)

Module PHIL1101: Being Human: An Introduction to Post-Kantian Philosophy

Department: Philosophy

PHIL1101: Being Human: An Introduction to Post-Kantian Philosophy

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2022/23 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to V500
Tied to VL52
Tied to QV35
Tied to VV56
Tied to WV53
Tied to LV25
Tied to CV85
Tied to XV35
Tied to LA01
Tied to LMV0
Tied to CFG0

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • At least one other 'Year 1' module in Philosophy.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce post-Kantian (AKA Continental) philosophy by critically examining the ideas, arguments and methods of some prominent post-Kantian European philosophers.
  • To prepare students for a deeper consideration of issues in post-Kantian philosophy in second and third year modules.

Content

  • Topics will be drawn from a list including the following:
  • What is post-Kantian philosophy?
  • Work and Society
  • Gender, Sexuality and Race
  • Living and Theorising
  • Illness and Death
  • Reason and Faith
  • Ethics
  • Life and Affirmation
  • Love
  • Freedom
  • Each topic will be addressed by considering the views of some post-Kantian philosophers. For example, the topic of Work and Society would be addressed by considering the works of writers such as Marx, Arendt, Marcuse, Weil and Foucault.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, students will have
  • A critical understanding of some of the main ideas, arguments and methods of post-Kantian philosophers.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
  • Correctly use specialist vocabulary in discussions of post-Kantian philosophy
  • Interpret and criticise relevant texts in post-Kantian philosophy
  • Locate, understand, assess and utilise pertinent philosophical and historical sources on post-Kantian philosophy
  • Comprehend, analyse, evaluate and deploy arguments concerning post-Kantian philosophy
  • Using all of the above skills, write critical and well-informed essays on selected topics concerning post-Kantian philosophy
Key Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
  • Express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing
  • Comprehend complex ideas, arguments and philosophical methods
  • Defend their opinions by reasoned argument
  • Seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information
  • Tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module will be taught in weekly one-hour lectures, with fortnightly discussion groups allowing the students to enter into deeper discussion and engagement with the concepts introduced in the lecture. Teaching and learning methods will support students in achieving the Subject-Specific Skills above. The Subject-Specific Skills will be formally assessed by the summative essays.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 per week 1 Hour 22
Discussion Groups 8 Fortnightly 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Summative Essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Summative Essay 2000 words 100% Yes
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 Hours 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

One Formative Essay 2000 words

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University