AZA4010 - Selected topics in philosophy - 2017

12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Arts

Organisational Unit

South Africa School of Social Science

Coordinator(s)

TBC

Not offered in 2017

Synopsis

This unit aims to integrate current philosophical theories, research methods and specific research topics for philosophy students, aimed at developing both critical and analytical skills in their research areas of interest. The unit will concentrate on current debates in philosophy and students will examine a variety of topics in line with their research focus which may include critical theory, postcolonialism, modernism and postmodernism, feminism, Continental philosophy, African philosophy and analytic philosophy. Students will be active learners through the presentation of seminars and will lead discussions and provide written review of topics that are related to their specific interests. The course delivery will incorporate all lecturers in philosophy, who will concentrate on their areas of expertise and interest.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the unit, students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate an in depth knowledge of philosophical theories in general and applying them to specific philosophical topics;
  2. integrate philosophical theories into core research interests;
  3. examine and discuss the underlying assumptions that underpin philosophical ideas and research;
  4. identify key areas of study in philosophy and explain their relevance in understanding contemporary social formations;
  5. engage in contemporary debate in selected areas of philosophy, specifically focusing on the African context;
  6. develop a broad capacity to conceptualize an explanatory model for an honours thesis;
  7. critically review the scientific literature relative to a defined research topic.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

TBC

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Prerequisites

BSocSci or similar degree at another institution, with specialization/major in Philosophy.

Co-requisites