PHIL30670 Practical Philosophy: Work Experience

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module consists of dedicated training that familiarizes students with practical ways of engaging the public with philosophical thinking. Throughout this module students will engage in highly interactive philosophical activities and will practice ways of doing philosophy in settings outside of the university. The course makes use of a student-centred and highly interactive approach to philosophical education, availing of a particular pedagogy that is being used in diverse settings spanning from primary and secondary schools to nursing houses and prisons. After completing their training students will be given the opportunity to design their own public philosophy activities and facilitate philosophy sessions that creatively engage a non-academic audience in philosophical dialogue and thinking. Students will also write a reflective overview of their experience and how it relates to more general philosophical themes and issues.

Please note: Attendance throughout the semester is mandatory. The training and placement consist of two parts: (1) training in a specific pedagogy to facilitate philosophy beyond university settings; (2) facilitation of public philosophy sessions and may also involve participation in philosophy events for school-age students.