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PHIL40410

Academic Year 2024/2025

Philosophy & Literature (PHIL40410)

Subject:
Philosophy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Philosophy
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Lisa Foran
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this course we will approach the relationship between philosophy and literature through a phenomenological framework by asking: 'what is the experience of reading philosophy and what is the experience of reading literature?' The aim is to discover the manner in which each genre of text reveals something of the human experience but to precisely question the extent to which that revelation actually impacts upon the reader's experience of being human. Philosophical texts will be drawn from the continental tradition broadly construed to include phenomenology, critical phenomenology, feminism, post/decolonial studies and critical theory. A range of literary texts--novels, short stories, poems, and plays-- will be read in conjunction with these philosophical texts. Students will be encouraged to engage with these texts through the prism of their own research interests.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module students will:

• Be able to describe the difference between philosophy and literature with reference to a variety of approaches to this relationship

• Be able to participate in high-level critical discussions of both philosophical and literary texts.

• Be familiar with the continental philosophical tradition

• Be able to draw connections between philosophical and literary texts, and to compare and contrast them in written work as appropriate.

• Have an understanding of the role of different sorts of texts in the production of various identities.

Indicative Module Content:

In this course we will approach the relationship between philosophy and literature through a phenomenological framework by asking: 'what is the experience of reading philosophy and what is the experience of reading literature?' The aim is to discover the manner in which each genre of text reveals something of the human experience but to precisely question the extent to which that revelation actually impacts upon the reader's experience of being human.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

226
Seminar (or Webinar)

24
Total

250

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students will participate in a weekly two-hour seminar. This will comprise of lectures, presentations and class discussions. Students will be required to read texts every week and to come to class with questions/discussion points and to engage with each other on themes from the texts. The final assignment will be an essay and students will have an additional half hour one-to-one seminar with the coordinator to design their essay topic.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students doing this module should have some prior knowledge of philosophy. You are advised to consult the module co-ordinator in advance of selecting this module if you have not previously studied philosophy.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Participation in Learning Activities: Attendance and participation in seminars each week. This will require completing weekly readings, coming to class with questions/comments, engaging in seminar discussion in small groups. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No

10

 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Each student will be required to give a short in-class presentation on a reading from the module. Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No

10

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): An essay on any theme from the module. The essay topic should be decided in consultation with the module coordinator before submission. Week 14 Graded No

80

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided individually on each piece of assignment.

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