Unit name | Ideas and Society |
---|---|
Unit code | AFAC20002 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Malay |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Arts Faculty Office |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit takes a single philosophical idea that has been influential in the history of human society, and considers its philosophical basis, its historical importance, the way in which it changed over the course of history, and the ways in which it spread and means by which it was suppressed. The unit explores the arguments that have surrounded the idea, both in favour of it and against it, as well as arguments that serve to clarify or amend the idea. It investigates, through case studies, some of the effects that this idea has had on society at various points in its history. Some possible topics include environmentalism, human rights, scientific method and the rise of modern science, equality, or reason and its discontents. Weekly lectures could explore the history and conceptual foundation of the idea, while seminars could ensure that concepts were understood while exploring a selection of case studies.
The unit aims:
As part of this unit, students are asked to submit a formative essay on a topic related to the course. This formative essay may also be seen as opportunity to submit a draft or outline of the final, summative essay of up to 1,500 words and to receive feedback on this.
By the end of the unit, students should be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including lectures, group discussion, writing exercises, and reflective activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. There will be opportunities for tutor and peer feedback.
1. Summative 3,000 word essay (100%). [ ILOs 1-4]
The list will change according to the theme chosen. For human rights, the list might include:
Jones, P., 1994, Rights, New York: St. Martin's Press
Edmundson, W., 2004, An Introduction to Rights, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Campbell, T., 2006, Rights: A Critical Introduction, London: Routledge
Morsink, J. 2000, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Origins, Drafting, and Intent, University of Pennsylvannia Press
Nickel, J. 2007, Making Sense of Human Rights, Wiley