Aims

The aims of this philosophy fieldwork module centered around exploring place and context are multifaceted, aiming to provide students with a comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience that encourages critical thinking, introspection, and a deeper understanding of philosophical concepts in real-world settings. Here are the aims in detail:

Contextual Understanding: The primary aim is to foster a deeper comprehension of philosophy within the context of real-world situations and the specific sites in which philosophical conversations have unfolded. By engaging with different environments, students will learn to appreciate how philosophical ideas are not abstract concepts but have tangible relevance to specific modes of human existence.

Exploration of Philosophical Ideas: The module seeks to encourage students explore and engage with various philosophical ideas and theories in different places and contexts. Through on-site discussions and reflections, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how philosophy shapes our perceptions of the world.

Critical Thinking: Another essential aim is to enhance critical thinking skills. By immersing themselves in real-world situations, students will learn to holistically and critically evaluate philosophical concepts, question assumptions, and analyze the complexities of ethical, metaphysical, and epistemological issues within specific contexts.

Interdisciplinary Perspective: Students will learn to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of philosophy by exploring how it interacts with other fields such as sociology, psychology, politics, and science in various times, places and contexts.

Cultural Sensitivity: Through a holistic exposure to different places and contexts, students will develop cultural sensitivity and an appreciation for diverse worldviews in a more comprehensive manner. They will learn to engage in meaningful dialogues with people from various backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Practical Research Skills: The module aims to equip students with practical research skills, including observation, data collection, and analysis, enabling them to conduct meaningful philosophical inquiries in various contexts and places.

Global Perspective: By exploring philosophy in different places, students will gain a more comprehensive global perspective, understanding how philosophical ideas and values holistically vary across cultures and regions, and how these perspectives influence societies and individuals.

Outline Of Syllabus

Examples of modules outlines and the concepts and contexts that might be investigated include:

- Plato's Athens - Philosophy in the Cradle of Western Civilization
Historical overview of Athens in the time of Plato.
Plato's life and contributions to philosophy.
Exploring the philosophical context of Ancient Greece.
On-site visits to relevant locations in Athens, such as the Academy, the Agora, and the Acropolis.
Analyzing Plato's dialogues and their relevance to Athenian society.

- Existentialism in Paris - Philosophy in Early 20th Century Paris
Introduction to Existentialism and its key thinkers.
The cultural and intellectual context of Paris in the 20th century.
Field trips to existentialist cafes and landmarks in Paris, such as Café de Flore and Montmartre.
In-depth analysis of existentialist works by Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus.
Discussions on the existentialist perspective on freedom, choice, and the absurd.

- Kierkegaard in Copenhagen - Philosophy in the Midst of Personal Reflection
The life and works of Søren Kierkegaard.
Understanding the Danish Golden Age and its influence on Kierkegaard's philosophy.
Visits to Kierkegaard's relevant sites in Copenhagen, including the Royal Library and the Church of Our Lady.
Examination of Kierkegaard's concepts of individualism, faith, and existential despair.
Comparative analysis of Kierkegaard's existentialism with other existentialist thinkers.
Reflection on the personal aspects of Kierkegaard's philosophy and its relevance to modern life.

- Art, Ecology, and Eco-Philosophy in Context
Introduction to the intersection of philosophy with art, ecology, and eco-philosophy.
Exploration of how environmental contexts influence philosophical perspectives.
Visits to farms or natural reserves, depending on the context.
Study of eco-philosophers like Aldo Leopold and Arne Naess.
Discussions on the ethics of environmental preservation and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching prepares students for engagement with the concepts investigated in the fieldwork trip.
During the trip students are intensively taught and have structured sessions introducing them to key places and concepts in the location.
Afterwards some workshops are offered for students to digest and discuss the outcomes of the fieldwork, and to prepare for assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students are asked to write a 2,000 word essay, which is the standard unit of assessment in Philosophy to encourage the translation and integration of inter-disciplinary and in-discipline content on the module. The essay challenges the students to formalise the learning from the module and present their ideas according to academic conventions.

Students are also given an option of a 15 minute video essay, which is long enough to allow detailed conceptual discussion, as found in a written essay. The video format facilitates integration of audio and visual material from the fieldwork in a way which a written essay might not. It also allows students to demonstrate IT and presentation skills which are valued by contemporary employers.