Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This is an ‘employability’ module for philosophy students. It takes the general model of the centralised employability modules (NCLXXXX) but allows students who wish to work in or continue to study philosophy a chance to engage with its practice in depth, rather than following generic pathways.

Students are expected to make a substantive engagement with philosophy and write a reflective review of this engagement. There are many potential forms, including but not limited to:

Engaging with workplace projects with employers who have shown interest in the module (this is being administered in collaboration with Student Services)

Writing a paper and presenting at a conference.

Publishing a paper.

Creating, administering and popularising a blog.

Teaching philosophy in a number of contexts.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will discuss the practice of philosophy and the opportunities to do this, and then students will begin individual assignments to put this practice into effect.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will:

- Plan their practice and create a presentation about their intentions.

- Complete the practice

- Write a reflective log on the practice and think about the practice of philosophy in the workplace.

- Consider their own trajectory as they leave university, and the contribution philosophy can make to their professional life.

- The specific knowledge they gain will depend on the nature of their practice and the type of philosophical thought they disseminate.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will:

Begin to engage with the practice of philosophy and the dissemination of philosophical ideas.

Think about the difficulties and opportunities this brings.

Gain skill both in the practice of philosophy and in the presentation of this practice, through a number of media.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures shall outline the objectives of the course, different approaches to the practice of philosophy, and the requirements of the assessment, at the begining of each semester.

As students’ practice of philosophy will be individual, the remaining teaching will be in small groups or drop ins, to allow bespoke discussion of the students practice and guidance towards the completion of their assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment follows the model of the NCL2007 module in asking for a presentation, assessing the students work, and having a written reflection.

The presentation means that students clarify their plans in the first semester and have to produce a clear plan to achieve their intended aims.

The portfolio assesses the practice of philosophy, ensuring it was suitable, competent and sufficient.

The written reflection provides the majority of the marks and requires the student to reflect on the practice of philosophy and the difficulties and opportunities presented in the dissemination of philosophy into the wider culture.

General Notes

Students will need to confirm with the module leader what their practice of philosophy will be.
• Learning from work opportunities may include presenting a paper as an undergraduate, planning a conference, creating and maintaining a wiki, or writing and promoting a blog.
• Tutoring and mentoring opportunities may include undertaking a placement in a local school or college, working with learners in a variety of different community learning environments or mentoring other students in the University.
• Volunteering opportunities may include working with a local community group (through SCAN) or working as a volunteer in a local charity whose work engages with philosophy.
If accepted onto the module, students will need to complete appropriate pre-requisites for their particular choice of context e.g. DBS application for student tutoring, which may include contacting the organisation or unit that is hosting the work-related learning. See http://www.ncl.ac.uk/careers/modules/cdm/ for further details.
Assessment of the module is based on a personal record of evidence of competence in relevant skills which students will analyse during tutorial review meetings and through making a formal presentation.

Additional information on Portfolio assessment: The nature of the portfolio will depend on the student’s practice, and can be presented across a number of formats.
•       A student who has been teaching, may present lesson plans, a video of a mock lesson, and interview with a teacher who supported them etc.
•       A student who makes and promotes a blog may well provide the supervisor with a link to the blog, which would be the portfolio.
•       A student who presents a paper may hand in the paper.
These methods will have varying word-counts and will be marked on a 25 point scale that assesses the students contribution in terms of the effectiveness of, suitability of, and effort made in the practice of philosophy.
The composition of the portfolio will be agreed by the supervisor based on the individual practice.