This module provides students with an opportunity for independent research-based study of a chosen topic under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor. Preparation for the module begins in the autumn, at Kingston, and the coursework is completed in late spring, in Paris.
The aims of this module are to:
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
The topic of the Special Study module is to be determined by the student, in consultation with academic staff. Normally the topic will focus on the work of one prominent contemporary philosopher, and may either concern a question regarding the full sweep of his/her work, or concentrate on one especially significant text.
The module is taught through a combination of group tutorials, individual supervision and individual library-based study. Preparation of the Special Study is undertaken in consultation with the supervisor. Emphasis is placed on individual study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Group tutorials (2 at Kingston, 2 at Paris) | 8 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Individual tutorials (2 at Kingston, 3 at Paris) | 5 |
| Guided independent study | Directed and Independent Learning | 287 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The assessment strategy is designed to test a student's ability to meet the module's learning outcomes. Summative assessment involves two pieces of written work:
The skills required to prepare these assessed elements will be developed in formative activities throughout the module, notably through individual tutorials, group discussion, and supervisory feedback on draft written work. Preparation of the Special Study includes several tutorials with a supervisor, supplemented where necessary by email correspondence.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Undertake independent library research, and provide critical treatment of a clearly defined area of contemporary philosophy. | Assessed formatively through group tutorial discussion and individual tutorials, and summatively through the two pieces of individual written work. |
| Demonstrate familiarity with the distinctive features, issues and problems associated with a particular thinker of their choice. | Assessed formatively through group tutorial discussion and individual tutorials, and summatively through the two pieces of individual written work. |
| Situate their approach to this thinker in relation to current academic discussions and debate | Assessed formatively through group tutorial discussion and individual tutorials, and summatively through the two pieces of individual written work. |
| Undertake close and sustained textual analysis of demanding philosophical texts. | Assessed formatively through group tutorial discussion and individual tutorials, and summatively through the two pieces of individual written work. |
| Comprehend, reconstruct and interpret philosophical arguments, and situate these arguments in the context of the history of contemporary philosophy. | Assessed formatively through group tutorial discussion and individual tutorials, and summatively through the two pieces of individual written work. |
| Consider the ways that the writings produced by a single philosopher might be regarded as a single body of work. | Assessed formatively through group tutorial discussion and individual tutorials, and summatively through the two pieces of individual written work. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| CWK | Exercises 1500 words | 20 |
| CWK | Essay 3500 to 4000 words | 80 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
To be determined by the student in consultation with academic staff.
To be determined by the student in consultation with academic staff.