Philosophy and Politics BA (Hons) drafted

Level 4 (Undergraduate year 1)

Digital Humanities (HM4003)

This module aims to introduce you to the main body of concepts and topics focused on thinking about the discipline of Digital Humanities. We will explore a number of issues surrounding social media, Google, YouTube, Facebook, surveillance capitalism, cybercrime, cybercurrencies, algorithms, AR and VI, tech and borders, race, gender and sexuality, a history of the internet and how Humanities students can bring learn about key critical skills through these, and many other, areas of contemporary interest.

Philosophical Arguments (HM4511)

This module is an introduction to the study of philosophy. We investigate some of the key problems of philosophy such as freedom, the existence of God, and the limits of scientific explanation. We also examine some key philosophers in the Western tradition: Plato, Descartes, Kant, and Marx. Finally, this module instructs students, through workshops, in the important academic skills of research, reading and writing for assessment.

Ethical Engagements (HM4512)

This module provides a foundation that will teach students the capabilities necessary to engage in ethical issues and theories. In addition, students will apply these capabilities to contemporary ethical and political concerns.

The Greeks (HM4514)

The module aims to familiarise the students with the key ideas and concerns that were discussed at the birth of Western philosophy and how these concerns have continued to preoccupy and influence philosophers and religious thinkers up until the present day. Students will study the writings (or ‘fragments’) of the pre-Socratics in parallel with a close reading of perhaps Plato’s greatest work, Republic.

Thinking Politically (HM4901)

The module provides an introduction to core concepts, ideologies and actors within political science. Students will explore these through historical and contemporary political examples, highlighting key issues and debates within the field. The module will begin with an overview of the history of political thought, laying a foundation to understand the origins of core concepts and dominant ideologies. Students will utilise this knowledge to analyse the role of key political actors shaping the world we live in. The cumulative approach of the module will also foster critical analysis skills and introduce students to methodological approaches in political science.

Thinking Globally (HM4902)

This module lays the foundation for students’ study of international politics. Students will be introduced to key theory, actors, and contemporary political issues which have a global impact. The module will begin with an overview of international political history, followed by an overview of dominant international relations theories and an examination of key global political actors. This knowledge will be utilized to analyse contemporary global issues dominating international political discussions today, including security, migration, and global crises. The module will enable students to connect historical patterns and key ideological ideas with contemporary political issues through a critical lens.

Level 5 (Undergraduate year 2)

Research and Enquiry (HM5001)

This module provides students with a range of approaches to investigation and research in key arts and humanities disciplines and industries. One of its chief aims is to prepare students for research at Level 6. Students will consider a variety of methods and critical perspectives and gain the practical skills used to conduct independent research.

Engaging Humanities (HM5002)

This module affords students an opportunity to explore the potential contribution of Humanities subjects within their wider socio-economic, cultural and ecological context. Through examination of methodological approaches and perspectives, and an experience of applied practice, students will gain insight into the contribution they and their discipline can make in addressing contemporary issues, questions and situations. The project element of the module encourages students to explore ways in which responses to contemporary challenges can be identified and addressed.

Power in Contemporary British Politics (HM5901)

This module takes a critical approach to analyse the history, systems and issues underpinning contemporary British politics. Starting with an examination of the lasting impact of Britain’s imperial past, the module will seek to understand the power structures which shape British society today. Key actors, institutions and systems will be explored, followed by a closer study of issues and events which have characterised politics in twenty-first-century Britain including, the ‘Special Relationship’, Brexit and Covid-19. This critical approach will provide students with a deeper examination of the dynamics and consequences of politics in Britain today.

Philosophy, Science and Belief (HM5501)

Science has a crucial role in contemporary society but what is a scientific explanation and its limits? Can we distinguish science from religious belief? This module investigates the important arguments within the philosophy of science including induction, falsification and realism/antirealism. We also engage in an in depth reading of a classic in the philosophy of science: Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions. In this reading, we ask questions about truth, objectivity and reality in relation to scientific explanations of the world.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2000 Words.

The God of Philosophy (HM5502)

What do we really mean when you use the term 'God' or the 'divine' or ‘soul’? This module considers the origins of such terms in the philosophical realm and how the concept has been understood by such philosophers as Plato, Descartes, and Hume.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Portfolio: Individual: 2000 words

Philosophy as a Way of Life (HM5510)

In this module, we are concerned with whether philosophy still has a meaning for us in our lives, rather than just as a subject we learn at school and university. We examine the classic statement about philosophy as self-knowledge in Plato’s Symposium; the existential meaning of life in Kierkegaard and Heidegger; and finally, Foucault’s historical genealogy of authenticity. Has the history of the self in the Western tradition come to an end? Can we still talk about ourselves as authentic beings?

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2000 words

Political Thought (HM5902)

This module provides an in-depth analysis of core political theories, examining their origins and evaluating their ability to explain contemporary world politics. Each theory is explored through the study of texts from dominant theoretical scholars, reflecting on the context, content and relevancy of key ideas outlined. Both classical and critical theory will be examined, providing a comprehensive overview of approaches and problems in political theory. The module aims to build on students’ knowledge of political ideologies, helping them to understand their relevance and equip them with the tools to critically assess the role of theory in contemporary political science.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 40% Assignment: Individual: 1000 words

002: 60% Assignment: Individual: 2000 words

Conflict & Peacebuilding (NS5316)

The module will build on the theme of conflict providing students with the opportunity to examine the challenges of fragile states and conflict in the 21st Century and engage with the theory and practice of conflict management in a range of global contexts.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 100% Portfolio: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent

Examining Foreign Policy (NS5341)

The connectivity within our world now means a greater proportion of the population have near real-time access to information on international events. As such the origins and implications of foreign policy are now scrutinised as never before. In this module students will explore foreign policy intentions, actions and responses using theories, concepts and models. The contexts for this analysis will cover the geopolitical positions of Britain, the EU, the USA and BRIC group.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent

Level 6 (Undergraduate final year)

Work Placement (HM5099)

This module provides students with the opportunity to consolidate and complement their academic learning with appropriate vocational experience in an associated industry. Students gain in-depth experience and opportunities for deep reflection on their learning and development by working for an extended period in a context relevant to their course of study.

Assessment

The Dissertation (HM6000)

The dissertation is a piece of work independently conceived and produced by the student. It has a maximum length of 9,900 words and should engage with a topic approved by teaching staff in the student's subject group. It is also possible to engage in an inter-disciplinary project.

From Morality to Ethics: Moral Theory and its Critics (HM6504)

Are there limits to our moral reasoning? This module investigates normative ethical theories such as deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue theory. It asks whether these normative theories have their own limitations. We examine an alternative to morality through the ethics of Spinoza, Nietzsche, and Foucault. We also compare this account of ethics with that of Raimond Gaita and Emmanuel Levinas. Finally, we apply these moral and ethical principles to contemporary life through such issues as the climate crisis, social justice, and animal rights.

Politics in the Everyday (HM6901)

This module looks to the micro-level manifestations of politics in everyday life. It considers spaces outside of traditional political systems to consider how they impact both formal and informal political life. Taking an intersectional approach to study, the module maps out distinct areas of everyday politics, analysing how these are experienced differently by members of society. Students, too, are asked to consider their own experiences through the exploration of politics in society, encouraging reflexive examinations of their own role in everyday politics. The module aims to stimulate critical reflexive thinking, carrying skills and knowledge learnt through the course into the everyday.

Education for Change (ES6007)

This module provides an opportunity for students to explore the role education has played, plays and could play in creating change. It will look at global issues of inequality and of environmental destruction and climate change and consider issues of ethics and individual and collective responsibility.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 50% Assignment: Individual: 2000 Words.

002: 50% Assignment: Individual: 2000 Words.

Beyond Good and Evil (HM6510)

This module explores the ideas and writings of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900). Through lectures and the reading of short extracts from his works (with particular emphasis on we explore many of his infamous concepts and sayings.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Portfolio: Individual: 2500 words

God, Politics and Power (HM6512)

This module explores the historic and contemporary intersection of politics and religion, seeking a nuanced, critical assessment of how those spheres have impacted upon one another and continue to do so. Conceptions and experiences of power and powerlessness are central to the religion-politics relationship and so provide a particular focus for discussion.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 20% Assignment: Group: 500 words

002: 80% Assignment: Individual: 2000 words

Philosophy and Literature (HM6515)

This module will examine the different ways in which philosophical ideas can be articulated through works of fictional literature such as novels, short stories, and plays.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 36

Independent Learning Hours: 114

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 2500 words

Humanitarian Intervention & Disaster Relief (NS6315)

This module reflects on humanitarian crises with social, political and/or natural causes. During the 21

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Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent

Geopolitics of Global Environmental Change (NS6343)

The purpose of this course is to examine the creation and operation of the IPCC through the lens of international relations. Multilateral agreements premised on the creation of a scientific consensus have brought into being a new regime of global governance. Sub-national actors such as communities of scholars, cities, NGOs and social movements have been empowered, while some nation states have dissented. A critical understanding of these agreements enables knowledge of the existing global order, and the possible trajectories it will follow.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled Contact Hours: 24

Independent Learning Hours: 126

Assessment

001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent