Program Overview

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FOAR8003 – Research in Philosophy

Unit Description

This unit will introduce students to research in the discipline of Philosophy, exploring what characterises research in this discipline. Students will encounter and learn to critically evaluate the key concepts, questions and issues that have shaped and/or are currently shaping research in the discipline. This unit will equip students to analyse the discipline's key literature and identify the important theoretical approaches, methods, arguments and ethical considerations that characterise research within this area. This unit will prepare students to position their own developing research ideas within a disciplinary context as they prepare for future independent research projects.

General Information

• Unit convenor and teaching staff: Wendy Lipworth, Richard Menary
• Credit points: 10
• Prerequisites: Admission to Graduate Diploma of Research OR Bachelor of Philosophy.
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged status: None

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Evaluate and analyse relevant approaches to research in their discipline, including relevant discipline-specific theories, concepts, methods and arguments.
• Critically evaluate an advanced body of knowledge in their discipline.
• Analyse and evaluate arguments, texts and/or data, considering the ethics and integrity frameworks required to conduct responsible, ethical and reflective research in their discipline.
• Communicate relevant research concepts and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate discipline-specific language.

Assessment Tasks

• Presentation: 30% (To be confirmed, two per student)
  • Indicative Time on Task: 20 hours
  • Due: To be confirmed
• Essay: 40%
  • Indicative Time on Task: 36 hours
  • Due: 01/06/2025
• Essay literature review and essay plan: 30%
  • Indicative Time on Task: 20 hours
  • Due: 27/04/2025

General Assessment Information

• Late Submissions Policy: A 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of '0' (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.
• Word Counts: Include headings, in-text citations, direct quotations, and any footnotes, but do not include title and administrative descriptors, or reference list.
• GenAI/ChatGPT Policy in Philosophy: Substantive assessment content generated by AI will be regarded as not the student's own work and potentially in breach of Academic Integrity standards.

Delivery and Resources

• Technology: Students will require access to a computer and a good internet connection to participate in the unit effectively.
• Readings: Required readings are available for download from the library via Leganto.
• Seminars: Seminars will be held online.

Policies and Procedures

Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct.

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students, including:

• Academic Success
• The Library
• IT Support
• Accessibility and disability support with study
• Mental health support
• Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
• Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
• Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes