Topics in the History of Philosophy (PHIL40017)
HonoursPoints: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
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About this subject
Overview
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This subject focuses on a careful study of one or more major works in the history of philosophy. Our approach to the material will be philosophical and rigorous: our chief aim is to understand in a deeper and more holistic way a given thinker’s philosophical arguments and theories. The selection of texts to be studied will vary from year to year, so consult with the subject coordinator or honours coordinator for more information.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject will:
- reflect critically upon a given set of texts in the history of philosophy both in their own contexts and from our 21st century perspective;
- identify and analyze philosophical arguments in historical texts;
- interpret philosophical texts that were written in different historical periods, show awareness of different possible interpretations and learn to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different interpretations;
- write well-structured and well-argued research essays that explain and critically assess the relevant philosophical views and critically position their own interpretation in relation to other interpretations in the literature;
- articulate own responses to philosophical views, support them by reasons, and defend them in light of criticism.
Last updated: 3 December 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
This subject is for students admitted to fourth year Honours or the Graduate Diploma (Advanced) or the Graduate Certificate (Advanced) in the discipline of Philosophy.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 December 2022
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A short essay
| Mid semester | 20% |
A final research essay
| End of semester | 80% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 3 December 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject is for students admitted to fourth year Honours or the Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in the discipline of Philosophy.
Last updated: 3 December 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Philosophy Specialisation (formal) Philosophy Specialisation (formal) Philosophy Specialisation (formal) Philosophy Specialisation (formal) Philosophy Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Philosophy - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 December 2022