Master Topic in Wittgenstein Studies

Level of Study

Master

Teaching semester

Fall

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

This course provides an introduction to the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein. In addition to giving a general overview of his philosophical work it gives an introduction to concepts, views and methods central to his philosophy.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the student should have

- a general overview of key concepts, viewpoints and methods within Wittgenstein's philosophy

- understanding of the similarities and differences between various approaches to and interpretations of Wittgenstein

- more thorough knowledge of a further limited topic within the field

Skills:

After completing the course, the student should be able to

- recognize key positions, argumentation and presentation methods in Wittgenstein-research, and to disseminate the main features of this research

- identify and familiarize him/herself with the key literature on Wittgenstein's philosophy, and disseminate knowledge of this literature and the perspectives it provides on Wittgenstein's philosophy to an academic and a general audience

- reflect on the relevance of key concepts, viewpoints and methods within Wittgenstein's philosophy in order to understand and assess current issues and problems

Competence:

The course may be suitable to support specialization in fundamental questions in connection with the study of other subjects.

Required Previous Knowledge

None.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

A good proficiency in English is necessary since it ought to be assumed that much of the prescribed reading will be in English.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

FIL317 overlap 10 points with FIL217 (Wittgenstein Studies). Please contact the department for further information.

Access to the Course

This course is open to students who have been admitted to the Master's programme in philosophy. All other students require permission in order to register for this course. Please contact studieveileder@fof.uib.no to apply.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.

The number of gatherings may be reduced if the number of students attending the course is less than 4. In that case, the students will be compensated with individual or group tutoring.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

An approval of compulsory requirements is valid for three semesters, including the semester in which the approval is given.

• Students must submit a proposal and draft of their semester assignment. Deadlines are set by the department.
• Students must attend a supervision session with the instructor.
• Passing grade in end-of-course test.

Forms of Assessment

An essay of 4000- 6000 words (not including table of contents, list of references etc.) The topic of the essay must be approved in advance by the teacher of the course instructor. The essay will be assessed at the end of the semester.

Exams in the course are held every semester.

The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.

The compulsory requirements have to be formally approved in a semester in which there is teaching in the relevant course in order to register for the examination in a semester in which there is no teaching in that course.

Grading Scale

From A to F

Course Evaluation

The teaching will be evaluated from time to time.