Master Topic in Theoretical Philosophy

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

FIL343 will give students an introduction to a research-related theme in theoretical philosophy. The exact theme will be determined by the lecturer. The course will teach how to familiarize oneself with and contribute to an ongoing research debate in theoretical philosophy. In addition to giving an introduction to key concepts and arguments of current research, special emphasis will be placed on philosophical methodology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the student should have

  • a deeper understanding of a central research debate in theoretical philosophy
  • an overview of central problems, arguments and positions on this topic.

Skills:

After completing the course, the student should be able to

  • identify key issues and arguments in theoretical philosophy
  • provide assessments of what crucial contributions to a research debate in theoretical philosophy are
  • recognize the strengths and weaknesses of important theories

Competence:

After completing the course, the student should be competent to

  • to contribute with own research to key debates in theoretical philosophy
  • transfer research skills to his own master's project

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Fall

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
Bachelor degree with 90 credits specializing in philosophy or equivalent.
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.
Access to the Course
A condition for entry into this course is having been accepted for the Masters programme in philosophy.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

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

  • Attend at least 70% of the seminars
  • Submit and get approved an outline of the proposed research paper (deadline set by the instructor)
  • Give a presentation of the proposed research paper (scheduled by the instructor)
  • Submit a draft (minimum 3000 words) of the research paper (deadline set by the instructor).
  • Attend a supervision session (scheduled by the instructor)
Forms of Assessment

A supervised semester assignment paper of 4000- 6000 words (not including table of contents, list of references etc.) The topic of the paper must be approved in advance by the teacher of the course. . The semester assignment paper 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
Assessment Semester
Fall
Course Evaluation
The teaching will be evaluated from time to time.
Programme Committee
Department of Philosophy
Course Coordinator
Department of Philosophy
Course Administrator
Department of Philosophy