PHIL40410 Philosophy & Literature

Academic Year 2023/2024

In this course we will approach the relationship between philosophy and literature through a phenomenological framework by asking: 'what is the experience of reading philosophy and what is the experience of reading literature?' The aim is to discover the manner in which each genre of text reveals something of the human experience but to precisely question the extent to which that revelation actually impacts upon the reader's experience of being human. Philosophical texts will be drawn from the continental tradition broadly construed to include phenomenology, critical phenomenology, feminism, post/decolonial studies and critical theory. A range of literary texts--novels, short stories, poems, and plays-- will be read in conjunction with these philosophical texts. Students will be encouraged to engage with these texts through the prism of their own research interests.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module students will:

• Be able to describe the difference between philosophy and literature with reference to a variety of approaches to this relationship

• Be able to participate in high-level critical discussions of both philosophical and literary texts.

• Be familiar with the continental philosophical tradition

• Be able to draw connections between philosophical and literary texts, and to compare and contrast them in written work as appropriate.

• Have an understanding of the role of different sorts of texts in the production of various identities.

Indicative Module Content:

In this course we will approach the relationship between philosophy and literature through a phenomenological framework by asking: 'what is the experience of reading philosophy and what is the experience of reading literature?' The aim is to discover the manner in which each genre of text reveals something of the human experience but to precisely question the extent to which that revelation actually impacts upon the reader's experience of being human.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

24
Autonomous Student Learning

226
Total

250
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students will participate in a weekly two-hour seminar. This will comprise of lectures, presentations and class discussions. Students will be required to read texts every week and to come to class with questions/discussion points and to engage with each other on themes from the texts. The final assignment will be an essay and students will have an additional half hour one-to-one seminar with the coordinator to design their essay topic. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students doing this module should have some prior knowledge of philosophy. You are advised to consult the module co-ordinator in advance of selecting this module if you have not previously studied philosophy.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Essay on themes and thinkers from the course. Topic decided by student in consultation with the MC. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

85
Continuous Assessment: TBD Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

15

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided individually on each piece of assignment.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 11:00 - 12:50