Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)

Course 319PH (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Year and Campus: 2010 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Undergraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 100 credit points taken over 24 months part time.
Course Overview:

NOTE: This course is in phase-out mode and is no longer accepting applications for admisssion.

Current students needing assistance with course planning for completion of the course requirments should contact the Arts & Music Student Centre.

Philosophy has been taught and studied continuously at the University of Melbourne since 1881, and the School of Philosophy is accordingly one of the oldest and best established in Australia. The school is renowned for promotion of an eclectic and wide-ranging approach to philosophical issues. It has earned an international reputation for excellence in research and teaching in all of the core fields of the discipline, as well as in less traditional but burgeoning areas of philosophical inquiry and debate. Graduates of the School have been recruited to positions in universities worldwide, and in government, industry and the arts. The School also provides an articulated structure of higher degree study for students who wish to further pursue their interests in this exciting field.

Philosophy deals with the fundamental aspects of reality and value. It tackles questions that lie outside the scope of any of the more specialised disciplines such as physics, mathematics or history, or which the specialised disciplines suggest, but cannot themselves adequately answer. Despite the abstract nature of many of the problems it encounters, philosophy looks for answers that can only be justified by the highest standards of argument and rigour. Philosophy at the University of Melbourne is wide ranging in scope and covers core topic areas such as logic, ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, feminism, political and environmental philosophy. Among philosophical questions discussed are these: Could all experience be a dream? Does God exist? Is morality just a matter of personal preference? Is there such a thing as human nature? Are we genuinely free to choose? Does life have meaning?

Objectives: Refer to http://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2008/105-AA
Course Structure & Available Subjects:

Course Structure

Students continuing in this course should refer to the course structure in the University Handbook for the year they commenced the Diploma.

All pre-2008 Handbooks can be found -https://psc.unimelb.edu.au/

Subject Availability

Students should refer to the same area of study listed in the 2010 listings for the 105-AA Bachelor of Arts (pre2008) - http://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/

Current students needing assistance with course planning for completion of the course requirments should contact the Arts & Music Student Centre.

Entry Requirements:

NOTE: This course is in phase-out mode and is no longer accepting applications for admisssion.


Core Participation Requirements: The Diploma in Arts requires a standard level of ability across all disciplines. It will be assumed students are able to access and attend classes on a regular basis, are capable of learning in a University environment and will be able to take responsibility for their own learning. Any ability beyond this threshold will be robustly supported through the curriculum. There are no pre-requisites for first year subjects, and any intensive use of IT or technologies will be adequately supported. Certain subjects have more specific requirements and demands, such as fieldwork or travelling, which are clearly outlined in the Handbook's subject description.

However, the University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. The Faculty Disability Contact Officer works with students, the University Disability Liaison Unit and teaching staff to assist students with their special requirements, with a particular focus on accommodations for in-class and examination assessment tasks. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability.

Further Study: The School of Philosophy offers a range of further study options to students who have already completed a degree: Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy), Master of Arts (by research or coursework), and the PhD. Further information about these programs can be obtained by consulting either the Faculty of Arts Postgraduate Handbook or the School of Philosophy's postgraduate coordinators.
Graduate Attributes: Refer to http://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2008/105-AA
Generic Skills: Refer to http://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2008/105-AA

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