Topics in Metaphysics

Subject PHIL40005 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours - 1 x 2 hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Admission to fourth year Honours or the Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in the discipline of Philosophy

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Dana Goswick

Contact

Email: dgoswick@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This unit covers selected issues in contemporary metaphysics. We will focus on a particular philosophical issue (e.g. ontology, possibility, necessity, the nature of objects), and look at contemporary work addressing this issue.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • show an understanding of selected issues in contemporary metaphysics;
  • manifest philosophical skill in arguing in an alert and well informed way for conclusions related to these issues;
  • display acquaintance with some important past contributions to the discussion of those issues;
  • indicate an awareness of how the subject matter is related to broader concerns in contemporary philosophy;
  • acquire the ability to locate issues concerning metaphysics;
  • learn to evaluate sophisticated arguments offered in the literature.
Assessment:
  • A 500 word essay, due week 4 (10%)
  • A 500 word essay, due week 8 (10%)
  • A 4000 word essay, due in week 12 (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.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Prescribed Texts:

A reading list will be issued at the beginning of semester.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://shaps.unimelb.edu.au/philosophy
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced) - Philosophy
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) - Philosophy
PC-ARTS Philosophy
PD-ARTS Philosophy
Philosophy

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