Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
The purpose of the qualification is to develop learners to become advanced, critical thinkers capable of making vibrant contributions to the intellectual life of a democratic society. The outcomes of the qualification meet national and regional knowledge, labor market, and other socio-cultural needs.
In alignment with the university's mission, the qualification aims to provide quality research, learner support, course materials, academic staff, staff capacity-building programs, professional academic scholarship, technological support, and administrative support.
The qualification aims to develop learners' theoretical competence by teaching them to analyze, interpret, and apply philosophical theories. It further aims to enhance learners' intellectual, research, discussion, and presentation skills.
Upon completing the Honours degree in Philosophy, learners can apply for the Master's in Philosophy or related disciplines. They also develop valuable job-related skills such as logical thinking, effective writing, and communication skills.
Integrated Assessment: The assessment criteria are applicable across all or a combination of the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
Analytical Skills: Skills to analyse arguments and evaluate the theories of different philosophers are demonstrated to determine their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Historical Analysis: Various contributions to philosophical debates are analysed, indicating their impact on subsequent theorising, and discussing how those ideas were appropriated by later philosophers.
Writing Skills: Demonstrated command of core philosophical reading, writing, and reasoning skills in writing philosophical essays.
Clarity and Conciseness: Displaying a comprehensive set of philosophical writing skills through the production of concise, clear essays.
Expression: Analyses and evaluations are expressed clearly and systematically in philosophical essays.
Presentation Skills: Skills of public speaking and presentation design are demonstrated.
Thesis Development: Ability to cooperate with a supervisor in conceptualising and developing a thesis.
Long Essay Writing: Demonstrating a comprehensive set of philosophical writing skills through the production of a longer essay that requires long-term planning and a comprehensive overall argument coherently made.
Assessment Weightings: Learners write two essays critically discussing arguments for important philosophical theses, worth at least 20% each (and at most 25% each) of the mark for the course. Continuous formative assessments (reading reports) and class preparation/participation are together worth a maximum of 10%. A final examination is worth 50% of the final mark for the course.
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