Module Information

Module Identifier
PGM6210
Module Title
Philosophy and Contemporary Culture
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 2,500 word essay  100%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit failed component  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Interpret and evaluate key modern philosophical approaches to social, cultural and epistemic questions in the light of their context.
2. Understand and evaluate different forms and genres of philosophical argument
3. Understand and evaluate the development of distinctive philosophical paradigms
4. Understand and appreciate the role and nature of philosophical controversy and debate
5. Understand and evaluate the role of philosophical reflection and argument in the development and furtherance of research projects in humanities and/or social science disciplines

Brief description

The module will focus on the identification and exploration of a series of philosophical approaches that characterize the cultural, ethical and intellectual trends of modern society. The course will adopt a problem-based approach to this overview focusing primarily on controversies and problems

Aims

The module is intended to provide an introduction to philosophical approaches and themes underpinning research done in the broad field of cultural studies (the humanities and social sciences). The purpose is to enable research students in these fields to develop a deeper awareness of philosophical positions and ideas underpinning contemporary research problems and themes they encounter in their research

Content

1.Modern rationalism configured (Kant and Hegel)
2. Ethics of modern rationalism (Habermas)
3 The Existential challenge to modern rationalism (Schopenhauer and Nietzsche)
4. Existential ethics of encounter (Levinas)
5.Biopolitics and Identity (Foucault and Agamben)
6. Gender and Identity (Judith Butler)
It should be noted that due to the nature of the course, the key authors studied in relation to specific themes may vary.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Seminar discussions and formal essay
Improving own Learning and Performance Research and preparation for assignment. Design and timely planning of written assignment
Information Technology Engagement with materials on Blackboard and use of Turnitin
Personal Development and Career planning Reading and research in preparation for seminars, seminar discussions and written assignments
Problem solving In seminar discussions and written assignments
Research skills Reading and research in preparation for seminars, the written assignment
Subject Specific Skills Philosophical problem formulation and argumentation
Team work Seminar discussions

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7