Duration
30h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits
| Bachelor in modern languages and literatures : German, Dutch and English | 5 crédits | |||
| Bachelor in modern languages and literatures : general | 5 crédits | |||
| Bachelor in philosophy | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This introductory course (30h Th) offers an overview of some philosophical problems which are discussed in contemporary philosophy: how do you know anything about the external world? How do you know that there are other minds - or other persons - beyond yourself? What is the relation between mind and body? How come that various words can have the same meaning? What is the difference between an action, which you perform, and an event, which happens to you? Are you free to want anything? What is the difference between a right and a wrong doing? Etc. The course is divided into five main sections of 2 hours each corresponding to the following topics:
- World
- Mind
- Language
- Action
- Value
- Existence
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
General objectives:
- to raise students' awareness of some classic philosophical problems.
- to provide an introductory overview of contemporary theoretical philosophy.
- to clarify a certain number of key concepts prior to a more in-depth study of contemporary philosophy (cf. course given during the 2nd and 3rd Bachelors in Philosophy: "History of contemporary philosophy" and "Contemporary philosophical texts").
- place authors studied during class into their contemporary philosophical setting.
- explain the meaning of concepts used.
- clearly explain, using examples, the arguments in favour of a particular philosophical position covered in class.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
None.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is made up of two parts, a theoretical part (30h) and a practical part (15h).
Students enrolled in Modern Languages and Information and Communication are exempted from the obligation to follow the practical part.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Additional information:
First term. Face-to-face is the default teaching mode. In case the course could not take place on site, we will switch to remote teaching mode.
Recommended or required readings
Part 1: Training (students in philosophy), compulsory reading:
- Thomas Nagel, What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1987.
Part 2: Theory (all students)
A bundle with excerpts from classical philosophical texts will be made available at the beginning of the course. Additional bibliographical indications will be made available at the end of each chapter of the bundle.
Assessment methods and criteria
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam
Additional information:
Students in philosophy:
Written exam. Philosophy students are asked to explicate one of the chapters of the set book by highlighting its main argumentative elements (theses, arguments, examples, etc.). Assessment criteria are (i) the relevance of the proposed explication, (ii) the clarity and logical articulation of ideas, and (iii) language quality (correct spelling, syntax, style). The successful passing of the written exam is a necessary condition for being allowed to present the oral exam.
All students:
Oral exam with a short preparation time. The oral exam will take the form of a short interview during which students should demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter covered in class. Students will also be expected to clearly explain, using examples, the various sides of a philosophical problem or the meaning of a concept studied during the year. The exam is made up of three questions which are selected at random:
Question 1: explaining a philosophical problem in detail (10/20 = 50% of the final grade)
Question 2: explaining a philosophical notion (3/20 = 15%)
Question 3: explaining a philosophical notion (3/20 = 15%)
Competencies: clarity and structure of replies; mastering of the presented content (4/20 = 20%)
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Students enrolled in Modern Languages, Communication, etc., are most welcome. Extracts of philosophical texts will be made available both in original language (English and German) and in french translation.
Contacts
Prof. Arnaud Dewalque Department of Philosophy 7, place du 20-août, Building A1/2nd floor B-4000 Liège Phone 0032 (4) 366 55 92
Items online
Syllabus (description, schedule, assessment modalities)
Syllabus (description, schedule, assessment modalities)