Building on the philosophy postgraduate foundation module, this module explores issues with a significance that extends far beyond the boundaries of academic philosophy. You’ll look at distributive justice, liberalism versus communitarianism and the metaphysics of social explanation – and go on to examine citizenship, nationalism, punishment and democracy in the light of these themes. You’ll develop your ability to analyse philosophical texts; reflect on the process of philosophical research; and hone your skills in finding and using material. You’ll also be required to show greater independence of thought and the ability to put across a coherent case for a philosophical position.
What you will study
This philosophy subject module in the MA in Humanities programme develops the skills introduced in the philosophy postgraduate foundation module. We have selected the area of contemporary social and political philosophy both for its intrinsic philosophical interest and for its relationship to issues outside academic philosophy. A851 consists of a set of readings accompanied by commentary. The areas covered by the readings are:
- The philosophy of social explanation
- Distributive justice
- Liberalism and communitarianism
- Citizenship
- Nationalism
- Democracy
- Punishment
You will study the first three topics in detail, and then choose one (or more) of the other four in which to focus on in your final project. For your project you will be expected to discuss problems related to your selected topic, in the light of your study of the first three themes.
Like the foundation module, this module makes extensive use of information technology. Tutorials are online, and support is provided by online forums and the extensive online resources of The Open University library. You will have opportunities to discuss the module with your tutor and your fellow students via online forums. Extensive technical backup is available, so there should be no problems even for those whose experience of using computers is limited. You need only have access to a computer, not to own one.
Entry
To take this module, you must declare the MA in Philosophy (F30) (or another qualification towards which this module can count) as your qualification intention. You should also have taken one of the MA in Humanities postgraduate foundation modules (or you could take one at the same time as this module, though we would not normally recommend that). If you wish to gain the MA in Philosophy you will need to take the the Postgraduate foundation module in philosophy (A850). If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Preparatory work
We recommend reading one or more of:
Will Kymlicka (2001) Contemporary Political Philosophy,2nd edition, Oxford University Press
Stephen Mulhall, Adam Swift (2000) Liberals and Communitarians, 2nd edition, Blackwell
Robert Goodin, Philip Pettit (eds) (1997) Contemporary Political Philosophy, Blackwell
The MA website gives information about the topics in the module and suggests further readings.
Qualifications
A851 is a compulsory module in our:
A851 is an optional module in our:
- #Postgraduate Diploma in Humanities [D35]#
This module can also count towards F07 which is no longer available to new students. If you leave the programme before obtaining a masters degree and have successfully completed an additional 60 credits from specified modules, including at least 30 credits from postgraduate foundation modules, you can qualify for a postgraduate diploma.
Some postgraduate qualifications allow study to be chosen from other subject areas. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this module can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability
This module makes extensive use of the internet and online forums, so you may need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer. The study materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
Study materials
What's included
Module books and other printed materials.
D. C. Matravers, J. E. Pike (eds) (2002) Debates in Contemporary Political Philosophy, Routledge.
There are real time online tutorials, and further support is provided by online forums and the extensive online resources of The Open University library.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. The tutorials for this module will be taught by means of asynchronous online forums. We may be able to offer opportunities to attend research day conferences in the subject area that you are encouraged, but not obliged to attend.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Future availability
February 2017 is the final start date for this module. A new module in the same subject area is planned to start in October 2017.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.