PY4658 Timely Topics in Political Philosophy

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be confirmed.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr B Hillier-Smith

Dr B Hillier-Smith
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Bradley Hillier-Smith

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module explores a variety of topics in political philosophy that are especially timely today. Because an emphasis is placed on timeliness, the topics addressed in the module may change from year to year, and depending on the judgment of the instructor. A full description of the module content for any given year will be provided in the Philosophy Pre-advising Handbook. The philosophical arguments and authors discussed in the module may be historical or contemporary. Their selection will depend exclusively on whether they engage directly with pressing issues of the day. In its essence, the course is designed to teach students how to use philosophical tools to reflect on the current political moment.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PY1012

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour lecture and 1 x 1-hour seminar. Optional office hour.

Scheduled learning hours

33

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

263

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.