ASP210 - Plato and Nietzsche
Unit details
| Year: | 2020 unit information |
|---|---|
| Important Update: | Classes and seminars in Trimester 2/Semester 2, 2020 will be online. Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19) will affect delivery of other learning experiences in this unit. Please check your unit sites for announcements and updates one week prior to the start of your trimester or semester. Last updated: 2 June 2020 |
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Sean Bowden |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | ASP105, ASP213, ASP313, ASP307, ASP405 |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | 1 x 1-hour class, 1 x 1-hour seminar per week |
| Scheduled learning activities - cloud: | 1 x 1-hour class per week (recordings provided), 1 x 1-hour online seminar per week |
Content
The unit will explore the very beginnings of the Western philosophical tradition in the work of Socrates as described by Plato in about 400BCE. Plato raises issues about the nature of ultimate reality and its importance for our moral and social lives. He describes how Socrates was put to death for teaching philosophical ideas that challenged the authority of tradition. For his part, Nietzsche, in the late 19th century, challenged the hegemony of the philosophical tradition that Plato inaugurated and asked us to accept the stresses of human life without recourse to metaphysical consolations.
| These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | ||
| ULO1 | Understand, analyse and evaluate key philosophical concepts in epistemology, ontology, and practical philosophy developed by Plato and Friedrich Nietzsche | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO2 | Reflectively analyse and critically evaluate your own pre-held views on the key philosophical issues addressed in a range of forums, in light of the challenging philosophical positions introduced in the course texts by Plato and Nietzsche | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO3 | Develop and communicate philosophical arguments, in your own words | GLO2: Communication |
| ULO4 | Develop independent research skills, in seeking out and summarising sources, planning complex arguments, and presenting written and oral presentations | GLO3: Digital literacy GLO6: Self-management |
| ULO5 | Communicate philosophical ideas and arguments, in your own words and using digital technologies, in the context of a team project | GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO7: Teamwork |
These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year
Assessment
Trimester 2:| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 (Group of 3-4 students) - Group Presentation | 800 words or equivalent | 20% | Information not yet available |
| Assessment 2 (Individual) – Research and Writing Exercise | 1200 words | 30% | Information not yet available |
| Assessment 3 (Individual) – Essay | 2000 words | 50% | Information not yet available |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning Resource
The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: ASP210 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
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