THE MASTER'S DEGREE IN HISTORY OF IDEAS

Transcription

1 Academic regulations for THE MASTER'S DEGREE IN HISTORY OF IDEAS THE FACULTY OF HUMANITIES THE UNIVERSITY OF AARHUS

2 1. Framework conditions Title Prepared by Effective date Prescribed points Master's degree in History of Ideas (MA in History of Ideas) Institute of Philosophy and the History of Ideas The academic regulations took effect on 1 September 2007 and replaced previous regulations for the Master s degree in History of Ideas. 120 ECTS Edition 2007 Objective of the degree programme The objective of a Master s degree is to: 1. expand the student s academic knowledge and abilities and increase his/her theoretical and methodological qualifications as well as the level of independence compared with the Bachelor s degree level; 2. give the student in-depth academic knowledge by teaching advanced components in the disciplines and methodologies of the subject area(s), including training in scientific work and methodology. This training strengthens the student s ability to master more specialised functions in the business community and to participate in scientific development work; 3. provide the student with the necessary qualifications for further studies such as the PhD degree programme; cf. the executive order on the PhD degree programme and the PhD degree (the PhD Executive Order). Academic competences and qualifications Qualifications: The student expands and develops the academic knowledge acquired in the Bachelor s degree, which the student must hold to enrol in this programme, as well as any related skills and qualifications, including: skills in independent analysis in the field of the history of ideas; secure knowledge of the research methodologies and tools of the history of ideas; skills in communicating complex theoretical issues; skills in planning, structuring and carrying out a large professional project; skills in understanding and processing texts of an often complex nature in, English and one more foreign language. Competences Through their academic course work, and based on the already acquired competences from the required Bachelor s degree, the students develop and expand their academic and social competences, including: the ability to analyse, structure and articulate substantiated communication of complex issues of a multidisciplinary nature; 2

3 communication of complex issues of a multidisciplinary nature; the ability to quickly and independently gain a comprehensive view of new areas; a critical and historical faculty, i.e. the ability not to accept appearances at face value, but to be able to map out the reasons for things being the way they are and consequently contribute novel solutions; creativity and independence in the solution of new and unforeseen problems; the ability to reflect on own work processes. Authority The Education Executive Order, Executive Order no. 338 of 6 May 2004 regarding Bachelor s and Master s degree programmes at universities, VTU, see Admission requirements and prerequisites To fulfil the admission requirements for enrolment in the Master s degree programme in History of Ideas, the student must have completed a Bachelor s degree programme. Admission to the Master s degree in History of Ideas requires a pass in a Bachelor s degree pursuant to subsections 2-5: Subsection 2: The admission requirement for line A of the Master s degree programme is a pass in a Bachelor s degree with a major in History of Ideas. Subsection 3: The admission requirement for line B of the Master s degree programme is a pass in a Bachelor s degree with a major in History of Ideas and the first part of a subsidiary subject (45 ECTS) in another subject taught at upper secondary school, in which the first and second parts of the subsidiary subject have a combined weighting of 105 ECTS or 120 ECTS. Subsection 4: The admission requirement for Line C of the Master s degree programme is a pass in a Bachelor s degree with a major in another subject taught at upper secondary school and the first part (45 ECTS) of a subsidiary subject in Philosophy and the History of Ideas. Subsection 5: The admission requirement for line D of the Master s degree programme is a pass in a Bachelor s degree with a major in History of Ideas and the first part of a subsidiary subject (45 ECTS) in another subject taught at upper secondary school, in which the first and second parts of the subsidiary subject have a combined weighting of 90 or 120 ECTS. This degree gives access to The Master s degree in History of Ideas gives access to the PhD degree programme. 3

4 Transitional regulations 1996 regulations Topic 1 or 2 Topic 1 or 2 Topical Project Main Works before the 16th Century 2007 regulations Theme in history of ideas 1 or 2 Free topic Communication of History of Ideas Seminar exam There are no subjects under the previous regulations that match Methodology of History of Ideas. 2. Structure of the programme Line A Module Exam title ECTS Term Assessment Evaluation Subject type Methodology Methodolog y of History of Ideas 10 1 Marked 7-point Internal examination without coexaminer Theme in history of ideas 1 (Methodolog y) 20 1 Marked 7-point External external coexaminer Communicatio n Communicat ion of History of Ideas 10 2 Pass/fail Internal internal coexaminer 4

5 Theme in history of ideas 2 (Communica tion) 20 2 Marked 7-point Internal internal coexaminer Free Module Thesis Seminar exam 10 3 Pass/fail Internal internal coexaminer Free topic 20 3 Marked 7-point subject 1 subject Marked 7-point 10 3 Marked 7-point Internal internal coexaminer External external coexaminer External external coexaminer Placement Pass/fail Internal internal coexaminer Placement Pass/fail Internal internal coexaminer Placement Pass/fail Internal internal coexaminer Master's Thesis 30 4 Marked 7-point External external coexaminer Line B Module Exam title ECTS Term Assessment Evaluation Subject type Module of Own Choice Seminar exam/upper Secondary School Placement 10 3 Pass/fail Internal internal coexaminer Thesis Free topic 20 3 Marked 7-point Master's Thesis 30 4 Marked 7-point Internal internal coexaminer External external coexaminer Line C 5

6 Module Exam title ECTS Term Assessment Evaluation Subject type Advanced Module Social and Political Philosophy* 10 1 Marked 7-point Internal examination without coexaminer subjects Philosophy of Science* 10 1 Marked 7-point Metaphysics* 10 1 Marked 7-point Current Topic 10 2 Marked 7-point Free Topic 20 2 Marked 7-point Ethics 10 1 Marked 7-point Seminar or subjects/placemen t 3/Upper Secondary School Placement External examination with external co-examiner External examination with external co-examiner Internal examination with internal coexaminer External examination with external co-examiner Internal examination with internal coexaminer 10 3 Pass/fail Internal examination with internal coexaminer 10 3 Marked 7-point or pass/fail Free Topic 20 3 Marked 7-point Thesis Master's Thesis 30 4 Marked 7-point External examination with external co-examiner or Internal examination without coexaminer Internal examination with internal coexaminer External examination with external co-examiner * The student sits for an examination in two of the following three courses: Social and Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Science or Metaphysics. Line D Module Exam title ECTS Term Assessment Evaluation Subject type Free module Extended Seminar Exam 15 2/3 Pass/fail Internal internal coexaminer 6

7 Placement 3 or Upper Secondary School Placement 10 3/4 Pass/fail Internal internal coexaminer Thesis Free topic 20 3/4 Marked 7-point Master's Thesis 30 4/5 Marked 7-point Internal internal coexaminer External external coexaminer 2.1. Guidelines for academic progress Students in Line A can only register for Free topic after passing Theme in history of ideas 1 (Methodology) and Theme in history of ideas 2 (Communication) or subjects/placement. It applies to students of all lines that the thesis can only be submitted after all other examinations in the Master s degree programme have been passed. 3. Modules and examinations in the degree programme 3.1. Module description Module title Objective (qualifications and competences) Methodology The objective of the module is to give the student basic knowledge of the methodologies and issues relating to history of ideas practice. The module strengthens the student s ability to collect, contemplate and apply large amounts of history of ideas material. The module teaches the student the following qualifications and skills: Qualifications: fundamental insight into historiographical issues; knowledge of current theoretical schools of thought within the history of ideas; skills in understanding and forming an opinion of academic debates; skills in collecting and handling multiple source types. Competences the ability to demarcate and define the topics of debates and issues; the ability to get an overview of, research and process large amounts of material; the ability to make and argue for choices of methodology; the ability to produce critical and result-oriented work; extensive knowledge of text and concept analysis. Courses included Methodology of History of Ideas 7

8 Theme in history of ideas 1 (Methodology) Individual examinations in the module Course title Methodology of History of Ideas The objective of the course is to introduce the students to basic historiographical issues and to strengthen their practical skills in connection with: 1) The collection of different types of material, e.g. written material (books, articles, archives, pamphlets, reports, interviews, statistics, etc.) and nonwritten material (film, music, images, etc.). The objective of the course is to develop the students knowledge of available sources, increase their knowledge of the different forums for academic debate in different fields and strengthen their ability to demarcate a current research field. 2) Processing collected material. This part of the course involves the presentation of a number of common issues, concepts and challenges relating to a historical practice that must be discussed in connection with the collected material. 3) Use of common theories for history of ideas practice in relation to the collected material. demonstrates fundamental insight into the subject s methodological issues; demonstrates basic knowledge of current history of ideas methodologies; demonstrates methodological and analytical skills; demonstrates practical experience with the collection and processing of material. The instruction takes the form of a combination of lectures, workshops and practical exercises. At the beginning of the term, the teacher presents the course syllabus and describes the examination procedure. A set written assignment. Scope: max. 16 pages. Detailed provisions: Subject to participation in the teaching, the examination consists of two set written assignments (max. eight pages per assignment), distributed and completed during the term. The two assignments are included in a portfolio and submitted for combined assessment. Satisfactory participation in the teaching means active participation in at least 75% of the lessons offered. For students unable to participate in the teaching, the exam consists of an individual, set written assignment in which the student answers a given question from within the subject s syllabus. The assignment, of up to 15 pages, must be submitted no later than 10 days after receipt of the question. 8

9 question from within the subject s syllabus. The assignment, of up to 15 pages, must be submitted no later than 10 days after receipt of the question. Course title Theme in history of ideas 1 (Methodology) The student chooses a defined history of ideas topic together with a supervisor. This topic is then discussed synchronically and/or diachronically with a view to demonstrating the historical status of the ideas presented. It is an advantage for the student to write the assignment in connection with a seminar. is able to explain the theoretical and/or historical dimensions of a history of ideas theme with reference to primary and secondary literature; demonstrates proficiency in the choice of methodology for processing the material; actively applies this methodology to the chosen issue. Supervision Written assignment of max. 20 pages Detailed provisions: Theme in history of ideas 1 is a written assign of max. 20 pages. The bibliography must describe the exact number of pages involved. The final title of the assignment is agreed with a supervisor no later than four weeks prior to submission. The assignment in Theme 1 must be completely different from Theme 2 and Free topic in terms of both the theme and the period covered Module description Module title Objective (qualifications and competences) Communication The module objectives at strengthening the student s communication skills. These skills can be applied in connection with assignments during the studies and also give the student a range of competences that will be useful in the student s future career and for the student s ability to make written contributions to the public debate. The module gives the student the following qualifications and competences: 9

10 Qualifications: skills in written communication in different genres; knowledge of the theoretical and philosophical implications of different written genres; the ability to give and receive constructive text criticism; awareness of own role as a communicator of academic knowledge. Competences the ability to take part in a culture of constructive critical discussion; awareness of genres and target groups in communication; the ability to express himself/herself clearly, concisely and with awareness of form. Courses included Communication of History of Ideas/Upper Secondary School Placement Theme 2 (Communication) Individual examinations in the module Course title Communication of History of Ideas The Objective of the course is to strengthen the students communication skills and increase their awareness of the connection between form and content in communication about the history of ideas. The students' skills are trained through practical written exercises and theoretical considerations. The practical written exercises can include e.g. the preparation of a good assignment (including topics such as receiver, sender, clear language, tone, style and communication pitfalls), rhetorical effects and the requirements to form in different genres (e.g. scientific articles, the essay tradition, feature articles, letters to the editor, reviews of textbooks, etc.). The theoretical part of the course introduces metatheoretical considerations of communication about history of ideas, including the relationship between rhetoric and philosophical cognition as well as awareness of genre and form. demonstrates understanding of communication as a theoretical problem; demonstrates insight into the effects and form requirements of different genres; demonstrates practical mastery of different genres. Seminar A seminar is a method of teaching that can include a combination of group work, student contributions, written exercises, group discussions and minor projects. 1 0

11 Participation in the teaching or a written assignment. Detailed provisions Active participation means active, regular and satisfactory participation in the teaching involved, i.e. the student must participate in the activities associated with the teaching (general preparation, oral presentations, minor written assignments, etc.). Regular participation means that the student participates in at least 75% of the lessons offered on a regular basis throughout the term. Satisfactory participation means that the student has reached the academic level required to pass the examination. For students who do not comply with the requirements for participation in the teaching, the exam consists of an individual, set assignment in which the student answers a given question from within the subject s syllabus. The scope of the assignment is max. 15 pages. The assignment must be submitted 10 days after receipt of the question. Course title Theme in history of ideas 2 (Communication) The student chooses a limited history of ideas topic together with a supervisor. This topic is then discussed synchronically and/or diachronically with a view to demonstrating the historical status of the ideas presented. It is an advantage for the student to write the assignment in connection with a seminar. In the evaluation of the written part of the student s performance, special emphasis is placed independently defines and processes the chosen issue; demonstrates knowledge of the issue; is able to describe the issue in the relevant context or in accordance with relevant traditions; is able to source important key literature. In the evaluation of the oral part of the student s performance, special emphasis is placed is able to communicate the theme to an audience with university education but no prior knowledge of the history of ideas. The oral part of the examination affects the final mark awarded. Supervision Written and oral. Detailed provisions: The examination in Theme in history of ideas 2 is both written and oral. The bibliography must describe the exact number of pages of the literature involved. The final title of the assignment is agreed with a supervisor no later than four weeks prior to submission. The scope of the assignment is max. 20 pages. The oral part consists of a lecture of max. 20 minutes duration. The assignment in Theme 2 must be completely different from 1 Theme 1 and Free topic in terms of both the theme and the period covered. 1

12 bibliography must describe the exact number of pages of the literature involved. The final title of the assignment is agreed with a supervisor no later than four weeks prior to submission. The scope of the assignment is max. 20 pages. The oral part consists of a lecture of max. 20 minutes duration. The assignment in Theme 2 must be completely different from Theme 1 and Free topic in terms of both the theme and the period covered Module description Module title Objective (qualifications and competences) Advanced module Advanced Module gives the student the following qualifications and skills: Qualifications: The students expand on and add depth to the academic knowledge acquired in the basic module and can, depending on the choice of courses, acquire the following qualifications: the ability to identify and assess different value perceptions and frameworks for the self-knowledge of the individual and of society; a sound knowledge of philosophical research methodologies and tools; sound knowledge of select perceptions of ethics from the 20th century onwards; sound knowledge of theories, discussions and current problems relating to select philosophical disciplines; the ability to independently analyse, assess and discuss philosophical hypotheses and theories; a comprehensive view of the role and scope of philosophy as a scientific discipline in modern society. Competences Through his/her academic course work, and based on the skills already acquired in the basic module, the student develops and expands his/her academic and social skills profile, including: the ability to quickly and independently gain a comprehensive view of new areas; the ability to independently source relevant literature; the ability to analyse, develop and apply knowledge and learning strategies and to assess their validity based on the implied concepts of education, views of human nature and value perceptions; the ability to constructively apply philosophical tools of analysis to non-philosophy areas, e.g. ethical and political conflicts and dilemmas in current media issues; the ability to build bridges between different scientific, professional and cultural networks. Courses included Social and Political Philosophy Philosophy of Science Metaphysics 1 2

13 Ethics Current Topic Free Topic Individual examinations in the module Course title Social and Political Philosophy The discipline covers select basic concepts and theories within social and political philosophy, including select socio-philosophical concepts and themes such as ideology, power, alienation, individualisation and community. The discipline also covers key political/philosophical concepts and themes such as equality, freedom, the power of the state, legitimacy and democracy. Finally, the discipline provides an introduction to political concepts such as liberalism, communitarianism, republicanism and socialism. The course continuously relates basic concepts and theories to current problems in society and politics. demonstrates insight into key theories relating to social and political philosophy; demonstrates understanding of the interrelatedness and background of these theories as well as the structure of their arguments; is able to analyse and consider the correlation between conceptions of man and society. The instruction typically consists of weekly lectures with discussions. The instruction is based on a selection of articles or extracts of monographs that the students are expected to prepare and process in their own time. Set written assignment. Scope: max. 24 pages Detailed provisions The examination consists of the submission of three assignments (max. eight pages per assignment) on topics prepared by the examiner. The three assignments are handed out and completed during the term and included in a portfolio submitted for combined assessment. Course title Philosophy of Science: The discipline covers select key conceptions of the relationship between science, philosophy and society, including the role of technology, and deals with important philosophy of science concepts such as rationality, professionalism, value and theory development. The course teaches the student insight into the conception that select branches of science have of political and general human issues. The course provides the background for understanding and assessing important aspects of the current transformations and relationships between different branches of science. 1 3

14 demonstrates sound knowledge of select theories relating to philosophy of science; demonstrates sound knowledge of select concepts relating to the correlation between science and human practice; demonstrates the ability to argue for and against specific points of view relating to the field of philosophy of science. The instruction typically consists of weekly lectures with discussions. The instruction is based on a selection of articles or extracts of monographs. The examination consists in the completion of a set written assignment. The candidate chooses between three questions set by the examiner and based on six to eight main questions made available at the beginning of the term. The assignment must be submitted ten days after receipt of the examination questions. The scope of the assignment is max. 18 pages. Course title Metaphysics The course covers basic perceptions of reality and man s place in relation to this reality. The course content relates to a selection of themes within one or more of the following disciplines: cosmology and philosophy of nature, philosophy of language, philosophy of action, philosophy of mind and metaphysical criticism. The chosen basic concepts and themes can be e.g. the soul/body issue, freedom and determinism, intentionality, causality, time and space, substance, forms of representation, communication and historicity. demonstrates sound knowledge of select metaphysical concepts and theories; demonstrates a thorough understanding of the basic concepts and problems involved; demonstrates the ability to argue for and against specific points of view relating to the field of metaphysics. The instruction typically consists of weekly lectures with discussions. The instruction is based on a selection of articles or extracts of monographs that the students are expected to prepare and process in their own time. Oral; duration 45 minutes. Details The students sit for an oral examination of 45 minutes duration (including evaluation) with 45 minutes preparation. Notes, textbooks, etc. are permitted during the preparation. The candidate draws one out of questions. During the preparation time, the student prepares an outline of a brief verbal presentation of approximately 15 minutes duration. The oral 1 examination is based on this outline. 4

15 evaluation) with 45 minutes preparation. Notes, textbooks, etc. are permitted during the preparation. The candidate draws one out of questions. During the preparation time, the student prepares an outline of a brief verbal presentation of approximately 15 minutes duration. The oral examination is based on this outline. Course title Ethics The discipline covers select ethical theories and basic concepts and thematises the relation between conceptions of man and morals. The course also provides an introduction to ethical issues associated with specific fields of practice. Special emphasis is placed on the ability to identify and analyse ethically relevant aspects of different situations. is able to explain basic ethical concepts and theories, including the wider conceptions of human beings and of moral they are part of; is able to critically and independently analyse basic ethical concepts and theories, including the wider conceptions of human beings and of moral they are part of; understands the implications of basic ethical concepts and theories in practical situations and problem areas; is able to independently delimitate the given assignment on the basis of the course syllabus; is able to independently process the given assignment accurately and in depth on the basis of the course syllabus. The instruction typically includes weekly lectures with structured discussions and presentation exercises. The course also includes classroom lessons with student teachers. The instruction is typically based on a selection of articles or other textbook material. Participation in the teaching and a written assignment. Detailed provisions. Subject to a minimum of 75% attendance in available lessons with student teachers, the examination consists of a set written assignment. The candidate chooses between three questions set by the examiner on the basis of six to eight general questions announced at the beginning of the term. The assignment must be submitted three weeks after receipt of the examination questions. The assignment must not exceed 15 pages. Course title Current Topic Current Topic teaches the student to consider philosophy and history of ideas aspects of current topics involving day-to-day politics and culture. 1 5

16 is able to demonstrate own skills based on a current issue or problem discussed by the media (daily newspapers, television news, etc.); is able to clearly communicate philosophical theories and discussions by means of the chosen example. Individual supervision Written assignment of max. 13 pages. The supervisor must approve both the topic and the bibliography. Course title Free Topic The examination in Free Topic teaches the student to work with a defined philosophical or history of ideas issue or discussion. Based on the seminars and individual studies under supervision, the student develops his/her ability to work with a topic of own choice at a Master s degree level. independently defines and processes the chosen issue; demonstrates knowledge of the issue; is able to describe the issue in the relevant context or in accordance with relevant traditions; is able to source important key literature. Individual supervision A written home assignment on a topic of own choice of max. 25 pages. The topic must be approved by the teacher. The student must choose a topic that has not been covered in the assignments in Social and Political Philosophy and Science, Philosophy and Metaphysics Module description Module title Objective (qualifications and Competences) Free Module ( subjects/placement) The module gives the student an opportunity to develop more independence in the work with the history of ideas in that the acquired skills and competences are now to a greater extent practised in topics of the student s own choice. These topics can, but do not have to, relate to the history of ideas. Alternatively, the student can choose to study a subject from another Master s degree programme or shape his/her skills profile in a practical direction through one or two placements. 1 6

17 Master s degree programme or shape his/her skills profile in a practical direction through one or two placements. The student can choose up to three subjects from other degree programmes, including foreign programmes, at Master s degree level, corresponding to a total of 30 ECTS. The student can choose up to two placements, totalling up to 30 ECTS. The student must enter into agreements regarding the placements in accordance with current faculty rules. Depending on the student s choices, the module provides the opportunity to gain the following qualifications and skills: Qualifications: skills in independently defining and solving a problem relating to the history of ideas; in-depth knowledge of advanced texts and issues relating to the history of ideas; skills in preparing and outlining a major academic project. Competences the ability to independently acquire an overview of a new topic; the ability to independently understand and solve problems; the ability to identify a relevant history of ideas issue and an appropriate learning strategy; the ability to reflect on the approach of other subject areas to academic issues and to further develop own academic profile with methodologies, theories and analytical tools from other subject areas; the ability to enter into multidisciplinary collaboration with people with different educational and competence profiles and to bring academic knowledge from one area into play with knowledge from other subject areas. Students who choose a placement have the opportunity to apply academic skills in a specific job context and gain insight into how a workplace functions and what a private company, public institution or organisation expects of humanities graduates. The placement provides students with the following academic and social qualifications and skills: Qualifications: the ability to work independently and in a practice-oriented manner and to apply academic knowledge, methodologies and skills to the solution of specific tasks for a private company or an organisation; the ability to further develop and put a perspective on the specialised skills and competences acquired so far in the work with specific, practical tasks. Competences the ability to reflect on the relevance of the academic skills in a job context and argue for the ways they can contribute to resolving specific tasks for companies and organisations; 1 7