Programme Specification for the 2018/9 academic year

BA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology

1. Programme Details

Programme name	BA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology	Programme code	UFA3HPSCTH02
Study mode(s)	Full Time	Academic year	2018/9
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	Programme start date	09/2014
NQF Level	6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This degree enables you to study the complementary disciplines of Philosophy and Theology. Questions relating to the nature of God, religion, faith and moral life have been the domain of both Philosophy and Theology for many centuries. Philosophy offers invaluable logical and analytical tools to address theological questions, both old and new. This programme will also enable you to reflect in depth about the role of religion in contemporary life and society. 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. Offer an excellent Honours-level education in Philosophy and Theology, which meets the standards set in the national Subject Benchmarks.
2. Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for students that is informed by research where deemed appropriate.
3. Offer a coherent and structured framework of study which ensures that within the time-span of the programme every student follows a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that students are able to follow individual pathways of learning.
4. In philosophy, produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes and methods of philosophy through a combination of modules, which develop a reflective understanding of some pervasive and problematic features of the world and of ourselves.
5. In theology, produce graduates who are able to demonstrate comprehension of and critically analyse a range of themes, debates and methods of the discipline, through the study of various modules, including the in-depth study of biblical and other texts in relation to contexts of interpretation, and the study of philosophical theology and Christian ethics, through engagement with key historical figures, and in relation to significant contemporary issues.
6. Provide a range of academic and personal skills, which will prepare students from varied educational backgrounds for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility, adaptability and critical enquiry, and which will enable them to deploy their knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.

The Programme is intended to:

4. Programme Structure

The programme is studied over three years, all of which are university-based. Study is undertaken in three levels, one for each year of study. The programme is divided into units called modules. Modules have a credit value of 15 or 30 credits. Each stage comprises 120 credits.

Assessment at stage one does not contribute towards the summative classification of the award. Procedures for the final assessment of the degree programme can be found at: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/

Credits at stage 1 must be successfully completed in order to proceed to stage 2, but marks gained at this stage play no further part in the final assessment. Procedures for the final assessment of the degree programme can be found at: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/

Modules are not all available every year; options are offered each year at the discretion of the relevant Colleges and Disciplines. A module may be taken only if the necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, if the timetable allows, and if the module or an equivalent module has not been taken previously.

The University’s rules on modularity include a provision that the degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules and as part of the degree programme. Students may take up to 30 credits a year outside their main degree subject, after they have met the compulsory requirements of their main subjects. However, the normal expectation on this programme is that students will take 60 credits in each subject, in order to gain sufficient skills and expertise in philosophy and theology to complete the programme effectively. At Stage 3, the Philosophy side of the programme already allows students to choose a 30-credit option from a range of philosophical subjects offered by other disciplines. Any student wishing to take an option of up to 30 credits outside the programme should seek permission from the Director of the Philosophy Programme or the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Theological Studies).

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site

The full list of modules in Philosophy (with module descriptions) is available at at 
https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/moduledescriptions/

The full list of modules in Theology (with module descriptions) is available at https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/undergraduates/modules/

 

Stage 1

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Compulsory Modules

For Philosophy - 3 of the 4 core modules must be chosen

For Theology - THE1106 and THE1102 or THE1076

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL1002A	Knowledge and Reality 1 [at least 45 credits taken from PHL1002A, PHL1002B, PHL1005A, PHL1006]	15	No
PHL1002B	Knowledge and Reality 2	15	No
PHL1005A	Evidence and Argument 1	15	No
PHL1006	Introduction to Philosophical Analysis	15	No
THE1106	Philosophy of Religion and Christian Ethics	15	No
THE1102	Christian Origins: from Jesus to the Early Church OR THE1076	15	No
THE1076	Religion in the Modern World OR THE1102	15	No

Optional Modules

• Philosophy: You may choose 15 credits of options
• Theology: Choose one other available Level 1 Theology module

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
Philosophy Stage 1 modules 2018-9 up to 15 credits of optional modules
PHL1003	Philosophical Readings 5	15	No
PHL1004	Philosophical Problems 1	15	No
PHL1009	Philosophies of Art	15	No
PHL1013	Philosophy of Morality	15	No
PHL1007	Philosophical Reading 1	15	No
PHL1008	Philosophical Reading 2	15	No
PHL1002A	Knowledge and Reality 1	15	No
PHL1002B	Knowledge and Reality 2	15	No
PHL1005A	Evidence and Argument 1	15	No
PHL1006	Introduction to Philosophical Analysis	15	No
THE1101	The Bible: Past and Present	15	No
THE1102	Christian Origins: from Jesus to the Early Church	15	No
THE1103	Introducing Christian Theologies	15	No
THE1104	Judaisms in Transition: Crises and Innovations	15	No
THE1108	Theology, Sexuality and Gender	15	No
THE1072	Introducing Biblical Hebrew	15	No
THE1076	Religion in the Modern World	15	No
THE1077	God, Humanity and the Cosmos: An Introduction to the Debate between Science and Religion	15	No
THE2035	Intermediate Biblical Hebrew	15	No
ARA1018	Introduction to Islam	15	No
LIB1103	Body and Culture	15	No

Total Credits for Stage 1	120

Stage 2

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For Philosophy - 3 of the 6 core modules must be chosen

For Theology - there are no compulsory Theology and Religion modules at Stage 2, students must select 60 credits of Theology and Religion option modules from those available.

Compulsory Modules

 

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL S2 BA Philosophy SH comp 2019-0 at least 45 credits of core modules
PHL2010A	Philosophy of Mind 1	15	No
PHL2011A	The Philosophy of Nature 1	15	No
PHL2012	Social Philosophy	15	No
PHL2015	Body and Mind	15	No
PHL2016	Metaphysics	15	No
PHL2018	Philosophy of Language	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
THE2023	Military Ethics in Christian Perspective	30	No
THE2024	Spirituality - Prayer, Meditation and Worship	30	No
THE2025	Art in Syria and the Holy Land at the Time of the Crusades	30	No
THE2026	Postcolonial Theology	30	No
THE2031	Encountering the Historical Jesus	30	No
THE2034	Intermediate New Testament Greek	15	No
THE2118	Scribes, Apostles and Sages: Early Jewish Biblical Exegesis	30	No
THE2173	Life and Death in Israel and Judah	30	No
THE2185	Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology	30	No
THE2206	Interpreting the Bible on Screen	30	No
THE2286	Jewish Religious Responses to the Holocaust	30	No
Philosophy Stage 2 modules 2018-9 up to 15 credits of optional modules
PHL2001	Phenomenology	15	No
PHL2002	Existentialism	15	No
PHL2021	Symbolic Logic	15	No
PHL2022	Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology	15	No
PHL2024A	Philosophical Readings 3	15	No
PHL2025A	Philosophical Readings 4	15	No
PHL2026	Philosophy of Science	15	No
PHL2027	Feminist Philosophy	15	No
PHL2035	Critical Bioethics	15	No
PHL2038	The Self	15	No
PHL2045	Aesthetics	15	No
PHL2046	The Holocaust and Society	15	No
PHL2051	The Human Condition: Classic Readings in Anthropology	15	No
PHL2052	Epistemology	15	No
PHL2053	History of Philosophy	15	No
PHL2054	Philosophy of Psychiatry	15	No
PHL2060	Philosophy of Emotion	15	No
PHL2061	Philosophy of Law	15	No
PHL2096	Cyborg Studies	15	No
PHL2100	Knowledge and History: Theories of Scientific Change	15	No
PHL2105	Contemporary Capitalism, Critique and Resistance	15	No
PHL2108	Fundamental Ontology	15	No
PHL2109	Philosophy with Children	15	No
PHL2111	The Deep Past, History and Humanity	15	No

Total Credits for Stage 2	120

Stage 3

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60 credits at Level 3 in Philosophy, and 60 credits at Level 3 in Theology in total, less the credits for the corresponding dissertation - see below.

Compulsory Modules

Students are required to take either the Dissertation in Philosophy or the Dissertation in Theology. This will comprise 30 of the required credits in the modules.

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PHL3040	Philosophy Dissertation -OR- THE3082	30	No
THE3082	Theology Dissertation -OR- PHL3040	30	No

Optional Modules

[Philosophy - at least 30 credits, no more than 60 credits]

[Theology - at least 30 credits, no more than 60 credits]

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
THE3023	Military Ethics in Christian Perspective	30	No
THE3024	Spirituality - Prayer, Meditation and Worship	30	No
THE3025	Art in Syria and the Holy Land at the Time of the Crusades	30	No
THE3026	Postcolonial Theology	30	No
THE3031	Encountering the Historical Jesus	30	No
THE3082	Theology Dissertation	30	No
THE3118	Scribes, Apostles and Sages: Early Jewish Biblical Exegesis	30	No
THE3173	Life and Death in Israel and Judah	30	No
THE3185	Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology	30	No
THE3206	Interpreting the Bible on Screen	30	No
THE3286	Jewish Religious Responses to the Holocaust	30	No
Philosophy Stage 3 modules 2018-9
PHL3001	Phenomenology	15	No
PHL3002	Existentialism	15	No
PHL3014	Symbolic Logic	15	No
PHL3018	Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology	15	No
PHL3024A	Philosophical Readings 3	15	No
PHL3025A	Philosophical Readings 4	15	No
PHL3026	Philosophy of Science	15	No
PHL3035	Critical Bioethics	15	No
PHL3038	The Self	15	No
PHL3041	Feminist Philosophy	15	No
PHL3045	Aesthetics	15	No
PHL3046	The Holocaust and Society	15	No
PHL3051	The Human Condition: Classic Readings in Anthropology	15	No
PHL3052	Epistemology	15	No
PHL3053	History of Philosophy	15	No
PHL3054	Philosophy of Psychiatry	15	No
PHL3060	Philosophy of Emotion	15	No
PHL3061	Philosophy of Law	15	No
PHL3096	Cyborg Studies	15	No
PHL3100	Knowledge and History: Theories of Scientific Change	15	No
PHL3108	Fundamental Ontology	15	No
PHL3109	Contemporary Capitalism, Critique and Resistance	15	No
PHL3111	The Deep Past, History and Humanity	15	No

Total Credits for Stage 3	120

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6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
1. PHILOSOPHY: Show familiarity with philosophical ideas about the nature of society and the social sciences. 2. Reflect upon the conditions of human social life. 3. Show familiarity with the history of modern philosophy (18.1). 4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in epistemology, metaphysics and the philosophies of mind and nature (18.2). 5. Analyse concepts in ethics (18.3). 6. Analyse and criticise substantial works by important historical and contemporary moral and political philosophers (18.2 and 18.3). 7. Engage in logical and conceptual analysis and abstract reasoning (23.2, 23.4, 23.6) 8. Apply a reflective and sophisticated analytic understanding to a range of complex issues and subject matters. 9. THEOLOGY: Be able to state clearly, discuss and demonstrate critical comprehension of some of the following: the social, textual, intellectual, historical, theological, ethical, institutional or aesthetic expressions of the Christian tradition (5.3: Knowledge and Understanding, 2). 10. Be able to discuss and demonstrate where appropriate critical comprehension of the Christian tradition's classical sources and their subsequent articulation by some interpreters of the tradition in different historical periods and in different social or geographical settings (K and U, 3). 11. Be able to evaluate and critically analyse a diversity of primary and secondary sources, including material from different disciplines (K and U, 4).	[Philosophy] In explicit terms, skills 1-2 are developed through lectures, seminars and essay work on Social Philosophy; 3-4 through similar methods and strategies on Knowledge and Reality, Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy of Nature; 5-6 through similar methods on Ethics, and 7 through practical exercises on Evidence and Argument. However, depending on the student’s chosen portfolio of modules, they will be developed, further in the modules chosen at level 3. 8 is developed especially through the optional modules taken at level 3. [Theology] Skills 9 and 10 are developed across the curriculum, and specifically through the core modules in biblical studies, patristics, philosophical theology and Christian ethics. Skill 11 is fostered through these same modules, and also through the engagement of many option modules with the methods of the social sciences. Modules make use of lectures and student-led seminar presentations, and some make use of formatively assessed essays and small-group tutorials which help to foster essay-writing skills.	[Philosophy] The assessment of skills 1-8 is made through a combination of course essays, oral presentations, examinations; also, where appropriate, Research Methods Project or dissertation. [Theology] 9-11 are assessed by various methods including closed book examinations, essays and summatively assessed seminar presentations. There is also a level 3 dissertation module.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
12. Analyse critically individual texts and combine those analyses to demonstrate understanding of the development of literary genres (Phil. 23.3, 23.4). 13. Synthesise complex and diverse arguments and ideas lucidly and coherently, both orally and in writing (Phil.23.2). 14. Engage in creative analytical and evaluative thinking about texts, sources, arguments and interpretations (Phil. 23.6). 15. Engage in lateral thinking, making connections between ideas and information in different fields of their study (Phil.23.9, 25.1). 16. Select and apply appropriate critical tools when reading primary and secondary literature and ancient literature in translation (Phil. 23.3; TRS 5.3: Discipline Specific and Intellectual Skills, 4) 17. Be able to represent views other than the student's own sensitively and intelligently with fairness and integrity (TRS 5.3: DSIS, 1). 18. Be able to demonstrate understanding of the multi-faceted complexity of religions, e.g. in the relationship between specifically religious beliefs, texts and practices, and wider social and cultural structures (TRS 5.3: DSIS, 3). 19. Be able to demonstrate awareness of and critical assessment of religious contributions to debate in the public arena about e.g. values, truth, beauty, health, peace and justice (TRS 5.3: DSIS, 5). 20. Be able to demonstrate understanding of the multi-faceted complexity of religions, e.g. in the relationship between specifically religious beliefs, texts and practices, and wider social and cultural structures (TRS 5.3: DSIS, 3). 21. Be able to demonstrate awareness of and critical assessment of religious contributions to debate in the public arena about e.g. values, truth, beauty, health, peace and justice (TRS 5.3: DSIS, 5).	[Philosophy] Skills 12-18 are developed throughout the Philosophy degree programme by lectures and seminars, written work and oral work (both oral presentations and class discussion). A more sophisticated use of these skills is developed in the second and third stages; in the third stage, independent use of these skills is developed through the dissertation and level 3 optional modules selected by the student. [can anything more precise be said??] [Theology] Skill 18 is developed throughout the curriculum, and specifically in e.g. the core modules in biblical studies and patristics. Skill 19 is also developed throughout the programme, and specifically through the use of seminar presentations, classroom discussion, and formative assessment of essays and seminar presentations. Skills 20-21 are taught through e.g. the core modules in biblical studies, philosophical theology and Christian ethics, and also through the availability of many modules (core and optional) which engage with the methods and conclusions of the social science	[Philosophy] Skills 12-18 are assessed though course essays, assessed oral presentations and examinations at stages 1-2 and through the dissertation at stage 3. [Theology] Skills 18-21 are assessed through essays, examinations, seminar presentations, and (at level 3) the dissertation module.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
22. Select, organise and analyse material for written work and oral presentations of different prescribed lengths. (Phil. 23.2; TRS 5.3: Key Skills, 1) 23. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner (Phil. 26.8; TRS: KS, 2). 24. Present an argument in a written form in a clear and organized manner, with appropriate use of correct English (Phil.23.6). 25. Formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction (Phil. 23.8). 26. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of challenging material in groups (Phil. 28.3; TRS: KS, 5-6). 27. Work creatively, flexibly and adaptably with others, both peers and academic staff (Phil. 27.5; TRS: KS, 6). 28. Demonstrate autonomy, manifested in self-direction and intellectual initiative, both in learning and study and in the management of time (Phil. 27.2; TRS: KS, 7). 29. Evaluate and reflect on your own work (Phil.27.5; TRS: KS, 10). 30. Write and think under pressure and to meet deadlines (Phil. 27.3) 31. Plan the execution of demanding work based on individual research over a long time (Phil. 27.3). 32. Use a word processor to create clearly presented written assignments and handouts (Phil. 26.8.2; TRS: KS, 9).	(a) Skills 22, 24, 25 and 26 are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in many modules at all levels in both sides of the programme, and through the oral discussion of challenging material in all modules in the programme. (b) Skill 27 is also developed through meetings with personal tutors, one-to-one or small-group tutorials giving feedback on written work and through discussion in seminars. (c) Skills 22, 24, 25, 28, and 30 are developed through written assignments (essays) in most modules and examinations in many modules at all levels. (d) Skills 28-29 form essential parts of the successful completion of the programme but are encouraged especially through preparation for written and oral assignments and seminars. They are also promoted in Philosophy through the student Self-Appraisal system in the mid-semester break and in Theology through the use of tutorials for feedback on formatively assessed essays. (e) Skill 31 is developed through the dissertation in Philosophy/Theology. (f) Skills 32 and 33 are developed in both sides of the programme through the requirement that all written work is word-processed and that students use the WWW to access texts and other learning materials.	(a) Skills 22, 23, 25 and 26 are assessed through seminar presentations. In philosophy, oral contributions to seminars are assessed formatively; in theology seminar presentations are sometimes assessed summatively and sometimes formatively. (b) Skills 22, 24, 25, 28 and 30 are assessed through written work at all levels and in all modules by examination in many modules and by the dissertation. (c) Skills 32-33 is assessed through written course-work in all modules. (d) Skill 31 is assessed by the dissertation in either subject.

7. Programme Regulations

University Regulations on the number of credits to be taken and at what level for each stage of the programme can be found in the Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. Regulations on condonement can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Assessment and Awards

For undergraduate degrees assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. Details of the weightings for each year of all programme lengths can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and the classification of awards can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

You can also read details of Generic Marking Criteria.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic Tutoring

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support fo the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.

Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Learning Resources

The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.

IT Services

A wide range of IT services are provided throughout the Exeter campuses, including open-access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Student Support Services

The University provides many support services including health and wellbeing, multifaith chaplaincy, family support, the Students' Guild and international student support.

• Support services for students on Exeter campuses
• Support services for students in Cornwall

10. Admissions Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates for undergraduate programmes must satisfy the undergraduate admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of education provision. The College documents the performance in each of its tuaght programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER).

Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

College of Humanities (CHUM)

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology

19. UCAS Code

VV56

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits	360	ECTS credits	180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Philosophy
[Honours] Theology and religious studies

23. Dates

Origin Date	03/10/2005	Date of last revision	29/08/2018