Philosophy AS and A Level

Is this subject right for me?
Do you spend a lot of your free time reading?
Do you keep up with news and current affairs?
Do you enjoy expressing your own opinions, and then justifying them with evidence from various sources?
Are you able to organise yourself to complete large pieces of work over several weeks?

Philosophy AS and A Level will enable you to:

• Gain an understanding of some important Philosophical ideas, their historical presentation and their contribution to modern thought
  
  
• Strengthen your capacity for analysis, reasoning and judgement
  
  
• Spot defects of logic; learn how to put a clear argument; gain confidence in discussion; understand views different from your own; help you to counter others' arguments
  
  
• Provide you with an excellent mental training of great value
  
  
• Gain insights into how other subjects work
  
  
• Take part in active teaching methods including vigorous debate.

What is the course content?

AS Philosophy â€" Introduction to Philosophy (Year 1)

Module 1 Topics

• Reason and Experience
• Why should I be moral?
• Why should I be governed?

Module 2 Topics

• Knowledge of the External World
• Tolerance
• The Value of Art

Assessment
One written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) for each module
Each paper is 50% of total AS marks
AS is 50% of total A Level marks

A2 Philosophyâ€" Key Themes in Philosophy (Year 2)

Module 3 Themes

• Political Philosophy
• Moral Philosophy

Assessment

One written paper (2 hours)
60% of total A2 marks

Module 4 Text

• Plato: The Republic (in translation)

Assessment

One written paper (1 hour 30 minutes)
40% of total A2 marks

Other information:

A wide variety of methods are used in teaching and learning - including the preparation and delivery of student presentations, group topic work and group and class discussions, individual reading and essay writing. In Philosophy we respect your ability to take responsibility for your own learning and we help you to do this on an individual basis.

The subject is stimulating but also demanding. You must be able to work hard to grasp some difficult concepts, and then be able to cope with class discussions which will test your understanding and your viewpoint.

What are the entry requirements?

General entry requirements for studying at Advanced level apply plus GCSE English B (Intermediate tier) or C (Higher tier)

10/09