| Module Title |
Philosophy & God: Selected Readings |
| Module Code |
RET1058 (ITS: TP524) |
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Faculty |
Humanities & Social Sciences |
School |
Theology, Philosophy & Music |
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NFQ level |
9 |
Credit Rating |
10 |
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Description
This module provides the opportunity for students to read and discuss in detail Spinoza’s 'Theological-Political Treatise' – a text now regarded as being formative for the emergence of modernity as a whole. The module situates the book in its historical context, and also in the context of Spinoza’s wider metaphysical and epistemological commitments, before exploring its different aspects in fine detail. Concentrated attention is given to the critique of revelation, the critical-historical method Spinoza employs, and to the directly political conclusions that the text draws.
Students are expected to engage with the text and to contribute to lectures, and they will develop knowledge of key philosophical concepts and skills of deep critical engagement with a philosopher’s work.
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Learning Outcomes
1. engage in close analysis and interpretation of an important philosophical text;
2. comprehend central issues and themes in the history of Western philosophy;
3. situate and assess these issues and themes in their wider historical and cultural context;
4. construct their own arguments in discussion, and present arguments and ideas in written form;
5. synthesize a relevant range of key philosophical concepts and interpretations to form a coherent overview.
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
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| Lecture | 22 | No Description | | Independent Study | 228 | No Description |
| Total Workload: 250 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 21526 | Part of Term | Semester 2 | | Coursework | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | N | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Ian Leask | Module Teacher | |
| | Section Breakdown | | CRN | 11466 | Part of Term | Semester 1 | | Coursework | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | N | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Ian Leask | Module Teacher | |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Essay | n/a | 100% | n/a |
| Reassessment Requirement Type |
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Context: Descartes; Spinoza’s Jewish heritage; politics in 17th century Holland
Spinoza’s monism & his differentiation of reason and imagination
Desacralizing the Bible: Prophecy, Miracles, Ceremonies
Spinoza’s critical-historical method: Scripture as material artefact
Civil right and free thought
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Indicative Reading List
Books:
- Baruch Spinoza: 2007, Theological-Political Treatise (ed.J.Israel), Cambridge UP,
- Etienne Balibar: 1997, Spinoza and Politics, Verso,
- Moira Gatens & Genevieve Lloyd: 1999, Collective Imaginings. Spinoza, Pasts & Present, Routledge,
- Stuart Hampshire: 1987, Spinoza, Penguin,
- Jonathan Israel: 2001, Radical Enlightenment: Philosophy & the Making of Modernity, Oxford UP,
- Susan James: 2012, Spinoza on Philosophy, Religion & Politics, Oxford UP,
- Steven Nadler: 2012, A Book Forged in Hell: Spinoza’s Scandalous Treatise and the Birth of the Secular Age, Princeton UP,
- Richard Popkin: 2004, Spinoza, Oneworld,
- M. Rosenthal & Y. Melamed (eds.): 2013, Spinoza’s “Theological-Political Treatiseâ€: A Critical Guide,, Cambridge UP,
- Hasana Sharp: 2011, Spinoza and the Politics of Renaturalization, Chicago UP,
- Leo Strauss: 1997, Spinoza’s Critique of Religion, Chicago UP,
Articles:
None |
Other Resources
- 1: website, Stanford Encylopaedia of Philosophy,
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