Level 1

• Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)

  A111 will introduce you to the study of the arts and humanities at university level. It is an interdisciplinary module, which presents a broad survey of works of art and literature, people, events, practices and ideas in a period ranging from about three thousand years ago to today. You'll think about the kind of knowledge and understanding that is gained through the study of the arts and humanities and why this matters. The module is structured around three themes: ‘reputations’, ‘traditions’, and ‘crossing boundaries’. A111 is therefore an ideal starting point for further study of art history, which will enable you to develop your academic skills before proceeding to study at higher levels.

• Revolutions (A113)

  What makes a revolution? Why does the world suddenly change, and what are the consequences? In this module you'll examine four periods of swift and radical change: the Reformation, the French Revolution, the aftermath of World War I, and the 1960s. You’ll look at each from the perspectives of History, Music, Philosophy and Religious Studies, discovering how these disciplinary approaches complement each other and enhance your understanding of continuity and change. In the final part, you'll return to the discipline that most interests you and study a topic or period in greater depth.

Level 2

• Exploring philosophy (A222)

  This introduction to philosophy considers fundamental questions from six core areas: the self; philosophy of religion; ethics; knowledge and science; the mind; and political philosophy. What makes me ‘Me’? Does God exist? Why should I act morally? Can I trust science? How can I, a physical being, have thoughts and emotions? Should I obey laws I disagree with? Philosophers – both past and present – have offered radically diverging answers to these and the other questions asked in this module. Guided engagement with this philosophical tradition will provide the platform for you to tackle the big questions of philosophy for yourself.

Level 3

• Key questions in philosophy (A333)

  This broad-ranging module investigates five different topics in philosophy: truth in fiction, the justice of war, reason and action, life and death, knowledge and reason. Each topic is approached through a set of key questions that are significant, accessible and engaging. Why do people seek out art that makes them cry? Can a war be fought justly? Can organisations be held responsible for what they do? What might it mean to say that life is sacred? Is science rational? The study materials will enable you to examine these questions in some depth while leaving space for independent study and reflection. See sample material.

Postgraduate Modules

• MA Philosophy part 1 (A853)

  The module will introduce you to graduate-level philosophy, through the study of four varied and interesting areas: the beauty of nature; a classic text in Ancient Philosophy – Plato’s Meno; the nature of consciousness; and issues surrounding global justice. Your tutor will guide you through issues such as conducting independent research, and you will have ample opportunity to liaise with fellow-students online. There is also a comprehensive tutorial strategy that involves both tutors and module team authors. The module encourages independent thought and independent study using the huge range of online books and articles available via the OU Library. You can use this module to extend your studies in the subject, or to change to philosophy from another discipline.

• MA Philosophy part 2 (A854)

  The module will complete your study for the MA in Philosophy. You'll study: the emotions, Nietzsche, Michel Foucault and Hannah Arendt, and ‘the problem of dirty hands’. Your tutor will help you build on your capacity for independent research, and you will have ample opportunity to liaise with fellow-students online. The tutorial strategy, which involves both tutors and module team authors, will encourage independent thought using the huge range of online books and articles available via the OU Library. Finally, you will be able to complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice, provided it is linked to at least one of the topics studied on the MA.