Interdisciplinary Human Studies is a unique course which combines four areas: philosophy, sociology, psychology and English. In the first two years the course is broadly based and covers all four disciplines, whilst in the final year you may either retain the interdisciplinary focus or choose to specialise in one area.
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Year 1 |
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*Please note these modules may be subject to change*
The first year of the course introduces you to the disciplines of Philosophy, English, Sociology and Psychology, through an examination of historical and contemporary topics. You will explore literary and theoretical approaches to the development of ideas in modern society. Along with the introduction to the discipline skills, you will be introduced to key writing, reading and study skills, and the basics of information technology.
The second year modules relate to the four key disciplines, with an interdisciplinary module focusing on the connections between each area, addressing a set of fundamental issues facing us today, which go beyond the bounds of a single discipline. In Philosophy of Mind and Ethics you are introduced to the work of major moral philosophers, to arguments around contemporary moral issues, and to the study of ethical dilemmas through literary texts. Beliefs and Ideals includes study of significant intellectual periods such as The Englightenment, Modernism and Postmodernism. Further key topics are covered in Modern Social and Cultural Trends and Philosophy of Natural and Social Science. You will also be able to choose an optional module from subject areas relevant to your course.
In your final year you will spend approximately half your time writing a research dissertation on a subject of your choice which you will write under the personal supervision of a member of teaching staff. The dissertation accounts for half of your final year work. Recent dissertation topics include the Evolution of Children's Literature, Human Behaviour, Roots of Ethnic Conflict, Englightenment, Religion and Science. In addition to your dissertation you will study an interdisciplinary module which encourages flexible and critical approaches to theoretical and practical issues in personal and social human affairs, with the aim of developing your capacity for applying interdisciplinary perspectives to new and challenging problems. You will also be able to choose two optional modules which will allow you to pursue your own interests in depth either concentrating on one of the four disciplines or taking a multidisciplinary approach.
