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EXPHIL03E - Examen philosophicum - English option

Course content

The subject consists of two main parts: Exphil I – History of philosophy and science, and Exphil II – Ethics.

Exphil I combines themes from the history of philosophy and the history of science in order to highlight important issues in the complex development of contemporary rational and scientific ideas. The students are introduced to some of the seminal thinkers from the important epochs which have shaped modern western civilisation.

Exphil II provides a systematic introduction to ethics. Meta-ethics, ethical theories and applied ethics in their comtemporary forms are presented.

In both these main parts the curriculum is presented partly through the original writings of philosophers and scientists and partly through commentaries

Learning outcomes

The focus on some key original texts should improve the student’s ability to take an appreciative and at the same time critical stand towards important features of western philosophy and science. Through the writing of essays, the student is encouraged to reflect upon basic ethical, philosophical and scientific problems.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Please note that this course is intended for international students and other students whose first language is not Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Students with a Scandinavian first language may apply to the course, but admission will be delayed and the application may be rejected, depending on the amount of international applicants.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

General university entrance requirements.

Recommended prior knowledge

A good ability to read and understand English is required for this course.

Teaching

This course has the form of lectures combined with seminary classes, one of each per week over a period of 16 weeks. Participation in the seminary classes is obligatory, with a minimum attendance of 5 of the first 8 weeks and 4 of the last 6 weeks of teaching. At the end of the semester, each student has to pass a qualifying multiple choice test.

Approved compulsory tuition activities are only valid for the next term that the course runs.

Exam information

The student composes an essay in one of the two parts of the syllabus. The assessment follows a scale from A to E (for pass) and F (for fail).

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Withdrawing from exams and limits on re-takes

A student can sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do this in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam.

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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