Philosophy and Cultural Inquiry

Major/Minor at Hawthorn

Description

The units of study offered by Philosophy and Cultural Inquiry are designed to provide a well-grounded understanding of the major conceptual influences that have shaped our contemporary world view, and thereby enhance our prospects for responding insightfully and effectively to the challenges posed by contemporary life. To advance this goal, we draw on influential currents in philosophy, the history of ideas, social and political theory, psychology and the social sciences, as well as the history and philosophy of science.

Philosophy and Cultural Inquiry at Swinburne thus provides a unique blend of traditional philosophical studies and an inquiry into the cultural underpinnings of present day society, with a view to facilitating the development of more effective responses to pressing contemporary challenges. In addition to enriching their conceptual understanding, we introduce students to the techniques of philosophical inquiry with a view to developing a variety of critical and creative reasoning skills, which are of great value in their own right in personal and professional life.

Overall, Philosophy and Cultural Inquiry at Swinburne seeks to promote philosophical understanding, cultural awareness, and critical and creative thought, and thereby advance the student's personal and professional well being. Moreover, we aspire to do so in a way that complements the activities of the other major areas of study within the Arts and Social Sciences and across the University.

Career opportunities

Given the level of conceptual understanding and the range of thinking skills it engenders, a major (or minor) in Philosophy and Cultural Inquiry is a very worthwhile qualification in job seeking and professional life, one that is widely valued by a diverse range of employers. In particular, the ability to solve problems, to communicate, to organise ideas effectively, to understand complex material, and to assess pros and cons – skills which are the life blood of philosophical inquiry – are widely regarded as invaluable assets in the workplace. Thus, especially when complemented by vocationally oriented studies, a qualification in Philosophy and Cultural Inquiry equips students with both the conceptual understanding and the critical and creative reasoning skills needed to come to terms with, and respond effectively to, the complex and changing demands of the contemporary workplace, and thereby facilitates both their professional and their personal development.

Structure

A Philosophy and Cultural Inquiry major must include two Stage 1 units of study, and six post Stage 1 units of study. At least three units of study must be taken at Stage 3. The remaining post Stage 1 units of study may be taken at Stage 2 or 3. A minor in Philosophy and Cultural Inquiry consists of one unit of study at Stage 1 and four post-Stage 1 units of study, at least one of which must be at Stage 3

Units

Units of study available in the Philosophy & Cultural Inquiry major or minor are as follows:
Stage 1
HAH100 Introduction to Philosophy
HAH101 History of Ideas
HAH103 Critical Thinking

The following units of study can be taken as Stage 2 or Stage 3, but not both:
HAH209-HAH309 Philosophy of Culture
HAH210-HAH310 Philosophy, Media, Culture
HAH219-HAH319 Philosophical Psychology
HAH222-HAH322 Practical Ethics
HAH223-HAH323 Environmental Philosophy
HAH224-HAH324 Natural Philosophy and the Sciences
HAH225-HAH325 Philosophy, Politics, and Society
HAH226-HAH326 Knowledge, Reason, and Society: Contemporary Issues and Perspectives

Note: All post-Stage 1 Philosophy units of study may be studied as either Stage 2 or Stage 3 units of study. Students must study at least three units of study at Stage 3 to meet the requirements of the major.

Further information

Faculty of Life and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 3 9214 8859
Fax: +61 3 9214 5921
Email: lssinfo@swin.edu.au
Website: www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/

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