Aims & Objectives
Course Aims
Encourage the systematic and critical study of: human experience and behaviour; physical, economic and social environments; and the history and development of social and cultural institutions
Develop in the student the capacity to identify, to analyse critically and to evaluate theories, concepts and arguments about the nature and activities of the individual and society
Enable the student to collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of society, to test hypotheses, and to interpret complex data and source material
Promote the appreciation of the way in which learning is relevant both to the culture in which the student lives, and the culture of other societies
Develop an awareness in the student that human attitudes and beliefs are widely diverse and that the study of society requires an appreciation of such diversity
Enable the student to recognize that the content and methodologies of the individuals and societies subjects are contestable and that their study requires the toleration of uncertainty
Develop an inquiring and intellectually curious way of thinking
Formulate arguments in a sound and purposeful way
Examine critically their own experiences and their ideological and cultural perspectives
Appreciate the diversity of approaches within philosophical thinking
Apply their philosophical knowledge and skills to the world around them
Assessment Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of philosophical concepts, issues and arguments
identify the philosophical issues present in both philosophical and non-philosophical stimuli
at HL only, demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature, function, meaning and methodology of philosophical activity
Application and analysis
analyse philosophical concepts, issues and arguments
analyse the philosophical issues present in both philosophical and non-philosophical stimuli
explain and analyse different approaches to philosophical issues, making use of relevant supporting evidence/examples
at HL only, analyse the nature, function, meaning and methodology of philosophical activity
Synthesis and evaluation
evaluate philosophical concepts, issues and arguments
construct and develop relevant, balanced and focused arguments
discuss and evaluate different interpretations or points of view
at HL only, evaluate the nature, function, meaning and methodology of philosophical activity
at HL only, compare and contrast their personal experience of philosophical activity with the issues regarding philosophical activity raised in an unseen text
Selection, use and application of appropriate skills and techniques
demonstrate the ability to produce clear and well-structured written responses
demonstrate appropriate and precise use of philosophical vocabulary
in the internal assessment task, demonstrate evidence of research skills, organization and referencing
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