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Unit of study_

PHIL3639: Hellenistic Philosophy

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will offer an introduction to three philosophical schools: the Stoics, the Epicureans, and the Skeptics. We will explore topics including: rival ethical systems, and arguments attempting to derive ethical standards from nature; philosophy as a way of life, and one entailing a radical break from conventional values; Epicurean atomic theory, Stoic determinism, and the development of the free will problem; the Stoic view that emotions should be eliminated; and Skeptical arguments that our entire perception of our world may be nothing more than a dream. We will also consider recent revivals of these theories and connections with contemporary culture and philosophy.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PHIL3639
Academic unit Philosophy
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
PHIL3023 or PHIL3039
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Philosophy or (6 credit points at 2000 level in Philosophy and 6 credit points at 2000 level in Ancient History, Classical Greek or Latin)
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Emily Hulme, emily.hulme@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Emily Hulme, emily.hulme@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Essay
online written submission
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 07 Jun 2024 at 23:59
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Participation Participation
Participation mark based off attendance + submitted discussion questions
5% Multiple weeks Throughout semester
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small continuous assessment written reflections
written reflections
5% Multiple weeks 500 ww. total
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Essay
online written submission
40% Week 07
Due date: 10 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

 

  • 1500 word essay: written online submission
  • 2500 word essay: written online submission
  • Written reflections
  • Participation

Detailed information can be found on the Canvas website.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Hellenistic Philosophy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 The Platonic-Aristotelian Legacy; Cynicism Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Stoic Ethics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Stoic ethics con't: anger, rage, and righteous indignation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Stoic logic and philosophy of language Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Stoic physics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Epicurean physics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Epicurean ethics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Epicurean ethics con't Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Epicurean philosophy of language Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Skeptic epistemology Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Skeptic ethics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Revision week Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Long, A. A., and Sedley, D., The Hellenistic Philosophers, vol. 1 (Cambridge)

This book is available online as well as in paperback and hardback formats.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. advanced knowledge of philosophy of the Hellenistic period
  • LO2. appreciation of processes of conceptual change
  • LO3. appreciation of cultural values and perspectives
  • LO4. improved critical analytical and verbal skills

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit had been updated to incorporate additional connections with contemporary philosophy and to incorporate a participation mark based off student feedback.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.