I'm new to Open University study – is this a good first course?
AA308 is a Level 3 course. Level 3 courses build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from previous studies at Levels 1 and 2. AA308 is a demanding course and if you have not studied philosophy before, you are strongly recommended to take the Level 2 course Exploring Philosophy (A222) first. If you have any doubt about the level of study, please contact our Student Registration and Enquiry Service to talk to a study adviser.
No: all the books you need are included as part of the course materials.
Can you recommend some books I can read before the start of the course?
Details of four books that you might like to read or browse in by way of preparation can be found by following the link for How can I prepare?
I didn't enjoy Book 5 ('Minds and Bodies') of A211 and AA308 sounds as though it covers some similar themes. Would I be advised to take the course?
Both Book 5 of A211 and AA308 deal with issues broadly in the philosophy of mind. But AA308 covers a much wider range of topics than Book 5 of A211 and these topics are pursued in more depth. Nevertheless, many of the themes are similar, so if you didn't like the kind of philosophy that was covered in Book 5 of A211, then you consider carefully before registering for AA308. For example, you may want to take some time to explore the sample course materials provided on this site.
I've done some psychology courses, but have now become interested in philosophy, and especially philosophy of mind. Are there significant differences between studying philosophy and studying psychology?
Many of the abilities that have been fostered by your study of psychology will stand you in good stead on this course. Both philosophy and psychology help to develop the capacity to think analytically, to argue for a particular thesis, and to express complex ideas clearly. But there are some important differences between the two subjects. Unlike some courses in psychology, studying philosophy of mind does not require to to have numerical skills or to carry out empirical investigations. On the other hand, you may find that studying philosophy puts more emphasis on the ability to read texts carefully and critically and to apply abstract reasoning.
If you are uncertain about whether you are ready to study a philosophy course at third level you may wish to consider first taking our second level course Exploring Philosophy (A222). This contains plenty of material likely to be of interest to students with a background in psychology.
I'm concerned about the independent study element of AA308. What will this involve?
For the final TMA, you will be asked to work on a journal article or a chapter from a philosophy book. You will be given four articles or chapters to choose from: you will need to find these online using OU Library facilities. There is advice on how to do this on the course website. Once you have chosen an article that interests YOU, you will be asked to formulate your own question and answer it. Your question will need to be about a topic discussed in the article and which also relates to the course materials. Further guidance on how to approach the independent study element of the course is included in the TMA booklet, and your tutor will be ready to advise you on how to approach the TMA and on your choice of question.
You will need a CD player and access to a computer as described in our Personal Computing requirements website.
The course has a website for registered students. This will give you access to a study planner, course resources, course news, and links to the Library and other OU websites, as well as the chance to communicate with other students using online forums. It will not be compulsory to use the website, but we think you will find it helpful. There will also be a MyOpenLibrary page for AA308 - this will bring together in one place various library resources such as the Philosopher's Index and the Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy that you will find useful during the course.
However, the main task for which you will need to use a computer is to access articles in electronic journals which you will use for TMA06. This TMA includes an element of independent study, and searching for the articles online forms part of this element. Advice on how to access the articles is provided on the course website.
I have a disability. Is the course suitable for me?
The Services for disabled students website explains how we can support your study. Also our Student Registration and Enquiry Service will be happy to discuss with you any access issues that might affect your choices.
How many assignments will I be writing?
There are six tutor-marked assignments and an examination. Continuous assessment is an essential part of the teaching, so you are expected to complete it all. One of the assignments will incorporate an element of independent study. Your tutor will provide you with extensive written feedback on all your assignments.
Yes, there is a three-hour exam that covers all the material studied, which you will sit in October. This is worth 50% of your final course result. A specimen exam paper will be sent to you indicating the type of questions that will be asked.
What support will I have from my tutor?
Throughout the course, you will be supported by your tutor who will provide advice and provide written feedback on your assignments. Depending on where you live, your tutor will offer optional face to face tutorials throughout the course, giving you an opportunity to meet fellow students and to discuss the topics covered on the course. There may also be dayschools, offering further scope for discussion with students and tutors on the course.
Can this course be successfully completed if I'm not based in the UK ?
To register for this course you will need an address in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland or in one of the European OU study areas. The exam will be held at a designated centre in the UK or Europe. For more information see the course description, where you can find a drop-down box listing the countries where this course is available for study.
Is it possible to buy copies of the course books if I am not taking the course?
Copies of the course books can be ordered from Open University Worldwide, depending on availability. If you register for the course, you do not need to buy the books, as they will be sent to you as part of the course materials.
