Lectures

What Makes Philosophy So Special?

/ Amy Hobbs

I would assume that if you’re reading this then you’re applying to Lancaster to study Philosophy, or are at least interested in it? But what is it about the course, specifically at Lancaster, that makes people like it so much and want to stick with it? I even know some people who changed their major because they enjoyed doing Philosophy so much as a minor in their first year! Here are some factors that I feel make the course so wonderful and appealing. Of course, it may be a possibility that I am slightly biased…

The work itself; there really isn’t much else like it. Philosophy is analytical and rigorous, and although it can be very challenging at times, there will always be something that you can take out of a lecture or seminar that resonates with you. I think it is quite rare to be able to say that you relate to a university course on a personal level; especially when talking about your own morals, values and beliefs. I think that the constant possibility of showing up to a Philosophy lecture and leaving with a completely different perspective on an issue that you already thought you had set opinions in is intriguing and exciting. It’s definitely one of the factors that keeps me engaged and wanting to learn more.

The fact that Philosophy allows for your own values and opinions to shine through in your work (to an extent, of course) is something else about the course that I think students really appreciate. Of course you have to learn the theory and the technicalities that come with it, but essay questions always allow for a degree of your own interpretation. The important part is being able to be analytical and think critically of the arguments that you are writing about. Your own interpretation can always play a role in the essays as long as you do this, and support your assertions with academic sources!

The development of yourself and your knowledge. It is easy to feel disheartened sometimes when you are confronted with a reading or lecture that you don’t fully understand, but you have to remember not to panic. Philosophy seminars are incredibly enlightening, people make fantastic points all the time and the lecturers and tutors are very supportive. The more seminars you go to, the clearer the things that once puzzled you become. This only gets better with time. I can tell you from my own experience currently being a third year student, that Philosophy seminars only become more and more enjoyable.

This leads me on to another factor; the class sizes. When it comes to the amount of students on the course in general, Philosophy is usually one of the smaller courses. It depends on people’s learning styles; some people may like having busy lectures and larger seminars, but I really believe that smaller class sizes is what allows Philosophy students to really shine and flourish. Especially in the second and third years, I think my largest seminar group over the past two years has been around 13-14 people, my smallest was 6! For me, I really appreciate the small class sizes as I think it allows everybody to have a voice. Debate and reasoned argument are a central part of Philosophy and smaller seminar groups not only allow for everyone to be heard, but it also allows support from fellow classmates.

This takes me to the inspiration I had to make this particular post. During my seminars that I’ve been attending this week, there has been almost a shift in atmosphere amongst us students. Everyone has been chatting and laughing together, and just making being in to lectures and seminars an enjoyable experience in general. I feel like this really reflects a special type of comradery and sense of community that is present in Philosophy that I can’t imagine finding anywhere else. Everybody; students and lecturers alike, wants to see you succeed and develop within the discipline. It really is a fantastic feeling!

On another note, an update on me; the workload has really upped this week- lots of presentations and essays to prepare for! It’s all about time management, I have two essays to hand in by the beginning of the final week of term so I am spending week 6 (this week) and week 7 discussing the essay questions with my lecturers, doing all of the readings that I need to do and making thorough essay plans, that way I can spend weeks 8 and 9 working solidly on writing them. Weeks 9 and 10 for me will be used to discuss, read for, and plan my extended essays for my special subjects that are due for January.

Applying to graduate jobs is also a huge part of third year, particularly in first term. These past couple of weeks I have been applying to some of the schemes that I am most interested in. That means writing a lot of answers to competency questions, completing countless online assessments, and doing a lot of nervous waiting for updates on my application progress. I will be going down to London at the beginning of December to attend the assessment centre for one of the schemes I have applied for. I’m extremely nervous, but no matter the outcome I will have gained valuable experience and be able to develop my interview and assessment centre techniques. Despite the hectic and challenging nature of this week, I managed to take this weekend to go home and visit family and friends. It’s always such a lovely feeling after being away for 6 weeks! It was a great weekend of relaxation but now it’s back to work, wish me luck!

Settling into the PPR department: Becky and Katie

/ Becky

This week we thought we would talk about what it was like in the PPR department when we first started uni.

Once you get used to your timetable and knowing where your lectures are (which you quickly do) you really get into the swing of things. The first few lectures you have tend to be introductory, outlining the course and what you will be doing over the next term. The way you learn in uni is different to how you learn at college and school and initially finding your feet can be a bit daunting but honestly, after a while you really get used to it. You’ll find a style of note taking for lectures which best suits you.

Explaining seminars: Along side lectures you will have seminars for all your subjects. These can be quite different to what you have experienced before. Depending on the size of your module, seminars can have from around 9-20 people in them, lead by a tutor from the department (in second and third year seminars are usually lead by your lecturers). They are usually discussion based, going over topics which you will have studied in that week’s lecture, as well as going over the weeks reading for that topic. Even though it can seem like a bit of a drag sometimes, it is so important to do the readings as they really do make a difference to your learning and understanding. Everyone is usually quite quiet as it can be quite intimidating talking in front of everyone, especially when you might be with people who you have never seen before. However, you should bite the bullet and if you have something to say then just say it because 1) someone else will be thinking what you’re saying and 2) usually if one person speaks, it gets the ball rolling and other people start to contribute too which makes for a good and more interesting discussion. Tutors will be willing to help where they can, especially around the time of your essays and exams however, just worry about that when it comes to it.

As well as seminar tutors you will have an academic tutor in the department and student reps. You will meet up with your academic tutor once a term and discuss how you are finding the course / any issues or questions you have and how you are in general – they are usually quite informal meetings and academic tutors really will help you all that they can (they also are the ones who will write your reference so it is worth keeping in touch with them). Also in the department there are student reps who nominate themselves, from your course, in your year (it could be you!), to represent all the students on that course – if you have any problems but don’t feel your academic tutor / seminar tutor is the right person to talk to about it then your student reps will be the best people to talk to and they can give advice and pass on information to higher authorities if necessary.

As well as getting used to your new home, social life etc, you have to get used to the work load and managing your time. Doing three subjects in your first year really is not as daunting as it sounds – as long as you manage your time correctly then you really will be fine. Generally: for each subject you will get one reading per module per week as well as a essay at the end of term. Balance is key here but, it really is possible. Everyone is in the same position as you and so many people will be willing to help if you are struggling, so don’t panic at all.

If you have any problems at all, in regards to your course, changing modules or anything else, there are so many people who you can go to so don’t be afraid to speak up. Your lecturers, tutors and everyone in the department wants you to do well but most of all, want you to enjoy your time at uni – so they will do all they can to make this happen.

Becky and Katie x