Supporting Philosophy, Theology,
Please note that as of the 1st of August 2011 the Subject Centre for PRS entered a 5 month transition phase prior to its closure on the 31st of December 2011. Most pages on this website are no longer being updated, apart from resources from the last academic year's activities.
Philosophy of Science
Teaching Philosophy & HPS to Science Students
Geoffery Cantor
A paper discussing the challenges and difficulties faced by students taking philosophy courses coming from a sciences background, and some suggested techniques for helping them.
Contemporary Challenges in Teaching History and Philosophy of Science
Clare Saunders
This report summarises the proceedings of a workshop on web-based learning in HPSTM.
Friedel Weinert
This article discusses how to teach history and philosophy of science to students with very little scientific knowledge.
LTSN HSTM Workshop, Leeds, 30-31 May 2001
Graeme Gooday
This report sumarises discussion at an event exploring issues of pedagogy in HPSTM.
U-rated not X-rated: reassessing how science students could benefit from learning history of science
Graeme Gooday
This article explains how science students can benefit from studying history of science.
Teaching Controversial Topics in the History of Science Workshop
Graeme Gooday
This report summarises discussion at a workshop on teaching controversial topics in the history of science.
Progressing Thinking: New Perspectives on Teaching Philosophy
Miss Emma L Williams and Dr. John L Taylor
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Andrew Cochrane
Teaching philosophy of cognitive science within a school of computer science.
Teaching Philosophy of Science Workshop
David Mossley
This report summarises discussion at a workshop on teaching philosophy of science.
History and Philosophy of Science Case Study
Andrew Cochrane
Teaching Philosophy/HPS within courses on Sustainability, Rural Development, Natural and Environmental Science and Environment and Heritage.
Graeme Gooday
This article reflects on the problems of teaching HPSTM and offers strategies for resolution.
The Implications of Leibniz's Philosophy for Education in a Technological World
George Macdonald Ross
George MacDonald Ross: The Implications of Leibniz's Philosophy for Education in a Technological World .
Being a Philosopher: the History of a Practice
George Macdonald Ross
This is a review of a book about philosophical practice, as opposed to philosophical thought.
Introduction to the study of philosophy
Clare Saunders, David Mossley, George MacDonald Ross, Danielle Lamb and Julie Closs
Chapter one of the book, 'Doing Philosophy; a practical guide for students'.
History of 'Teaching Philosophy'
Nik Jewell
This article describes the history of the journal 'Teaching Philosophy'.
Nik Jewell
This is the text of an address given by George Walden, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, to the National Philosophy Conference in 1986.
The three virtues of an historical approach to the history of philosophy
John Sellars
By thinking about some common assumptions about the value and purpose of the study of the history of philosophy, the author suggests that it will be possible to introduce a range of transferable key skills to students as part of the existing philosophy syllabus.
Scotland The What, Who, When, Where and Why?
Scott Duncan
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
What good is the study of moral philosophy to undergraduates?
Christopher Cowley
This paper outlines the place of moral philosophy in undergraduate programmes such as medicine, law, engineering, teaching, accounting, etc.
Grace Robinson
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
George Macdonald Ross
This article argues that archaic English philosophy texts should be translated for undergraduates in the same way that foreign language texts are.
Uses of On-Line Texts and Resources in Philosophy Learning and Teaching
George Macdonald Ross
This report summarises discussion at a workshop on using on-line texts and resources in teaching philosophy.
The Journal 'Teaching Philosophy'
Nik Jewell
Overview of 'Teaching Philosophy', an American journal which focuses on pedagogical issues in philosophy.
Teaching the Philosophy of Leibniz
George Macdonald Ross
This report summarises discussion at a workshop on teaching the philosophy of Leibniz.
Teaching Philosophy to Students of Architecture and Town Planning
Nigel Taylor
An article about how one lecturer teaches philosophy to university students (at undergraduate and postgraduate levels) of town planning and architecture.
Privatisation in Education - the Death of the Critical Philosopher?
Michael O'Hanlon
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
History of Science, Technology and Medicine Benchmark
Graeme Gooday
This document is a supplement to the QAA History Benchmark statement, with particular reference to History of Science, Technology and Medicine.
Teaching the History of Medicine to Medical Students Workshop Report
Graeme Gooday
This report summarises discussion at a workshop on teaching the history of medicine to medical students.
Philosophy in Higher Education Colloquium
George MacDonald Ross
Discussion on the role and future of philosophy.
John Barron, Ronald Hepburn (Convener), Eric Stanley
The University Grants Committee Review of Philosophy letter, 1989.
The Contribution Of Philosophy To Deliberative Democracy
Richard Paul Hamilton
A summary and review of an article in which Matthew Lipman discusses the relationship between teaching philosophy and the needs of a civic society.
Cultivating transferable skills in philosophy undergraduates
Christopher Cowley
A paper discussing the skills that we seek to develop in our students, and the extent to which current pedagogical and assessment practices facilitate or hinder this.
Teaching the Reading of Primary Texts - Discussion Points
Clare Saunders
A summary of discussion points from a workshop on teaching primary texts.
John Sellars
A summary and review of a book which considers the nature of philosophy as an academic subject.
Philosophy Subject Overview Report, 2000 - 2002
George Macdonald Ross
A summary and review of the QAA Philosophy Subject Overview Report, 2000 - 2002.
The Establishment in the UK of a Philosophical and Religious Studies Subject Centre
George Macdonald Ross
A paper, orginally presented to the 13th International Conference of the American Association of Philosophy Teachers, on the establishment of this Centre.
Wolfe Mays
A paper, originally presented at the 13th University Conference at Vienna in 1965, introducing some of the issues and difficulties in the teaching of philosophy.
The National Committee For Philosophy: Its Origins And Activities
Nik Jewell
The history of the National Committee for Philosophy and its founding aims and objectives; list of initial membership; index of other resources.
AIPPh Conference 2002 - Report
David Mossley
This report summarises the proceedings of the 2002 conference of the Association Internationale des Professeurs de Philosophie.
George Macdonald Ross
This article discusses the Socratic and Platonic approaches to philosophical enquiry .
Plagiarism in Philosophy: Prevention Better than Cure
George Macdonald Ross
This article discusses the problem of plagiarism, what it is, how to detect it and how to combat it.
George Macdonald Ross
This article looks at what Kant had to say on the topic of teaching philosophy.
George Macdonald Ross
A report, produced for the Training, Enterprise and Education Directorate of the Employment Department, outlining the implications of its Enterprise in Higher Education (EHE) initiative for the teaching of philosophy and similar disciplines.
Philosophy Teaching As Cultural Heritage: From Bildung Und Urteilskraft To Communities Of Inquiry
Juha Savolainen
A paper, originally published in The Bulletin of the Russian Philosophical Society (2000), exploring the role of philosophy, and the teaching of the discipline, in modern education and culture.
George Macdonald Ross
This report summarises presentations and discussion at a workshop on teaching logic.
13th Biennial International Workshop-Conference On Teaching Philosophy
George Macdonald Ross
This is a sumary of plenary addresses at a major conference on teaching philosophy, organised by the AAPT .
NCP Submission To The UGC Philosophy Working Party
Nik Jewell
This is a paper presented to the University Grants Committe on the status of philosophy in the UK and the problems faced by departments from cuts in funding.
History of Philosophy and Philosophical Education
George Macdonald Ross
A summary and review of an article which argues that the best way to teach philosophy is to teach students how to read the best philosophers of the past autonomously.
The Analytic-Continental Divide: Teaching Philosophy In An Age Of Pluralism
Richard Paul Hamilton
A summary and review of an article which calls for a more constructive dialogue between continental and analytic philosophers.
The Teaching of Philosophy: An International Enquiry of Unesco
John Sellars
A summary and review of a comparative study of the status of philosophy teaching around the world.
Bernhard Weiss
This article discusses the difficulties experienced by students with dyslexia in studying logic.
Introduction: The Values of the PRS Subject Centre
George Macdonald Ross
A reflection on the values of the PRS Subject Centre .
Teaching Philosophy with Multimedia
Bernhard Weiss
A summary and review of an article which outlines ways in which multimedia may be used to teach philosophy.
Teaching Philosophy in Cyberspace
Bernhard Weiss
A summary and review of an article which discusses web-based learning in philosophy.
George Macdonald Ross
This report summarises discussion at a conference on European identity and multiculturalism.
Teaching the Reading of Primary Texts
Mike Garfield
This article discusses the benefits of reading primary texts in Philosophy.
The 14–19 diploma in humanities and social sciences
George MacDonald Ross
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
A Philosophy Primer in Virtual Seminars
Anthony Hatzimoysis
A report on virtual seminars looking at what they are, how they work, and why they might be of interest.
Nik Jewell
This article discusses the value of the lecture in teaching philosophy.
Text-based Teaching and Learning: A Report
Keith Crome
The report from a project about text-based teaching and learning in philosophy.
Teaching the Reading of Primary Texts - overview
George Macdonald Ross
A summary of discussion points raised at a workshop on the teaching of primary texts.
Double Marking versus Monitoring of Examinations
Roger White
This article sets out the positive and negative aspects of double marking and monitoring of examinations.
Teaching Philosophy through problems or why philosophy teaching is problematic
Martin Cohen
This article discusses the problematic nature of teaching philosophy, and makes recommendations about the kinds of questions that are most conducive to enhancing student learning.
Taking Philosophical Dialogue Online
Annamaria Carusi
This article looks at how useful new technologies are or could be in teaching philosophy.
Wot U @ Uni 4? Student Conceptions of the Purpose of Higher Education
John Lippitt
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Philosophy, Objectivity and Accessibility
Bernhard Weiss
This piece reflects on the problematic nature of discussing some topics in a philosophical way.
Gary Bunt
This article discusses issues associated with pedagogy and mental health, in particular, how the nature of the PRS subjects can potentially have a deep psychological impact on an individual.
Developing a Collaborative Online Aesthetics Module
Anne Jordan
A paper, originally presented to the Humanities and Arts Higher Education Network Conference (2000), on a collaboration between two institutions in the development of an online module, implemented within a VLE.
What Good is it? Why Study Philosophy? - Workshop Report
Clare Saunders
This report outlines the issues raised at a workshop on the benefits of studying philosophy.
The Teaching of Philosophy in the United Kingdom
John Sellars
A summary and review of a report on philosophy teaching in 1950s Britain.
Making the connection: joined-up first courses in Philosophy
Dr. Matthew Carmody and Dr. Paul Sheehy
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
An Approach to Seminar Teaching
Chris Megone
This article describes an approach to seminar teaching in a course on ancient philosophy.
Dr David Leal
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Mind the Gap: School, college, university
Bonnie VandeSteeg
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Paul Reid-Bowen
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Philosophy Teaching on the World Wide Web
Bernhard Weiss
A summary and review of an article which discusses ways of integrating e-learning into philosophy teaching.
Developing Active and Autonomous Learning among Philosophy Students Proposers
Dr Keith Crome, Ms Ruth Farrar, Dr Patrick O'Connor
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Good thinking habits: an Aristotelian approach to philosophy in education
Peter Worley
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Academic Skills for Philosophers - Easing the Transition to University Study
Dr Nick Jones
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
The changing face of Philosophy in schools
Frances Shaw
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Widening Access to Sacred and Canonical Texts in Teaching of Religion, Philosophy and Culture
Deryn Guest
This report outlines issues raised at a workshop on widening access to sacred and canonical texts in teaching religion, philosophy and culture.
Philosophy Benchmark Statement
George Macdonald Ross
Summary and comment on the QAA Benchmark Statement for Philosophy.
Philosophy in Scottish Universities (Issues in Learning and Teaching) QAA Report 1995/96
Mary Hayward
Summary of QAA Reports for Philosophy in Scottish Universities 1995/6.
Bernhard Weiss
A summary and review of an article which recommends a new way of understanding and teaching philosophy.
The Teaching Of Philosophy In The Chinese Construction Of Modernization
Richard Paul Hamilton
A summary and review of an article which surveys the role of teaching philosophy in modern China.
Teaching Philosophy And The Values Of Democracy In Israel
Richard Paul Hamilton
A summary and review of an article which discusses the relationship between the teaching of philosophy and democratic values in an Israeli context.
Richard Paul Hamilton
A summary and review of an article which reflects on the teaching of philosophy in developing countries.
Text-based Teaching and Learning
Keith Crome
An article which advocates text-based undergraduate philosophy teaching and recommends ways in which it may most appropriately be enacted.
The Significance of the Teaching of Philosophy
John Sellars
A summary and review of an article which outlines the results of the Unesco study of teaching philosophy around the world.
Socioeconomic disadvantage and PRS
Gary Bunt
A summary and review of Alasdair Forsyth and Andy Furlong's 'Socioeconomic disadvantage and access to higher education' which highlights issues in the research relevant to PRS educators .
George MacDonald Ross
Tips and resources about how to make it easier for students to read texts online.
What is a university education for? Thomas Hancocks. Winning essay of the PRS competition 2011.
Thomas Hancocks, Manchester Metropolitan University.
Winning essay of the PRS competition 2011.
Susan Illingworth
QAA benchmark statements for Ethics learning and teaching.
Interview on Psychology of Religion Teaching outside TRS departments
Andrew Cochrane
An interview with Dr Nicholas Gibson on Psychology of Religion Teaching outside TRS departments.
Rebecca O'Loughlin
Richard Paul Hamilton
A summary and review of an article which discusses the inter-relationship of the disciplines of philosophy and literature.
Aneta Karageorgieva - 'The Cult of Knowledge'
George Macdonald Ross
This is a discussion of the legacy of Peter Beron, the Bulgarian educator.
George Macdonald Ross
Summary, comment and advice pertaining to benchmark statements.
Information on Quality and Standards in Higher Education (HEFCE 02/15)
George Macdonald Ross
Summary and comment on the report .
Mike Garfield
This paper is a transcript of a talk given at the 'Philosophy Teaching Techniques and Technologies' event, held at MMU on the 29th May 2008.
Andrew Cochrane and Clare Saunders
This report outlines the results of the 'Beyond Boundaries' project, which looked at philosophical and religious studies being taught in non-PRS departments.
Self-Employability in Theology and Religious Studies Project
Jan Sumner
This document outlines the results from an audit of how the issue of employability has been addressed within theology and religious studies departments in UK HEIs.
Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETLs)
Clare Saunders
HEFCE invitation to bid for funds - summary and advice.
What is a University Education For? Mathew Basford
Mathew Basford, Durham University
Commended essay in the PRS essay competition 2011.
What is a University Education For? Joseph Lack
Joseph Lack, University of East Anglia
Runner up in the PRS essay competition 2011.
Myotonic Dystrophy Contextualised Scenario
John Bryant
The case study deals with the ethical dilemmas that arise following a positive diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy and asks in particular who should have access to the genetic information that relates to a specific individual. The question is asked in relation to family members, employer and insurance companies. It also raises questions about the genetic testing of children.
What is a University Education For? Andrew Grey
Andrew Grey, University of Oxford
Commended essay in the PRS essay competition 2011.
Conjoined Twins Contextualised Scenario
Jan Wood-Harper
In 2000, the case of conjoined twins, Jodie and Mary, provoked a unique and widely publicised debate, involving not only the medical team and the parents, but also lawyers, religious leaders and ethicists, as to whether or not surgery to separate them should proceed. Complex legal and moral issues focussed on parental rights in relation to welfare of children, duties of medical professionals, the sanctity and value of human life, and the rights and interests of the twins.
Recognising the changing face of Religious Studies at GCE AS & A Level
Mary Hayward
This report looks at the changing context in which Religious Studies is taught in secondary level education.
What is a University Education For? Thomas Wyatt
Thomas Wyatt, University of York
Commended essay in the PRS essay competition 2011.
What is a University Education For? Alex Ross
Alex Ross, University of East Anglia
Commended essay in the PRS essay competition 2011
Why Study Theology and Religious Studies
Dr Amy M. Russell
An article written for prospective students of TRS subjects, giving an overview of what the disciplines entail, and what it is like to study them at university.
What is the good of your discipline? Francesca Blando
Francesca Blando
An entry to the 2010 PRS student essay competition by a student at the University of Edinburgh.
Religious Studies: What's the Point?
Gary Bunt
This report summarises discussions held at a conference on the comparative study of religion.
Susan Illingworth
This article discusses ethics learning and teaching, focusing particularly on assessment.
Bibliographical Resources for e-Learning in Philosophical and Religious Studies
Dr Constantinos Athanasopoulos
This document sets out various different resources available in the field of e-learning.
What is the good of your discipline? Bradley Hillas
Bradley Hillas
An entry to the 2010 PRS student essay competition by a student at Liverpool University.
What is the good of your discipline? Dino Jakusic
Dino Jakusic
An entry to the 2010 PRS student essay competition by a student at the University of Warwick.
What is the good of your discipline? Dimitar Milanov
Dimitar Milanov
An entry to the 2010 PRS student essay competition by a student at the University of Nottingham.
What is the good of your discipline? Daniel Rey
Daniel Rey
An entry to the 2010 PRS student essay competition by a student at the University of Oxford.
What is the good of your discipline? Callum Ward
Callum Ward
The winning essay of the 2010 student essay competition.
Inclusion of Ethnic Minorities in Philosophy A-Level at Sutton Coldfield College
Sally Wright
Abstract for a session at the PRS conference 'A Level Above: Progression to Undergraduate Studies in Philosophy'.
Rebecca O'Loughlin
Section 1 of report on a project investigating inquiry based learning in theology and religious studies
Danielle Lamb
A report on the student focus group run by the SC in Leeds on the 29th-30th November 2007.
What is the good of your discipline? Ross Drummond
Ross Drummond
An entry to the 2010 PRS student essay competition by a student at King's College London.
Danielle Lamb
A database of high-achieving graduates in PRS and the Humanities, demonstrating the broad relevance of such degrees.
Bernard Moss
Rebecca O'Loughlin
Danielle Lamb
Information about the National Student Survey, including results for Philosophy and TRS.
Rebecca O'Loughlin
David Mossley
A series of video-enhanced accessible presentations about teaching and learning in philosophical and religious studies.
Gary Bunt
This article looks at the opportunities presented by video conferencing to Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies academics.
Easing the transition from spoon feeding to spoon feeding?
Anthony Seldon
Abstract for session at 'A level above?' conference.
Clare Saunders and Danielle Lamb
This article discusses the outcomes of a student focus group run by the Subject Centre in December 2006.
QAA Subject Review of Theology & Religious Studies, 2000-01
Mary Hayward
Summary of 34 TRS subject review reports with focus on common themes.
Widening Participation in Higher Education in England
Bernhard Weiss
Summary of National Audit Office report, 2002 .
Mary Hayward
Summary and comment on the QAA reports on assessment of TRS in Scottish Universities.
Susan Illingworth
This article is a resources for ethics learning and teaching which focuses on confidentiality.
Starting to Teach Theology and Religious Studies Workshop
Mary Hayward
This report summarises discussion at a workshop on problems encountered by new teachers in TRS.
Pedagogical Issues Deriving from ODL for Mature/Non-Traditional Students
Bill Campbell
This article looks at the pedagogical issues surrounding the use of open and distance learning for mature and non-traditional students.
In at the deep end of essay marking
Martin Gough
A paper presenting a very detailed criteria-based marking system.
Assessing Proctors: solving problems in grading student performance in a peer support system
Rob Hayler
A report on the experimental (but ongoing) development of an assessed third year module involving the tutorial support of first year students at the School of Philosophy, University of Leeds.
Best Interests Contextualised Scenario
Jennifer Jackson
This scenario examines some of the ethical issues that may arise concerning parental proxy decision making regarding surgery on children. It uses two cases, each of which raises issues concerning children's competence to be involved in decisions; the notions of best interests and best health interests; how interests are related to wishes and welfare the role of parents in assessing best interests and parental rights in deciding for their children.
Diane Pretty Contextualised Scenario
N. Athanassoulis
This scenario examines some of the ethical issues surrounding euthanasia. It compares a case in which a patient requests the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (artificial ventilation) with a case in which the patient requested assistance in the termination of her own life. Both cases concern euthanasia in mentally competent patients.
Demonstration of using FirstClass Client for electronic seminars
Martin Gough
This report summarises the demonstration of the FirstClass Client for electronic seminars.
Widening Access to Theology and Religious Studies through the Application of Internet Resources
Gary Bunt
This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of students applying Internet resources in their TRS work, and considers whether the Internet is a means through which wider access to TRS can be facilitated through availability of a broader, cheaper and more comprehensive resource base.
Access, Distance Education and the Humanities
Bernhard Weiss
A summary and review of a paper which offers a critical humanist approach to the introduction of humanities courses.
Confusion about the Socratic Method: Socratic Paradoxes and Contemporary Invocations of Socrates
George Macdonald Ross
A summary and review of an article which considers Socrates' philosophical strategies.
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Review of the Literature
Katy Wright
This literature review takes an in-depth look at the key articles, monographs and other resources in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, and how the subjects of philosophy, theology and religious studies can contribute to the debate.
Julie Gallimore
This case study is about an employee of the NGO Tiri, and looks at how his values interact with those of his employer.
George Macdonald Ross
This document discusses reasons for keeping a teaching portfolio, the format and content of such portfolios, how they can be used, and ways of minimising any associated burden of keeping them up to date.
Philosophy Teaching Techniques and Technologies: Some Concerns and Queries
Keith Crome and Jonathan Hunt
This paper is a transcript of a talk given at the 'Philosophy Teaching Techniques and Technologies' event, held at MMU on the 29th May 2008.
Bernhard Weiss
A summary and review of an article which addresses the marginalisation of the humanities in the globalised, profit-driven world.
Could Socrates Read and Write?
George Macdonald Ross
A summary and review of a paper in which the author challenges philosophers' unexamined adulation of Socrates.
Multimedia and Research in Philosophy
Bernhard Weiss
A summary and review of an article which illustrates how multimedia can be an invaluable tool in teaching aspects of philosophy that involve practical reason.
Bernhard Weiss
A summary and review of an article which discusses objectivity and the perceived crisis in humanities education.
George Macdonald Ross
A summary and review of the QAA Qualifications Framework.
Realizing the University in an Age of Supercomplexity
George Macdonald Ross
A summary and review of a book on the future of the university .
Interview with a University of Warwick Careers Adviser
Julie Gallimore
This interview was conducted with a careers adviser at the University of Warwick, and focuses on the area of CSR.