Studying online
There are now 3 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit assesses the coherence/incoherence of theism through a critical examination of concepts and problems associated with theistic faith in Western religious thought. It examines the adequacy of proposed solutions to some of the perennial and most troublesome problems that theists (and atheists) who reflect on their beliefs from a philosophical perspective have had to face. Alternative concepts of deity (pantheism, deism and panentheism) are also examined. Readings are drawn from classical and contemporary sources in philosophy and philosophical theology. Areas of enquiry include arguments for and against the existence of God, the divine attributes, the problem of evil, miracles, mystical experience, the nature of religious faith, religious language, and immortality and the nature of the soul.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 option in the Philosophy major sequence
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) have a critical understanding of some of the fundamental problems of philosophy of religion; (2) have an awareness of the philosophical aspect of issues relating to faith and rationality, concepts of deity, evil, mystical experience, miracles, immortality, natural theology, 'proofs' for/against god's existence; (3) assess philosophical theories regarding the nature of these issues; (4) have a critical appreciation of the representation of philosophical ideas about religion; (5) understand ways in which issues in philosophy of religion are related to other philosophical problems in ethics, metaphysics and social and political philosophy; (6) independently interpret philosophical texts; (7) locate philosophical ideas in their historical context; (8) evaluate philosophical positions, including identifying counter-examples and identifying and questioning their basic assumptions; (9) compare and contrast philosophical positions; (10) construct persuasive arguments; and (11) demonstrate strong written communication and research skills.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) one to two research essays; (2) an end-of-semester examination; and (3) class participation and presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.
To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the class participation and presentation component.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Andrew Milne
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- any Level 1 Philosophy unit
- Incompatibility
- PHIL2211 Philosophy of Religion
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials: 1 hour per week
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.