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God, Life, the Universe and Everything: Science and Meaning - HPSC2630
The Quad

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

'Ultimate' questions about God, the meaning of life and the point of it all, have traditionally been the business of religion. Can science provide an answer to these questions, or is there always a realm of understanding which is beyond scientific knowledge? Examines philosophical issues in epistemology, metaphysics and philosophy of science. Topics include arguments for the existence of God and the underlying questions of evidence and explanation in science.


Learning Outcomes

With the successful completion of the course students will:
  • Gain understanding of various concepts and arguments relating to the existence of God, the origins of the universe and the meaning of life
  • Learn to analyse and critically evaluate the rationality of such arguments
  • Acquire key strategies enabling them to evaluate unfamiliar arguments on the same issues
  • Gain ability in communicating effectively, in both written and spoken forms, about topics related to the philosophy of religion.

Assessment

  • Two in-class tests - 40% (20% each)
  • Major essay (2000-3000 words) - 30%
  • Tutorial presentation and journal - 15%
  • Participation - 15%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.