www.richmond-philosophy.net

On this page, you will find an outline of the AS/A2 Philosophy courses with links to the different modules, information about the staff and some FAQ.

The Whole Course

In the AS year, you will study four modules and be examined on each one (in two exams: so, two modules per exam). In the A2 year, you will be studying three modules and be examined on each one (in two exams: two modules in one exam and one in the other.) The examination board is AQA. You'll find more details below on the modules. Note that you do not choose their modules: one module is compulsory and which other modules you take will depend on which class you find yourself in.

The AS Year

You will study four topics, two from Unit 1 and two from Unit 2. The topics are listed below. Those we teach are hyperlinked to their home pages. You cannot choose which topics you study. It will depend on which teachers you are assigned to. All students will study Reason and Experience from Unit 1, though.

You will study two topics in the autumn term and two in the spring. The summer term will be taken up with finishing off anything untaught, revision and mock exams. You will also have mock exams in December. The real exams take place sometime around the end of May and the start of June.

For further course-related FAQ, please go to the main FAQ page.

For a detailed breakdown of the course taken from the official AQA specification, click here.

The A2 Year

You will study two topics in from Unit 3. You will study one text from Unit 4. Again, there is no choice; it will depend on whom you are assigned to. Exams are in the middle of June.

For further course-related FAQ, please go to the main FAQ page.

For a detailed breakdown of the course taken from the official AQA specification, click here.

Staff

All members of staff can be found in room 2E7 (on the second floor). Click names to email.

A Few Course FAQ

What will my exams look like?

In the first (AS) year, you'll have two exams. They take place on different days. Each exam lasts for 90 minutes. In each exam, you'll answer twoquestions each of which has a (shorter) (a) question and a (longer) (b) question. (a)-part is worth 15 marks. The (b)-part is worth 30 marks. The (a)-question will ask you to explain something. You will have to demonstrate your knowledge of the relevant subject-area. The (b) question will ask you to discuss a philosophical issue. On top of explaining what the issue is, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge of different ways philosophers have tried to resolve the issue. You will not have a choice of questions.

In the second (A2) year, you'll also have two exams on different days. One exam (A2 Themes - Unit 3) lasts 120 minutes. You will answer two questions. You have a choice of two for each question. Each question takes the form of an hour-long essay. The second paper (A2 Texts - Unit 4) lasts 90 minutes. You answer a compulsory (a) question and then one from a choice of two (b) questions. The (a)-part question is worth 15 marks and will ask you to explain something. The (b)-part question is worth 45 marks will ask you to critically assess something. On top of explaining what the issue is, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge of different ways philosophers have tried to resolve the issue.

Click here for the full exam timetable.

How is the course structured?

In the AS year, you study four modules, two from each unit. You will be taught two in the autumn term and two in the spring term. The summer term will be used to tie up loose ends and for revision. In the A2 year you study two areas of philosophy (Unit 3) and a text (Unit 4).

Who teaches me what?

You will have two teachers over the course of the year. So, each term, you will be taught one module each by one teacher.

Are there any mock exams?

Yes. You'll have mocks at the end of each term.

Can I find out more about what textbooks I need and what reading I should be doing?

Yes. Our philosophy reading page will give you all the details.

For a more detailed set of FAQ, click here.

© COPYRIGHT 2007-12 Matthew Carmody and Paul Sheehy.