13ENP - ENglish with PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is a subject at the centre of most academic principles.  Philosophy as a subject has contributed to Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Literature, Politics, and the wider Humanities throughout human history.  This course will introduce you to some foundational ideas and arguments in Philosophy which extends across a wide range of academic disciplines.  

In this course you will be developing your own logical arguments, and understanding the logical arguments which are foundational to the study of Philosophy.  You will work with classmates to explore these arguments with a critical lens, and develop your capacity for writing on philosophical questions and arguments. 

Level 3 English Through A Philosophy Lens offers the opportunity to express yourself creatively and critically.

You will be exploring the basic principles of Philosophy throughout Western History.  The disciplines we will explore are:

• Rationalism- opinions based on knowledge and reason.

• Nihilism- rejection of all religious and moral beliefs and that life is meaningless.

• Scepticism- the idea that truth and knowledge are uncertain or unknowable. 

• Humanism- compassionate based philosophy which affirms the human experience.

• Existentialism- philosophical approach which emphasises the experience of the individual. 

You will be developing your skills through the study of Philosophy in:

• Writing

• Developing a Philosophical and Logical Argument

• Expressing your ideas through writing

• Presenting ideas to an audience.

Throughout the year you will develop the capacity to understand philosophical arguments, explore ideas through a critical lens, and create your own philosophical ideas by:

• Collaborating with peers both in class and online

• Critical Reading 

• Understanding logic 

• Expressing your ideas creatively

There are no prerequisites to be in this course.  If you have achieved the University Entrance Literacy credits and have demonstrated strength as a writer, this may be the course for you. 

You will also need:

• A willingness to open your mind

• Your own questions about the nature of knowledge and reality

• Ability to contribute positively/ maturely to discussion

• Willingness to take risks as a write, reader, and thinker

There will be a mix of internally assessed courses and externally assessed courses.  

Internals

• Produce a selection of fluent and coherent writing which develops, sustains, and structures ideas 

• Develop an informed understanding of a philosophical idea using critical texts 

• Create and deliver a fluent and coherent oral text which develops, sustains, and structures ideas 

Externals

• Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of unfamiliar text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence. 

• Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of studied written text(s), supported by evidence. 

NZQA English Subject Resources

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/english/levels/

School Policy for NCEA Assessment

• You should be aware of the school procedures for NCEA assessment. They can be found on the school website at this link. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how NCEA works as well as guidance about how to apply for extensions, reconsiderations or the process for withdrawing from a standard.