Course Catalogue

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In this course we consider the nature, epistemic dimensions, function, and ethics of dreams. We primarily approach these from an analytical philosophical perspective but engage also with psychology, psychoanalysis, and neuroscience.

16x1 hr lectures; 4x1 hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Philosophy and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Successful completion of Junior Honours Philosophy, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes.

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2 x Essays (1500 words each) - 80%

2 x Short written pieces (500 words each) - 20%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to:

■ Introduce competing philosophical theories and arguments concerning the nature, epistemology, function, and ethics of dreams.

■ Introduce perspectives on dreams from psychology, psychoanalysis, and neuroscience.

■ Provide an opportunity for students to hone their analytical and critical skills, by considering and developing key arguments and positions.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Understand and critically evaluate philosophical theories and arguments concerning the nature, epistemology, function, and ethics of dreams.

■ Analyse philosophical theories about dreaming in relation to findings and theories in the neuroscience and psychology of dreams.

■ Synthesise claims about dreams from philosophy, psychology, culture, and student's personal experience, to develop coherent and well-supported views about dreaming.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.