Module manager: Simon Kirchin
Email: S.Kirchin@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 May to 31 July View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
The aim of this module is to examine the ethical issues that arise in psychiatry. You will think about the justification (or lack of) for compulsion or coercion with respect to the mentally ill. Can medical practitioners and others override the autonomy of the mentally ill? What is meant by mental illness in the first place, and how does it relate to concepts relevant to medical ethics in general, such as competence and consent?
The aims of this module are to introduce you to the main philosophical questions and topics concerning mental illness and to explore in critical detail a variety of specific and complex philosophical topics that draw on modern medical and psychiatric approaches to mental illness. This module also aims to offer you an advanced understanding of several philosophical viewpoints about these issues, along with the skills to undertake a critical analysis of a range of questions.
These aims will be achieved through:
- Independent online learning where you are introduced to core concepts, readings, and arguments and are encouraged to read texts critically and reflect on and analyse these arguments and concepts.
- Online discussion forums and a synchronous webinar where you can develop your own arguments on the topics and test these through critical reflection with other learners and academic staff.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically evaluate several conceptions of mental illness in detail;
2. Critically evaluate several conceptions of autonomy in detail;
3. Critically analyse, in an original and sophisticated manner, the cases for and against medical paternalism in the context of mental illness and impairment.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
5. Critically analyse source material and demonstrate independence of thought (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6. Independently search for and utilise appropriate material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work Ready, Digital and Sustainability skill)
7. Identify ethical questions and use appropriate ethical frameworks (Sustainability skill)
8. Effectively communicate, participate and collaborate in an online environment (Digital and Work Ready skill)
You will study topics such as:
- definitions of mental illness
- social control, tolerance and deviant behaviour
- autonomy, rational choice and consent
- competence and the right to refuse treatment
- the rights and responsibilities of carers and the responsibilities of doctors to relatives of patients
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| WEBINAR | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 33 | ||
| Private study hours | 100 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 17 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and discussion board-based activities, each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback.
Students are given a choice of: essay plan; exposition of an argument; objection and reply.
To ensure that students get the formative feedback that they need, they are asked to read and reflect on (i) the feedback they received in previous summative assessments, (ii) the PRHS marking criteria and (iii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module. This requires students to critically engage with previous feedback, current expectations, and play an active role in honing their knowledge and skill development.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 90 |
| Coursework | Online group discussion boards | 10 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The resit for the discussion contributions will be an essay demonstrating familiarity with a wide range of debates and will be descriptively as opposed to analytically focused.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 03/03/2025
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