Module manager: Luke Brunning
Email: L.Brunning1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
None
This module is approved as a discovery module
Love and relationships and, in particular romantic and sexual relationships, matter greatly to many people. But few people pause to consider some fundamental questions about love: what is it, are there different kinds, why do we love some people and not others, does love make us better people, should it be supported by the state, how is love shaped by technology? There are many complex social norms around love which broad social implications; norms of exclusivity, for example, or concerning gender roles. These issues are explored through the lens of philosophy. As well as reading philosophical literature on love, you will be encouraged to draw on examples from popular culture and your own experiences where applicable. Please note this is a Discovery module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of philosophical questions and problems associated with the nature and value of love, and to develop your critical awareness of how to challenge or modify existing philosophical arguments and approaches. You will also learn to develop philosophical arguments of your own.
These objectives are realised through a combination of discussion in seminars and lectures, independent close reading of important texts and engagement with course materials.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1) Identify and explain some significant points of contention or debate concerning the concept of love.
2) Critically, but charitably, analyse and evaluate concepts, arguments, and positions central to debates in the philosophy of love.
3) Develop and defend their own position on a specific issue in the philosophy of love.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4) Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
5) Undertake independent research to identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6) Identify ethical questions and use ethical frameworks to analyse issues arising in real-world contexts (Work Ready, Enterprise and Sustainability skill)
Effective argumentation, both orally and in writing, including: providing sound justification and reasoning for one’s position, and being able to explain one’s objections to counter-positions.
The module may include topics such as the following but the exact content may vary:
Love and rationality
Friendship and romantic love
Sex and love
Feminist critiques of romantic norms
Monogamy, polygamy, and polyamory
Cheating
Marriage
Love drugs: the future of love?
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminars | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 83 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 17 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and seminar-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.
Students should read and reflect on (i) the PRHS marking criteria and (ii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module, and identify for themselves the type of formative feedback that will be most beneficial for them.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit is by the same essay assignment, but students must choose a different essay question.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team