Module manager: Colette Olive
Email: c.m.olive@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Any one of PHIL1121 or PHIL1555 or PHIL2525
| PHIL1121 | Introduction to the History of Western Philosophy |
| PHIL1555 | Philosophy for PPE |
| PHIL2525 | Past Thinkers: History of Modern Philosophy |
| PHIL5760M | Kant |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module looks in detail at the work of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), a key figure in the history of Western philosophy and Enlightenment thinking. It will locate the philosophical context of his work and illuminate the novelty of his thinking and his place in Western philosophy. Please note this is an optional 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.
The purpose of this module is to enable you to (a) understand Kant’s novel and influential ideas through reading and interpreting his work, using both primary texts and secondary sources, (b) critically discuss his philosophical views, and (c) identify the place of his work and ideas in the history of Western philosophy.
The objectives will be fulfilled through:
- Lectures where you are introduced to core concepts, interpretations and arguments.
- Seminar preparation and participation where you read texts critically, analyse arguments, discuss the material with your fellow students and your tutor, and are encouraged to develop your own point of view.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1) Critically interpret and analyse core arguments and concepts in Kant’s philosophy
2) Develop and defend your own view of Kant’s work and its place in Western philosophy
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
3) Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
4) Use appropriate primary and secondary source material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work Ready, Digital skill).
Interpreting philosophical texts
Understanding philosophical context
Philosophical analysis and evaluation
Given the wide range of Kant’s work, only specific texts will be explored in any given year. For further information of the expected texts and topics, contact the module leader.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Tutorials | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students can submit ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback.
Students are given a choice of: a mini-essay; an essay plan; a literature review; an exposition and/or a critique of a philosophical argument or position.
Students should 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, 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 | |
Students will select a different essay topic from the list provided for the original attempt.
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