Ethics Through Film
UndergraduateMUR-PHL2032027
Course information for 2027 intake
Film can make abstract ethical and political ideas concrete. Compare ideas about right and wrong, justice and values, then test philosophical arguments against stories and dilemmas shown on screen.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 18 July 2027
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 15 weeks
- Start dates
- 26 July 2027
- Price from
- $2,257
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Ethics Through Film
About this subject
At the completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate philosophical texts, arguments and ideas presented using the medium of film.
- Research and analyse a key philosophical issue.
- Articulate, present and defend a reasoned position in moral and political philosophy in verbal, written and/or other forms, applying ethical and other conventions of the discipline.
- Work effectively and ethically in discussion with others to formulate your individual standpoint.
- Introducing moral and political philosophy
- Egoism and relativism
- Egoism and relativism (continued)
- Virtues
- Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism (continued)
- Understanding Kant
- Understanding Kant (continued)
- The social contract
- Liberalism
- Libertarianism
- Socialism
How do we know right from wrong? Are there universal values or is it all subjective? What makes a state just or unjust? Controversies on such matters are rife in democratic societies, yet few feel equipped to tackle them head on. Philosophical ethics does just that: it cuts to the core of the assumptions and concepts underlying our value judgments and helps us separate plausible and defensible views from those that are not. This subject covers novel ground in using film to exemplify ethical and political theories. Students view contemporary films matched with academic texts to bridge the gap between abstract theory and its relevance in the ‘real’ world.
Please Note: All students studying at Murdoch University will need to complete the compulsory unit, Murdoch Academic Passport (MAP100), which only takes 2-3 hours to complete online. Find out more: http://goto.murdoch.edu.au/MurdochAcademicPassport.
- Reading analysis (30%)
- Main essay (50%)
- Presentation (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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UndergraduateMUR-COM-DEG
UndergraduateMUR-BAR-DEG
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