Undergraduate Course: Simone de Beauvoir: The Second Sex (PHIL10257)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course focuses on a close and critical reading of one of the most influential texts in 20th century feminist philosophy: Simone de Beauvoir¿s 'The Second
Sex'. |
| Course description |
This course will focus on Simone de Beauvoir¿s 'The Second Sex'. First published in 1949, it became one of the most influential feminist texts of the 20th century and it continues to inform Feminist Philosophy today. But this is also a controversial book that has been criticized by both feminists and anti-feminists. In it, Beauvoir brings together ideas and methods from intellectual traditions like existentialism, phenomenology, psychoanalysis, and anthropology. The course will focus on a careful and critical reading of the primary text. We will have the opportunity to discuss issues like the relation between gender inequality and biology; the role of love in women¿s subordination; the ethical status of sex work; and our social ideals of masculinity.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
Mind, Matter and Language (PHIL08014) AND
Knowledge and Reality (PHIL08017)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | Students studying on MA Cognitive Science (Humanities) are permitted to take this course without having met the pre-requisites of Mind, Matter and Language and Knowledge and Reality. However, it is advisable that students discuss the suitability of the course with their Student Adviser and the Course Organiser before enrolling. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have completed at least 3 Philosophy courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses. Applicants should note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission. **Please note that honours Philosophy courses are high-demand, meaning that they have a very high number of students wishing to enrol in a very limited number of spaces.** These enrolments are managed strictly by the Visiting Student Office, in line with the quotas allocated by the department, and all enquiries to enrol in these courses must be made through the CAHSS Visiting Student Office. It is not appropriate for students to contact the department directly to request additional spaces. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 22,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
174 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Midterm essay (1,500 words) - 40%«br /»
Final essay (2,500 words) - 60%«br /»
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| Feedback |
Student will receive individual feedback on the essay assignments. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main themes and methods in Beauvoir¿s The Second Sex.
- Effectively present close and critical analysis of a historical philosophical text.
- Articulate arguments succinctly and clearly in a written essay format.
- Critically evaluate gender dynamics and feminist politics in their own lives.
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Reading List
Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, translated by Constance Borde and Sheila Malovany-Chevallier, Vintage Books, 2015.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course focuses on developing critical reading skills and on improving students¿ ability to reflect on controversial issues. In the course assignments, students will develop their ability to communicate effectively through writing, to reflect critically on philosophical arguments, and to formulate their own reasoned positions. In seminar discussions, students will develop communication and critical thinking skills, as well as openness to disagreement and different perspectives. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Filipa Melo Lopes
Tel: (0131 6)50 3958
Email: Filipa.MeloLopes@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Cameron Findlay
Tel:
Email: cameron.findlay@ed.ac.uk |
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