This module provides an introduction to some of the most well-known figures in Welsh history, offering the chance to develop an understanding of their key ideas and principles. Their philosophies and doctrines are analyzed in an international context, reflecting on the connections with the events and intellectual trends of their eras.

The main objective of this module is to debate and analyse ideas deriving from a Welsh context, which have political, philosophical or religious elements – and to consider their relation to the world beyond Offa’s Dyke. There will be the opportunity to consider the similarities and differences between the different philosophies and historical periods under scrutiny, as well as a chance to reflect on the extent to which these ideas echo in the politics and society of contemporary Wales. We will consider some of the most famous ‘Welsh’ figures over a vast period – from the fifth century until today.

1. Appreciate the importance and influence of philosophical and theological thought in Wales.
2. Describe the philosophy and doctrines of key Welsh figures within the context of broader traditions of thought.
3. Critically assess the aforementioned philosophies and doctrines.
4. Identify the key elements of traditions of thought such as socialism, nationalism and pacifism.
5. Evaluate the importance and consistency of two key concepts in the context of Welsh traditions of thought: ‘radicalism’ and ‘emancipation’.
6.  Compare and contrast key themes in a variety of philosophies in Welsh history.
7. Reflect upon and think creatively about the links between various historical trends and ideas, and those of contemporary Wales.
8. Evaluate and construct philosophical arguments.

This 20 credit module will be taught on the basis of twenty one hour lectures and ten one hour seminars. The aim of the lectures will be to provide a sketch of the international, historical context, before introducing the individuals being studied, and the key aspects of their teaching. The seminars will be an opportunity to engage with these ideas in detail, to consider them in a broader context, and to reflect on how influential they may have been in the history of Wales.

The module will be taught as part of the teaching provision of the Coleg Cenedlaethol Cymraeg and therefore resources will be available to students through the interactive teaching platform, Y Porth, which uses the same software as Learning Central. The module will use printed books and journal articles, available on-line, and where books are in short supply, or out of print, the relevant passages will be uploaded to Y Porth. Timetabled sessions will be supplemented with written material to be found in the module handbook, detailing session content, questions for discussion and lists for further reading, whilst the lecture slides will be uploaded to Y Porth.

Intellectual Skills:

The ability to interpret texts and to understand texts in the context of a tradition of thought

The ability to articulate and assess arguments

The ability to reach conclusions with sound reasoning and detailed interpretations of source material

The ability to develop a consistent position about questions raised in the module

Discipline Specific Skills:

The ability to analyse and construct philosophical arguments

The ability to interpret philosophical, political and religious texts and to assess their historical and contemporary relevance

The ability to use (and derive value from) a wide range of texts from various historical periods

Transferable Skills:

The ability to analyse arguments

The ability to read texts in a disciplined and creative manner

The ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written work

The ability to present work that has a logical structure

The ability to form their own views and independent positions

Students will develop employability skills which include the ability to synthesise information, operating in group-based discussion involving negotiating ideas and producing clear, informed arguments in a professional manner

The formative assessment for this module will take the form of one essay of 1,000 words, on a specified topic.  This essay should be submitted via Y Porth, by the specified date. Essays will be returned via email.

The summative assessment for this module will include a learning log and one portfolio essay.  The weighting for each assessment is set out below. 

The learning log will consist of weekly critical summaries of the compulsory reading, no longer than 500 words, with students identifying key issues and problems. They are to be submitted at the end of each seminar for feedback, and to be presented as a collection at the end of the module.

The portfolio essay will consist of one essay of a maximum of 2500 words and will be selected from the same questions as the formative essays. It must be written especially for the portfolio, but may be based on the formative essay – although a far more thorough critical discussion will be expected.

This module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the Philosophy Course Guide. There are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

Lectures:

 Studying Intellectual History

1. Christianity and Augustine in Late Antiquity
2. Pelagius’ heresy – a ‘Welsh’ legacy?
3. Nation and Empire in the Early Middle Ages
4. Hywel Dda’s Law and the early Welsh
5. Nation and State in the time of Glyndŵr’s Rebellion
6. Glyndŵr: Nation builder?
7. The Enlightenment and the Pamphleteers of the French  Revolution
8. Richard Price’s Philosophy and Politics
9. Robert Owen and the Utopians
10. Marx and the Social Democratic Tradition
11. The Roots of Non-Conformism and Radicalism
12. Radicalism & Nationalism: 1848 to the Young Wales Movement
13. The Peacemakers: Pacifism, Henry Richard & David Davies
14. Bevan’s Socialism
15. Saunders Lewis’ Welsh Nationalism
16. J.R. Jones, Britishness, and the Politics of Language
17. Ghandi & Gwynfor
18. Raymond Williams and Cultural Theory
19. Reflections on Radicalism and Emancipation

Seminars:

1.             Pelagius’ Theology and Teaching
2.             Hywel Dda’s Law
3.             Glyndŵr’s Vision of Wales
4.             Richard Price’s Philosophy
5.             Robert Owen and Humanity’s Potential
6.             The Welsh Radical: Who, What, Where?
7.             Welsh Apostles of Peace
8.             Bevan and the Socialist Tradition      
9.             Welsh Nationalism
10.             Raymond Williams’ Marxist Thought

Key Texts: