Course Catalogue

Dreams PGT PHIL5111

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

In this course we consider the nature, epistemic dimensions, function, and ethics of dreams. We primarily approach these from an analytical philosophical perspective but engage also with psychology, psychoanalysis, and neuroscience.

Timetable

16x1hr lectures; 4x1hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. This course may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level

Excluded Courses

Dreams PHIL4069

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2 x Essay (2500 words) - 100%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Explore competing philosophical theories and arguments concerning the nature, epistemology, function, and ethics of dreams.

■ Explore perspectives on dreams from psychology, psychoanalysis, and neuroscience.

■ Provide an opportunity for students hone their analytical and critical skills, by considering and developing key arguments and positions.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Understand and critically evaluate philosophical theories and arguments concerning the nature, epistemology, function, and ethics of dreams.

■ Analyse philosophical theories about dreaming in relation to broader philosophical theories in philosophy and findings and theories in the neuroscience and psychology of dreams.

■ Synthesise claims about dreams from philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience to develop coherent, novel, and well-supported views about dreaming.

 

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions