HSC courses: Mind and Morality

News

Mind and Morality is a Higher School Certificate philosophy course, endorsed by the Board of Studies, which counts towards a degree at the University of Sydney. Mind and Morality students are effectively beginning their tertiary education while in Year 11. The course consists of four modules:

• Mind and Body
  Am I my mind or am I my body? Do I have a soul that could survive after my body is destroyed?
• Nature, Machines and the Mind
  Are my thoughts just brain states? Is artificial intelligence possible? Could a robot think and feel?
• Moral Diversity and Relativism
  Are any moral judgments true? Is morality determined by God’s commands? Is morality merely subjective or culturally relative?
• Moral Unity
  What are the sources of shared moral values? Should we act so as to increase overall happiness? Should we violate someone’s rights in order to increase overall happiness?

About Mind and Morality

Students who enrol in Mind and Morality embark on a fascinating philosophical journey. Our ultimate goal is to acquire a deeper understanding of who we are and how we should live. As we grapple with fundamental questions about the nature of mind, personal identity and ethics, we will also improve our ability to think critically, to engage in constructive rational discussion, and to set out clear and persuasive arguments. Mind and Morality is designed for students who are doing well at school and are looking for an extra challenge.

The advantages of studying Mind and Morality

• The analytical thinking skills and essay writing skills acquired by Mind and Morality students prove very useful in other essay-based HSC subjects, such as English, History, Geography, Legal Studies and Society and Culture.
• On successful completion of Mind and Morality, students have earned six credit points (equivalent to a semester-length unit of study) that they can count towards a degree in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or a range of other degrees offered by the University of Sydney. Other faculties at the University of Sydney may also offer credit for Mind and Morality. Please seek advice from the relevant faculty.
• The course fee represents approximately one-third of the full fee rate for a six credit point unit of study at the University of Sydney. Students who count Mind and Morality towards a degree will not incur a HECS-HELP debt or be liable for the full fee for these six credit points.

How is this course recognised?

Mind and Morality is endorsed by the Board of Studies as a Year 11 preliminary one-unit course, and forms part of a student’s final HSC record. Board Endorsed Courses are designed for high-achieving students to supplement and extend the HSC curriculum, though results in these courses are not included in the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). The result for Mind and Morality will appear on a student’s Record of Achievement and can be counted towards a range of degrees at the University of Sydney.

Eligibility for the course

Any student who has the ability and aptitude to undertake university-level study is welcome to apply. Students can do Mind and Morality during the July of Year 11 (Winter School), or during the January that falls after either Year 10 or Year 11 (Summer School).

Mind and Morality dates and times

Winter School

Summer School

Assessment

Assessment for Mind and Morality consists of two 1000-word essays (one on Mind, and one on Personal Identity or Artificial Intelligence) each worth 22.5%; and a 2000-word essay on Ethics, worth 45%. The final 10% the student’s overall mark comes from class participation. As part of the course, students are taught how to write essays to university standard.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are assessed by the course convener on the basis of a student’s past academic record and the School Principal’s recommendation. We take into account ability to meet the intellectual demands of the course and to study in a university environment.

How much will it cost?

Mind and Morality is offered by the University on a cost-recovery basis. The cost in 2011 is $775. The fee is payable once you are accepted into the course.

The application process

Candidates should complete the application form and take it to their school principal for approval and submission to the University. Students should also attach a copy of a recent school report. Completed applications (including all attachments) should be sent to:

HSC Mind and Morality Coordinator
School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry
Quadrangle A14
University of Sydney NSW 2006

• Applications for Winter School close Friday 27 May, 2011.
• Applications for Summer School 2012 close Friday 25 November 2011.

Late applications will be considered subject to the availability
of places.

Download the Mind and Morality application form

Further informaton

Further information:
T +61 2 9351 3638
F +61 2 9351 3918
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