PHIL3099 Research Paper in Philosophy

Description

This course aims to introduce Level III Philosophy Majors to techniques of research in Philosophy. Specifically, the course will consist of:

• An introduction to research in Philosophy.
• Reading classical and non-classical works in Philosophy.
• Understanding the background to the works of each author.
• Detailed reading of the works of a major philosopher.
• Writing a research paper under supervision of the lecturer for the course as the culmination of the work in the research course.

Objectives

At the end of this course students should be able to:

• Identify issues in philosophy and/or themes in the works of a major philosophical figure.
• Critically analyze the issue and/or theme of interest to them.
• Comment on the issue and/or theme and its validity and/or applicability to contemporary experience.
• Show ability to carefully present research with proper documentation of sources.

Nature of Assessment

1. An extended essay of a maximum of 4,000 words in the first semester. This will be out of 40%.

2. Final Research Paper of a maximum of 10,000 words. This will be marked out of 60%.

It should be noted that the extended essay will consist of the student’s analysis of a work in philosophy assigned to the student by the lecturer of the course, whereas the topic for the final research paper will be chosen by the student but in consultation with the lecturer.