You will write two short papers and take two essay exams.
Two short papers: your first paper (3-4 pages) will focus on a specific philosophical problem of your choosing in which you provide a clear, detailed presentation of the nature of the problem, what you take to be its components, its importance and relevance, and a short, annotated “bibliography” of one or two works of two different philosophers who address the problem in ways you initially find helpful or promising. You may use any of the philosophers/readings assigned in class or you may use other philosophers/readings we have not covered. Your second, final paper (5-8 pages) will develop your first paper into an extended essay on the problem you have chosen; you will provide an analysis and evaluation of how the two philosophers have addressed the problem (unless you have been told to narrow to one theorist) and then develop and argue for your own views. You are strongly encouraged to meet with me to discuss your papers prior to turning them in. First paper is due March 15; final paper is due April 25 at 12 noon. You may bring your final paper to my office or send it to me electroncially. If you choose to email it, you MUST receive a reply from me indicating that I have your paper in order for you to consider it turned in. If you do not get an email reply, I have not received it.
Recommended outline for your First Paper:
• Clear, concise statement of the philosophical problem you will be analyzing; you might also formulate this in the form of a question.
• Brief account of why you think this problem is an important one, its relevance or significance, why it is of particular interest to you.
• Detailed analysis of the problem: what are all the issues that need to be resolved in order to fully address the problem?; what are all the questions that need to be answered? (these can be listed)—the goal here is to unpack all the components/issues/questions that define the problem and are necessary to adequately solve it.
• List the two philosophers and the texts you propose using; state briefly what you expect to derive from those texts.
Recommendations for your Second Paper: Following the comments on your first paper, narrow and focus to a specific topic/question, in some cases to a single philosopher and specific part of a single text. In most cases, you will be doing an analysis and evaluation of a particular philosopher’s theory as it pertains to your topic. Support your analysis with specific passages from the primary text. You are not expected to use secondary sources and are advised not to. Be sure that your first paragraph contains your thesis statement and that your paper constitutes an argument for that statement.
If you have any questions, please make an appointment to see me. We will talk about your paper, how to focus and develop your thinking, and which readings might best support your topic.
If you would like to submit a draft of your final paper, I must have it no later than April 15.
The format for both papers is the same: 12 point type, 1” margins, double spaced, complete and proper citations. Late papers will be reduced by one full letter grade for each day late. Papers without complete and accurate citations will receive an F. Please ask questions in class or meet with me if you have any questions about or need additional information about your papers, citation guidelines, etc.
Information on citing sources is available on the Simpson Library website Guide to Citing Resources. Pay particular attention to the section for citing non-print resources if you are using the web to support your research.
Exams: Midterm Exam, February 24; Final Exam, April 28, 12-2:30 pm. Both exams are essay exams; the final exam will be comprehensive for the course. We will conduct an in-class review for your midterm exam on February 22 and for your final exam on April 21.
[Grade scale: 97- 100 A+; 93-96 A; 90-92 A-;;87-89 B+;83-86 B;80-82 B-;77-79 C+;73-76 C;70-72 C-;67-69 D+;63-66 D;60-62 D-; 59 and below F]
