PH421
Dissertation Seminar - Philosophy and Public Policy
This information is for the 2015/16 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Susanne Burri
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
Aim: This course is intended to develop the ability to write a structured philosophical essay and serves to prepare students in the MSc Philosophy and Public Policy for dissertation writing.
Teaching
10 hours of seminars in the MT. 20 hours of seminars in the LT.
The course starts with a five hour module on argumentative writing in philosophy (weeks 1-5). This is followed by three hours on researching philosophy journals, referencing, and the art of writing a dissertation (weeks 6, 8, and 10). During the last six weeks, students will do presentations of their prospective thesis work (two hours per week). In the remaining weeks, students will (i) take on training sessions across the School that will benefit their careers, and (ii) talk one-on-one to the course leader about their thesis research (1 hour).
Formative coursework
Three essays of 500 words for Philosophy and Argumentative Writing (weeks 2, 3 and 4)
Essay of 500 words to explore your dissertation topic due in the first week of Lent Term
Essay of 2000 words due in the first week of Summer Term
Optional draft of 6000 words due at the end of July
Indicative reading
None.
Assessment
This course is not assessed.
Key facts
Department: Philosophy
Total students 2014/15: 39
Average class size 2014/15: 13
Controlled access 2014/15: No
Value: Non-assessed
Personal development skills
- Communication