PH421     
Dissertation Seminar - Philosophy and Public Policy

This information is for the 2019/20 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Jonathan Parry

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 helps students on the MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy develop their philosophical research and writing skills. It clarifies expectations surrounding the MSc dissertation, which is an extended piece of writing that students are expected to complete over the summer. One of the course's main aims is to help student settle for a relevant dissertation topic that they feel comfortable with. 

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 of MT).  This is followed by discussions of past MSc dissertations, and short student presentations on possible research ideas (weeks 7-11 of MT). During Lent Term, students are required to present their MSc dissertations as work in progress. This course has reading weeks in weeks 6 of MT and LT.

 

Formative coursework

Presentation of own dissertation as work in progress

Optional draft of up to 6000 words due at the end of June  

Indicative reading

None.

Assessment

This course is not assessed.

Key facts

Department: Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method

Total students 2018/19: 30

Average class size 2018/19: 15

Controlled access 2018/19: No

Value: Non-credit bearing

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Communication