PHL4800

Research paper

John Bigelow

8 points
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives Students successfully completing their research paper will have produced a substantial piece of philosophy. They should have clearly identified and described the problem that they will be addressing. They should have mastered the literature pertinent to the problem, and should have presented it in a clear and coherent way, making clear its bearing on the problem that they are addressing, and drawing any relevant conclusions. A student excelling at this paper will have produced an original contribution to the issue that he or she is discussing.

Synopsis This is intended to give students their first experience of a supervised research project. The recommended length is 6000 words. The research paper is due at the end of the second semester. However, since the research project is very much self-directed, students are strongly advised to begin work much earlier in the academic year. Third-year students expecting to take honours in philosophy should consult with the honours coordinator about their research paper topic at the end of their third year, when a provisional supervisor will be appointed. The subject of the research paper must be finalised no later than the first week of the first semester, at which time students must give a written proposal plus a reading list to their supervisor. Students should expect to meet with their supervisor from time to time during the first semester and weekly in the second semester.

Assessment One 6000-word essay: 100%