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
Personal development skills
- Communication
