PH422
Dissertation Seminar - Philosophy of Social Science
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof. J. McKenzie Alexander, LAK 5.01
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Philosophy of the Social Sciences. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
The course is intended to develop the ability to make philosophical arguments and to write structured philosophical essays. It will serve to prepare students for research and writing their dissertation. In Michaelmas term, the first few meetings will cover philosophical and argumentative writing, with a number of in-class exercises. Then we will discuss the structure and content of an MSc dissertation in Philosophy and the grading rubric used for marking dissertations. The remainder of Michaelmas term will cover possible thesis topics in the philosophy of social science, with group presentations. In Lent term, seminars will cover topics that are chosen by MSc students for their theses.
Teaching
10 hours of seminars in the MT. 20 hours of seminars in the LT.
This year, some or all of this teaching will take place online.
Formative coursework
A number of assignments whose completion will aid the writing of the dissertation will be set over the course of MT and LT.
Assessment
This course is not assessed.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Total students 2019/20: 19
Average class size 2019/20: 20
Controlled access 2019/20: No
Value: Non-credit bearing
Personal development skills
- Communication
