Universität Wien

180022 VU M-02 Introduction to Academic Writing in Philosophy (2022S)

7.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work

Summary

1 Sharma , Moodle
2 Löffelmann , Moodle
3 Baatz , Moodle
4 Pearce , Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
Registration information is available for each group.

Groups

Group 1

max. 45 participants
Language: English
LMS: Moodle

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

You need a “3G” certificate to enter the building. Please also allow some time for the certificate to be checked at the entrance, so that we can start on time.

When you arrive in the lecture room, (1) disinfect your hands, (2) sign the attendance list, (3) take a hand-out and a (4) disinfection wipe, and (5) disinfect your desk before taking your seat. Disinfects will be provided.

You need to wear an FFP2 mask when entering, moving about, or leaving the lecture room. You may take it off while you are seated. Please also keep a log of the seats you occupy in the course of the semester.

Please do not arrive earlier than 11.25. The lecture room is booked until 11.15 and the previous class needs time to leave.

  • Tuesday 08.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 15.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 22.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 29.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 05.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 26.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 03.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 10.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 17.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 24.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 31.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 14.06. 16:45 - 18:45 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 21.06. 16:45 - 18:45 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this course, we will work towards understanding how to read, interpret, respond to and write philosophical texts. The learning outcomes for this course are twofold:
a. to understand the discipline and diversity of philosophical practice in an academic context, learn interpretation and argumentation.
b. to acquire basic competence, and a practice toolkit with regards to the contemporary norms of academic writing including resource research, structuring, referencing, citation, formatting, writing integrity and quality.

The focus is on being able to effectively read-interpret, respond-argue and write. At the end of the course the students should be able to demonstrate the ability to engage with a philosophical text in an investigative manner, to produce a critical response to it and to employ the standards of academic writing in order to articulate their own philosophical positions.

This is an introductory-level, continuously assessed course for students interested in philosophical thinking and writing. It is not necessary for the students to only belong to a particular discipline or area of interest; and a diversity in culture, gender and year of study is enthusiastically welcomed in order to enrich discussions and outcomes.
The course will be held in English. In case a student is limited by language, media competence or a learning difficulty, changes can be made to the method and assessments on a case-by-case basis. To take those needs and further questions into account, you can write to the instructor and request a meeting. The structure, resources, weekly plan, readings and assignment submissions will be made available on Moodle.

Assessment and permitted materials

Active participation in class and in groupwork on the following skills:
a. reading-interpretation
b. responding-argumentation and
c. writing

Grading:
4 Four Sentence Papers (20%): 5*4 = 20 points
4 500 word response papers (15%): 5*3 = 15 points
Peer Feedback (10%): 2*5 = 10 points
Final Paper (55%): 55 points
Total: 100 points

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Completion of all assessed material.

Examination topics

Critical reading and writing.

Reading list

Primary Readings (short selections from the following):

Trojanow, I., & Hoskote, R. (2012). Confluences: Forgotten histories from East and West. Yoda Press. Chapter 1 and 2

Shannon Sullivan (2007), Chapter 8: ‘White Ignorance and Colonial Oppression: Or Why I Know So Little About Puerto Rico’, in Race and Epistemologies of Ignorance, eds. Shannon Sullivan and Nancy Tuana.

Lorde, Audre (2007): „The Master’s Tools will never dismantle the Master’s House“. In: Dies. Sister Outsider. Essays & Speeches by Audre Lorde. Berkeley: Crossing Press. 110-114. (4 Seiten zu lesen)

Bell, A., McKinnon, K., Singh, S. J., Allen, E., Kenrick, J., Glauser, B., Waitere, H., Kidd, C., Venkateswar, S., & Hughes, E. (2013). The politics of indigeneity: Dialogues and reflections on Indigenous Activism. Zed Books.

Tagore, Rabindranath, 1861-1941. Nationalism. San Francisco, Calif. : Book Club of California, 1917

Nigam, A. (2020). Decolonizing theory: Thinking across traditions. Bloomsbury India.

Das, V. (2007). Life and words violence and the descent into the ordinary. University of California Press.

Gramsci, A., Buttigieg, J. A., & Callari, A. (2011). Prison notebooks. Columbia University Press. Selections: The Philosophy of Praxis

Other Suggested Readings (short selections from the following):

Mignolo, W. (2011). Darker side of Western Modernity. Duke University Press. Selections from Introduction and Chapter 1

Manṭo Saʻādat Ḥasan. (2011). Toba Tek Singh: Stories. Penguin.

The stranger = Agantuk. (n.d.). (Film)

Aḥmad Āl Jalāl. (2004). Occidentosis: A plague from the West. Citizens International.

Kaviraj, S. (1991). On the construction of colonial power: Structure, discourse, hegemony. Centre for Contemporary Studies, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library.

Group 2

max. 45 participants
Language: German
LMS: Moodle

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

You need a “3G” certificate to enter the building. Please also allow some time for the certificate to be checked at the entrance, so that we can start on time.

When you arrive in the lecture room, (1) disinfect your hands, (2) sign the attendance list, (3) take a hand-out and a (4) disinfection wipe, and (5) disinfect your desk before taking your seat. Disinfects will be provided.

You need to wear an FFP2 mask when entering, moving about, or leaving the lecture room. You may take it off while you are seated. Please also keep a log of the seats you occupy in the course of the semester.

  • Thursday 10.03. 16:45 - 19:30 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 24.03. 16:45 - 19:30 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 07.04. 16:45 - 19:30 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 28.04. 16:45 - 19:30 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 19.05. 16:45 - 19:30 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 02.06. 16:45 - 19:30 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Thursday 23.06. 16:45 - 19:30 Hörsaal 3D, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/3. Stock, 1010 Wien

Aims, contents and method of the course

Ziel dieser LV ist, dass Studierende grundlegende Verfahren philosophischer Textarbeit erlernen. Sie sind dazu befähigt, philosophische Texte nachzuvollziehen, zu verstehen und zu analysieren. Zudem sind sie in der Lage, selbst wissenschaftliche Texte zu verfassen, schlüssig zu argumentieren, richtig zu zitieren und ein vollständiges Literaturverzeichnis anzulegen.

Um die Fertigkeiten wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens zu erlernen, werden wir uns mit Texten aus dem Bereich der Feministischen Philosophie, mit einem besonderen Schwerpunkt auf feministischer Epistemologie, auseinandersetzen. Ein weiteres Ziel ist demnach, dass Studierende einen grundlegenden Einblick in Diskussionen aus diesem Bereich erhalten.

Studierende entwickeln in dieser LV einen aktiven Zugang zu philosophischen Fragestellungen. Sie sind in der Lage, die Bedeutung dieser Fragestellungen auch in Hinblick auf ihr eigenes Leben oder Fragestellungen, die ihnen im Alltag begegnen, zu reflektieren.
Studierenden erlernen die kritische Reflexion von philosophischen Fragestellungen. Sie sind in der Lage, Argumentationslinien nachzuvollziehen und auf ihre Richtigkeit hin zu überprüfen. Dazu gehört auch Quellenkritik und eine Kontextualisierung des vorgefundenen Materials. Studierende werden zudem mit den wichtigsten Tools und Strategien der Literaturrecherche vertraut. Sie sind in der Lage, zu einem philosophischen Themenbereich ihrer Wahl selbst relevante Literatur zu finden und zu einander in Kontext zu setzen. Weiters finden Studierende im Laufe des Semesters ein eigenes Interessensgebiet, mit dem sie sich näher befassen. Dieses befähigt sie, in den folgenden Modulen die für sie relevanten Lehrveranstaltungen und Inhalte auszuwählen.

Die Lehrveranstaltung nutzt verschiedene Methoden, um diese Inhalte zu vermitteln: neben einem Vorlesungsteil, der in die Grundlagen des Wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens einführt, steht in jeder Einheit die eingehende Diskussion der Literatur in Kleingruppen und im Plenum auf dem Programm. Zudem gibt es fünf kleine, in eigenständiger Arbeit zu erledigende Aufgaben, eine Gruppenpräsentation, eine Peer-Feedback-Runde, und eine Abschlussarbeit, in der die Grundlagen des wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens in der Philosophie vertieft werden.

Die Unterrichtssprache dieser LV ist Deutsch, die Pflichtlektüre ist überwiegend auf Englisch. Sollte dies ein Problem für einzelne Studierende darstellen, werden einzelne alternative Texte zur Verfügung gestellt, die auf Deutsch verfasst sind. Zu beachten ist jedoch, dass die Deutschen Diskurse die Debatten, um die es gehen wird, oft nur unzureichend behandeln.

Assessment and permitted materials

Fünf kleine Aufgaben (20%): 5*4 = 20 Punkte
Gruppenpräsentation (15%): 15 Punkte
Peer Feedback (10%): 2*5 = 10 Punkte
Abschlussessay (55%): 55 Punkte
Insgesamt: 100 Punkte

Alle dieser Aufgaben sind auf Moodle im dafür vorgesehenen Abgabeordner innerhalb der Deadline hochzuladen.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Dies ist eine prüfungsimmanente LV. Anwesenheit ist somit verpflichtend. Studierende müssen in 80% der Einheiten anwesend sein, um den Kurs positiv abschließen zu können. Regelmäßige Anwesenheit und aktive Teilnahme am Diskussionsgeschehen sind Teil der Kursleistung. Zudem muss für einen positiven Abschluss des Kurses jede „Kleine Aufgabe“ abgegeben werden.

Die Endnote ergibt sich aus den in „Art der Leistungskontrolle" angeführten Teilleistungen.

Note 1: 87-100 Punkte
Note 2: 75-86 Punkte
Note 3: 63-74 Punkte
Note 4: 50-62 Punkte
Note 5: 0-49 Punkte

Mit der Anmeldung zu dieser Lehrveranstaltung stimmen Sie zu, dass die automatisierte Plagiatsprüfungs-Software Turnitin alle von Ihnen im Moodle eingereichten schriftlichen Teilleistungen prüft.

Examination topics

Studierende sollen zeigen, dass Sie die Standards des akademischen Schreibens verstehen und diese auch anwenden können. Die philosophischen Texte, die wir lesen und diskutieren, sind nicht das Prüfungsthema; das Verständnis dieser Texte wirkt sich nur insofern auf die Endnote aus, als Studierende die Fähigkeit zeigen müssen, sie zu lesen, zu interpretieren und sich in den schriftlichen Aufgaben auf sie zu beziehen.

Reading list

Zum Wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten:
Flatscher, M./ Posselt, G./ Weiberg, A. (2011): Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten im Philosophiestudium. Wien: Facultas.

Martinich, A.P. (2016): Philosophical Writing: An Introduction. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Lektüre 1: Kritische Epistemologie
Kilomba, Grada (2019): „Who can Speak?“. In: Dies.: Plantation Memories. Episodes of Everyday Racism. Münster: Unrast Verlag. 23-36. (13 Seiten zu lesen)

Wylie, Alison (1995): „Doing Philosophy as a Feminist“. Philosophical Topics 23(2). 345-358. (11 Seiten zu lesen)

Lorde, Audre (2007): „The Master’s Tools will never dismantle the Master’s House“. In: Dies. Sister Outsider. Essays & Speeches by Audre Lorde. Berkeley: Crossing Press. 110-114. (4 Seiten zu lesen)

Deutsche, überarbeitete Version: „Du kannst nicht das Haus des Herren mit dem Handwerkszeug des Herren abreißen“. In: Schultz, Dagmar (Hg.) (1993): Macht und Sinnlichkeit. Ausgewählte Texte von Audre Lorde und Adrienne Rich. Berlin: Orlanda Frauenverlag. 199-212.

Lektüre 2: Intersektionalität
Crenshaw, Kimberlé Williams (1989): “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics”. University of Chicago Legal Forum. 139-167. (28 Seiten zu lesen)

Dotson, Kristie (2014): „Making Sense: The Multistability of Oppression and the Importance of Intersectionality.“ In: Goswami, Namita/ O’Donovan, Maeve M./ Yount, Lisa (Hg.): Why Race and Gender Still Matter – An Intersectional Approach. London: Pickering & Chatto. 43-57.

Smith, Barbara (1979): „Notes for Yet Another Paper on Black Feminism, Or Will the Real Enemy Please Stand Up“. Conditions 2 (2). 123-127. (4 Seiten zu lesen)

Lektüre 3: Feministische Wissenschaftsgeschichte
Martin, Emily (1991): „The Egg and the Sperm: How Science Has Constructed a Romance Based on Stereotypical Male-Female Roles.” Signs 16(3). 485-501. (16 Seiten zu lesen)

Schiebinger, Londa (2004): „Feminist History of Colonial Science.” Hypatia 19(1). 233-254. (15 Seiten zu lesen)

Lektüre 4: Epistemische Diskriminierung
Fricker, Miranda (2006): „Powerlessness and Social Interpretation.“ Episteme: A Journal of Social Epistemology. 3 (1-2). 96-108. (11 Seiten zu lesen)

Dotson, Kristie (2012): „A Cautionary Tale: On Limiting Epistemic Oppression.“ Frontiers 33(1). 24-47. (18 Seiten zu lesen)

Lektüre 5: Nichtwissen
Tuana, Nancy (2006): „Coming to Understand: Orgasm and the Epistemology of Ignorance.“ Hypatia 19(1). 194-232. (32 Seiten zu lesen, viele Grafiken)

Mills, Charles W. (2007): „White Ignorance.” In: Sullivan, Shannon/ Tuana, Nancy (Hg.): Race and Epistemologies of Ignorance. New York: State University of New York Press. 13-38. (23 Seiten zu lesen)

Lektüre 6: Standpunkttheorien
Harding, Sandra (2003): „Introduction: Standpoint Theory as a Site of Political, Philosophic, and Scientific debate“. In: Harding, Sandra (Hg.): The Feminist Standpoint Theory Reader. Intellectual and Political Controversies. New York and London: Routledge. 1-15. (13 Seiten zu lesen)

Wylie, Alison (2012): „Feminist Philosophy of Science: Standpoint Matters.” Proceedings and Addresses of the American Philosophy Association, 86(2). 47-76, Nov 2012. (15 Seiten zu lesen)

Diese Liste kann im Laufe des Semesters noch Modifikationen unterzogen werden.

Group 3

max. 45 participants
Language: German
LMS: Moodle

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

You need a “3G” certificate to enter the building. Please also allow some time for the certificate to be checked at the entrance, so that we can start on time.

When you arrive in the lecture room, (1) disinfect your hands, (2) sign the attendance list, (3) take a hand-out and a (4) disinfection wipe, and (5) disinfect your desk before taking your seat. Disinfects will be provided.

You need to wear an FFP2 mask when entering, moving about, or leaving the lecture room. You may take it off while you are seated. Please also keep a log of the seats you occupy in the course of the semester.

Please do not arrive earlier than 11.25. The lecture room is booked until 11.15 and the previous class needs time to leave.

  • Wednesday 09.03. 09:45 - 11:30 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Wednesday 09.03. 11:30 - 13:30 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Wednesday 16.03. 09:45 - 13:30 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 30.03. 09:45 - 13:30 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 27.04. 09:45 - 13:30 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 04.05. 09:45 - 13:30 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 11.05. 09:45 - 13:30 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Wednesday 25.05. 09:45 - 13:30 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Wednesday 15.06. 09:45 - 13:30 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course provides an introduction to scientific work for philosophy studies. The focus is on the ability to independently deal with philosophical texts, the independent creation of philosophical texts. This includes skills such as being able to actively read and reproduce texts, argumentation and critical skills as well as creativity in dealing with texts and text types (e.g. source criticism and contextualisation), as well as an overview of topics and the history of philosophy, with a focus on intercultural philosophy. Another focus is on support in the independent creation of texts (clarifying one's own interests, finding topics, research, writing scientific texts, correct citation and bibliography).
The course uses sequences of face-to-face teaching, work in small groups, presentation in groups and peer-to-peer learning, with Moodle being used both in face-to-face teaching and for homework. One entry to the learning journal per block course is compulsory, which is not graded. There will also be five shorter, independent written assignments (approx. 1000 words each), a group presentation and a larger (approx. 3000 words) written final paper. For the latter, there will be personal supervision, i.e. the consent of the course instructor is required for the topic, guiding question and outline.

Assessment and permitted materials

The performance assessment is based on active participation in the course (10%), the five short assignments (20%), the group presentation (15%): 15 points and the final essay (55%). The assignments are to be uploaded on Moodle in the designated submission folder by the deadline. Furthermore, the submission of all journal entries (learning diary) is obligatory, but it will not graded.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

This is an exam-immanent course. Attendance is therefore compulsory. Students must be present in 80% of the units in order to complete the course positively. Regular attendance and active participation in the discussion are part of the course performance. For a positive completion of the course, an entry in the learning diary (journal) must be handed in after each block date.
The final grade results from the partial performances listed in "Type of performance assessment".
Grade 1: 87-100 points
Grade 2: 75-86 points
Grade 3: 63-74 points
Grade 4: 50-62 points
Grade 5: 0-49 points
By registering for this course, you agree that the automated plagiarism checking software Turnitin will check all written submissions you make in Moodle.
More comments on criteria on Moodle.

Examination topics

Students should show that they understand and can apply standards of academic writing. On the basis of the philosophical texts read and discussed in the course, they should demonstrate the ability to read and interpret them and to refer to them in the written assignments.
Teaching language is German, text reading in German and English.

Reading list

Kruse, Otto. Lesen und Schreiben: Der Richtige Umgang mit Texten im Studium. Stuttgart: UTB, 2010.
Flatscher, Matthias, Gerald Posselt und Anja Weiberg. Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten im Philosophiestudium. Stuttgart: UTB, 2011.
Nida-Rümelin, J., Spiegel, I. & Tiedemann, M., Handbuch Philosophie und Ethik. Paderborn. Schöningh. 2017
Texts that will be worked on in the course will be posted on Moodle.

Group 4

max. 45 participants
Language: English
LMS: Moodle

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

You need a “3G” certificate to enter the building. Please also allow some time for the certificate to be checked at the entrance, so that we can start on time. When you arrive in the lecture room, (1) disinfect your hands, (2) sign the attendance list, (3) take a hand-out and a (4) disinfection wipe, and (5) disinfect your desk before taking your seat. Disinfects will be provided.You need to wear an FFP2 mask when entering, moving about, or leaving the lecture room. You may take it off while you are seated. Please also keep a log of the seats you occupy in the course of the semester.Please do not arrive earlier than 11.25. The lecture room is booked until 11.15 and the previous class needs time to leave.

  • Monday 07.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 14.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 21.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 28.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 04.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 25.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 02.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 09.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 16.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 23.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 30.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 13.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 20.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Monday 27.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien

Aims, contents and method of the course

The purpose of this course is to learn how to produce a high-quality philosophy paper.

We'll learn how to do this in a very hands-on manner. As part of the course, you'll work both with me, the lecturer, and each other in groups to learn what the process of writing a philosophy paper looks like and develop skills pertaining to every step of this process.

You'll learn how to identify interesting topics, find useful literature, analyse this literature, then finally plan and write a paper. You'll learn what a good philosophy paper looks like, looking at all aspects of a paper, from individual word choice to the macroscopic structure of your essays.

The aim, by the end of the course, is to have produced a single essay that, at least structurally, is very good, and that you understand why it's very good. The paper will be produced during the semester and will receive ongoing attention from both myself and your peers. The paper will be on a topic you identify and decide to write, though topics must be approved by me (I'm looking to be facilitating, I just can't support every topic!).

The hope of this is that, going forward, you will have one paper that you know is of high standard and that you can use as a benchmark, guide or template (at least structurally) for future papers.

Assessment and permitted materials

Quick Assessment Summary:
(1) Main Essay: 60% (~4 pages)
(2) Critical Paper Summaries: 2x15% (~1page)
(3) Essay Plan: 10% (<1 page)

Details:

The personal essay is the main essay you will be writing over the semester. These will be around 2000 words or ~4 pages in length. Students writing on exegetical or historic work on a particular text may include a short quote not counting towards the word limit, subject to approval. The paper will be assessed more from a structural point of view. I'm more concerned (for this course) that the papers are well written and well structured, that that you're making an especially novel or insightful philosophical point!

The critical paper summaries will be short summaries of a paper you've found and read relating to your topic. These will mostly summarize what you've read, but are nevertheless expected to be critical where appropriate. Two critical summaries are required.

The essay plan should be roughly half a page in length and set out the structure of your personal essay. These will be assessed on a pass/fail/revise scheme. Students will have their first attempts accepted and get 10/10, be asked to make revisions and get 5/10 or fail this assessment.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Completion of all assessed material. Active participation in class and in groupwork.

Examination topics

Critical reading and essay writing and planning skills.

Reading list

P. Singer: “Utilitarianism & Vegetarianism”
A. Ney: “Physicalism as an Attitude”
M. Fricker: “Epistemic Justice as a condition of political freedom.”
M. Cherry: “Love, Anger and Racial Injustice”
E. Gettier: “Is knowledge justified true belief?”
L. Zagzebski: “The inescapability of Gettier Problems”

More readings may be added in the future.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 09.09.2022 12:28