PP1WRI-Writing the Philosophical Essay

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Maximilian De Gaynesford
Email: r.m.degaynesford@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will provide students with the skills necessary to craft clear, well-structured, and persuasive academic writing that effectively communicates complex ideas.

Reading:

Required readings will be posted online.

Recommended:

Harry Frankfurt, £On Bullshit£ (available online)

Aims:
This module will introduce students to the analysis and practice of academic writing through focused writing exercises, revision, and discussion. The writing seminars will extend and integrate substantive discussion from the Part 1 philosophy modules by using the discussions and assignments from those classes as a tool for the advanced study of philosophical writing. We will learn to construct sophisticated arguments that communicate complex arguments clearly and directly, and we will discuss both the limitations and the advantages of the analytic philosophical style. By subjecting their written work to peer-review in seminars, students will improve their ability to communicate by learning to anticipate the reactions of their audience and crafting essays that eliminate jargon and focus on evidence and argumentation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module you will understand:
£ the strengths and weaknesses of the philosophical essay as a means of communication
£ how to structure an essay to effectively express complex ideas and arguments
£ how to use peer-review and revision to craft effective writing
£ basic techniques for writing compelling essay introductions and conclusions
£ a variety of contemporary and historical approaches to the philosophical essay
£ how to integrate, revise, a nd deepen what you have learned and written in your previous philosophy modules

Additional outcomes:
You will also receive:
£ the valuable transferrable skill of clear, compelling writing that communicates complex ideas
£ preparation for writing essays in advanced philosophy modules

Outline content:
Schedule of topics to be covered:
7) Introductions and conclusions
8) Constructing arguments
9) Strategies for exegesis of philosophical texts
10) Integrating research into scholarly writing
11) Going beyond the short essay

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will be by means of weekly workshops focused on writing exercises and discussion. Students will provide the raw material for writing exercises in the form of essays written for their previous part 1 philosophy modules. In the workshops, students will engage in peer-review, focused revision exercises, and intensive discussion of good writing practice.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Practicals classes and workshops			10
Guided independent study:			90
Total hours by term			100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will be required to submit a Written Essay (60%) and a Set Exercise (40%). The Written Essay will be a revised version of a philosophy essay that the student has already completed. The Set Exercise will give a full rationale for the changes made in this revised version.

Formative assessment methods:
Peer-reviewed weekly writing exercises, both take-home and in-class

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

For reassessment, students will be required to submit a Written Essay (60%) and a Set Exercise (40%). The Written Essay will be a revised version of a philosophy essay that the student has already completed. The Set Exercise will give a full rationale for the changes made in this revised version.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 9 September 2021