Fall 2017 - PHIL 880 G100
Pro-Seminar (5)
Class Number: 3430
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Holly Andersen
handerse@sfu.ca
Office: WMC 5611
Description
COURSE DETAILS:
Important note regarding enrollment: PHIL 880 is required for and restricted to incoming Philosophy graduate students.
The Graduate Pro-Seminar, required for incoming graduate students, provides an opportunity to work on key skills of the profession while examining together a range of philosophically influential work, coming to terms with the expectations of graduate work in philosophy, and interacting and getting to know other members of the cohort. The readings will cover topics in ‘analytic’ metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory (all broadly construed), with asoupçonof history and formal studies. (Topics, and the particular papers chosen, are no doubt biased by the interests and competencies of the instructor.)
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Students are expected to attend class every week and participate actively in discussions, and to have fully completed the readings prior to class. The readings themselves, and any notes students may take on them, should be brought in class. Active engagement in discussion means adding new points or critical ideas to a discussion, remaining focused on the reading at hand, and in following up on points made by other students.
Students are expected to give a class presentation about one of the assigned readings. These presentations will include an explanatory overview or outline of the key points, and a brief description of the argumentative trajectory the author takes to establish the point(s). This outline will be submitted to the professor, and it is highly recommended that students consult with the professor in the process of preparing this presentation and outline.
One reading summary or précis needs to be submitted each week after the first week.
There will be two shorter papers (between 2000-2500 words max), on topics that the professor will make available during the term. There will be one longer paper (around 4000 words) due during final exam period. This may be on a topic provided for students, or on a topic that the student works out (in consultation with the professor).
Grading
- Weekly summaries/précis on readings 10%
- Class presentation 15%
- Two short papers (20% each) 40%
- Final paper 35%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
No required textbooks. All materials are available through the SFU Library subscriptions or will be posted on Canvas according to fair use regulations.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS