| Assignment |
Points |
|
|
40 |
|
|
60 |
|
|
+ 5 (extra credit) |
| TOTAL |
100 (+5) |
| A-90; B-80, C-70, F-96 or less |
|
|
- Every week before class, write at least one short (100-300 words) entry on
the Discussion forum. You may start a new thread or respond to a thread
started by others. Make sure you're saying something substantial and not
repeating what others have said before you. Engage the texts we are reading.
- You must have at least 10 of such entries (4 points each) by the end of
the semester, but only one per week will be counted towards your total. I read
them all, but do not formally grade them. If you write something superficial,
I will ask you to rewrite.
- The class discussion is the whole point of coming to class. If you do not
try to talk, you do not learn. Philosophy is a language, so you learn it by
practicing to speak. Thus, participation of everyone is expected as a matter
of course. However, if you are consistently brilliant, you may get 5 extra
points.
- Write a 4500-5500 words paper; use
PES Yearbook as a collection of samples.
Do not write a research paper – I don’t want to know what you know; I want to
know how you can think. Feel free to reuse some of your mid-term essay.
- Select the focus of your paper carefully, so
that there is some philosophical content to it, related to the course's theme,
and to its main readings. Philosophy is analysis of concepts, notions, and
ideas applied to real life. Make sure you write on a subject you care and know
about. Don’t worry about the exact title too soon; wait for us to read all
books and look for ways to connect your personal passion and professional
interest with the content of the course.
- Remember, philosophy is not a religion, so
your opinions must be supported by argument. Think of your argument as a
stairway: each next idea or statement relies on the previous one. Provide a
“map” for your reader; be clear on what you are doing in each section of your
paper. Always think of people who may disagree with you, and keep answering to
their imaginary questions and objections.
- Submit paper on-line through Blackboard.
Simply Select the whole text of your paper, and paste it into the message
window (Online work, Final Papers forum).
|
|
GRE Writing X 3 |
Original Ideas X 3 |
Practical relevance X
2 |
Use of literature X
1 |
References X 1 |
|
6 |
Paper presents a cogent,
well-articulated analysis of the complexities of the issue and conveys
meaning skillfully
|
Fully original and
well-developed ideas connected to each other in one coherent conceptual
framework |
Author skillfully applies philosophical
theories to examine relevant problems of educational practice. The
discussion of practice advances theory. |
Literature used
creatively to generate discussion, not to appeal to an authority. Student
demonstrates deep understanding of others’ ideas and responds to
them
|
At least 4 correct
references to at least 2 assigned books properly used in full compliance
with the selected format |
|
4 |
A 4 paper presents a
competent analysis of the issue and conveys meaning adequately |
Known ideas developed in
a new way or original but undeveloped ideas |
The discussion of educational practice
is used only to illustrate theory; tenuous connections between practice and
theory. |
Literature used to
illustrate points. Although citations and indirect references are use
correctly, the student does not add anything to the authors’ ideas |
Not enough references to
assigned readings, or major errors the selected format
|
|
2 |
A 2 paper demonstrates
serious weaknesses in analytical writing |
No original thought;
paper only repeats literature or platitudes |
Paper discusses educational practice,
but does not connect it well with philosophy. |
Literature used out of
context; it is only superficially included |
Not enough references to
assigned readings, and incorrect reference style |
|
|
Up to 18 |
Up to 18 |
Up to 12 |
Up to 6 |
Up to 6 |
If you miss a class, lose 5 points, or write a 500 word review of an essay
from the
Philosophy of Education Yearbook.
|
