73097 - Writing Lab (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course will have three main aims, focusing on: 1) philosophical writing, both in general terms and more specifically in view of the elaboration of the final dissertation for the Master's course; 2) writing of a scientific paper in Philosophy; 3) bibliographic research (through both standard and digital resources).

Course contents

The course is specifically devoted to philosophical writing. Lectures will focus on philosophical argumentation and on the structure and aims of a philosophical essay. Papers from different philosophical domains and traditions, as well as papers in other scientific disciplines, will be critically examined. Students in class will exercise in the elaboration and discussion of philosophical arguments, as well as in the writing of abstracts, in the division of texts into sections and paragraphs, and in the drawing of conclusions from given premises.

Students will be required to write a short philosophical essay, showing mastery of philosophical argumentation, and to deliver a short presentation in class.

Readings/Bibliography

Dell'Aversano, C. & A. Grilli, La scrittura argomentativa. Dal saggio breve alla tesi di dottorato, Le Monnier 2005.

Eco, U., Come si fa una tesi di laurea: le materie umanistiche, Bompiani, 21st ed. 2010.

Martinich, A.P., Philosophical Writing: An Introduction, Wiley-Blackwell, 2nd ed. 1998; 3rd edition 2005.

Santambrogio, M., Manuale di scrittura (non creativa), Laterza 2006.

Teaching methods

The first part of the course will mainly consist of lectures. The second part of the course will largely consist of exercises (both as single students and in groups) on philosophical argumentation and elaboration of short texts. In the third part of the course students will deliver a short oral presentation, on which a final written philosophical essay will be based.

Attendance of at least 70 % of the hours is compulsory.

Assessment methods

Student performance will be assessed through a final written paper (min 3,000 words, max 4,200 words, references excluded). The exam is meant to assess critical abilities and writing skills. Essays will be assessed on a range of factors, including how well the argument is sustained, appropriate use of supporting material, and use of written language.

The exam will be passed if the written essay is grammatically and syntactically correct and if the student shows mastery of philosophical argumentation.

The exam will not be passed if the written essay contains grammatical and/or syntactical mistakes, and/or the student does not master philosophical argumentation.

Teaching tools

Teaching tools include powerpoint slides and handouts summarizing the main course topic.

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Volpe