73097 - Writing Lab (1) (LM)

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Philosophical Sciences (cod. 8773)

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 focuses on the techniques for the composition of a scientific essay. Various types of philosophical texts will be analysed and writing exercises will be done under the supervision of the instructor.

The course aims to initiate students to reflexive, critical and scientific writing through (i) a theoretical analysis of the essential features of a philosophical argumentative text; (ii) a discussion of various types and forms of philosophical writing; (iii) the production of a short essay on a specific philosophical topic.

At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the main techniques of philosophical writing, will be able to analyse significant samples of philosophical writing and will possess the essential tools for the composition of a philosophical argumentative essay.

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 will feature lectures and exercises in textual analysis and in the production of short texts under the supervision of the instructor (both as single students and in groups).

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

Start date: 1st October 2018. Venue: Room A, via Zamboni 34. Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Wed).

Assessment methods

Student performance will be assessed through a final written paper (min 3,000 words, max 4,200 words, references excluded) to be handed in ten days before the examination, which will be discussed at the viva.

The exam is meant to assess the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, in particular the acquisition of critical abilities and writing skills. Essays will be assessed on a range of factors, including how well the argument is sustained and use of philosophical written language.

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

The exam will not be passed if the written essay contains grammatical and/or syntactical mistakes and/or does not display mastery of philosophical argumentation.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Volpe