PHIL 485 - Senior Project

Credits 3
Senior Project is the capstone course in the philosophy curriculum. The project takes the form of 1) a thesis proposal, 2) a thesis-driven research paper (for historically-oriented projects), or a constructive philosophical thesis-defense paper and 3) an oral presentation of the finished work. Thesis-driven research papers typically focus on the history of philosophy and are about 20-25 pages in length. Thesis-defense papers are written on a constructive, contemporary philosophical problem and are typically about 15 pages in length. This is a project rather than simply a paper, because the project requires satisfactory completion of all three distinct parts (thesis proposal, the paper itself and the oral presentation). Guided by a supervisor in the philosophy program (or by a supervisor approved by the program director), students are expected to exemplify skills of independent research, critical and creative thinking, formal writing and oral presentation of the project.
May not be audited. Faculty consent required.