Writing Proficiency

GOAL: To develop the ability to critically respond to philosophical texts/issues in the form of well argued and carefully written essays.

 

ASSESSMENT: Each student is required to produce a substantial amount of writing throughout her/his years as a philosophy major. However we recognize that not all course papers rise to the level of excellence. Consequently, we require that each student demonstrate that this excellence has been achieved either: 

 

1. By having a paper published, for instance, in an undergraduate journal, in a campus essay magazine, or in another peer reviewed forum.

 

2. By enrolling in a philosophy course that incorporates a revision process for the final essay—ideally this would include a peer-to-peer workshop component as well.

 

3. By writing a senior thesis.

 

4. By assembling, in their senior year, a Writing Portfolio which will include three of the student’s best papers written on a philosophical topic during their years at Goucher. This portfolio will be submitted for review to the student’s advisor no later that March 1 of their senior year (or October 1 in the case of a December graduation).