REQUIRED TEXTS

Paradoxes from A to Z Michael Clark Routledge, 2002

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS 
 
 

In this course we will carefully examine and critically discuss a number of fascinating and challenging paradoxes.

Each student enrolled in the course will be responsible for the following work: (i) giving a 30-35 minute class presentation on an assigned topic, (ii) submitting a first draft of a final paper (2000-3000 words) on July 20 (iii) submitting written comments on the first drafts of other students in an assigned group (at least 500 words each) on July 27, and (iv) submitting a final paper (2000-4000 words) on August 3.

Your presentation will be worth 25% of your final grade.  Your final draft will be worth 75% of your final grade.

Presentation topics will be assigned on the first day of class.  Each member of the seminar will give a 30-35 minute presentation on an assigned topic.  Do not present for less than 30 minutes.  Do not present for more than 35 minutes.  Practice.  Practice some more.  In preparing your presentation, you should do some serious research into your topic on your own.  Become very familiar with your subject matter.  Finally, you will be expected to answer questions from the members of the seminar about your presentation and your assigned topic for the remainder of the class period.  Your presentation will earn a letter grade based on the total of your scores in the following four areas:  (i) 0-3 points: staying within the 30-35 minute time limit;  (ii) 0-3 points: explanation of the topic and making clear exactly what is at issue;  (iii) 0-3 points: discussion and critical evaluation of the topic;  (iv) 0-3 points: overall quality of presentation (e.g., clarity, delivery, level of preparedness, responses to questions from the audience).  You can score anywhere from 0-12 points:  12 = A+;  11 = A;  10 = A-;  9 = B+;  8 = B;  7 = B-;  6 = C+;  5 = C;  4 = C-;  3 = D+;  2 = D;  1 = D-;  0 = F.

Take the writing of the first draft of your final paper very seriously;  a first draft falling below the 2000-word minimum will drop the final paper 1/3 of a letter grade.  You will be assigned to one of four groups on the first day.  You will be responsible for providing peer criticism on the first drafts of the members of your group.  Peer criticism should be thoughtful, clear, constructive, and carefully written.  I will grade each of the sets of comments on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory scale.  Do your best on this -- it will matter to your colleagues.  One or more unsatisfactory set of comments will drop the final paper 1/3 of a letter grade.

OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT 
 
 

As part of the philosophy department's outcomes assessment plan, you will be required to complete a self-assessment questionnaire and to email me both your completed questionnaire and a copy of your final paper for our departmental files.  I will email you the self-assessment questionnaire.  Please note that I will not submit your final grade for the course until I have these two items.

COURSE OUTLINE