PHIL 2033 FINAL ESSAY Topics and Guidelines
General information:
All students will complete three original essays in conjunction with Module mastery Tests 2-4; these will be completed as in-class timed writing assignments. Near the end of the semester (see course schedule or BB) students will revise one of these essays for additional assessment. At that time, both content and formatting will be evaluated. Basic requirements for final essays are stated below.
Each paper topic has specific requirements that count for credit. Thus, students are encouraged to read the basic guidelines for their chosen topic carefully and make sure that their essay contains all the required elements as well as meets the stated general length and citation requirements. Substantive deductions will be taken if requirements are not met. It is your responsibility to check your work to make sure your paper meets all the requirements!
Essays must be 4-6 paragraphs and roughly 600-800 words. If this base length is not met, the maximum score (prior to any deductions for missing content or errors) is the % completed. 300 words = maximum 50%. All papers must include direct citations and a works cited. Students are expected to expand their treatment of the topic and address shortcomings noted in the initial draft. Students must include screen shots of their rough draft (the essay completed in conjunction with a module mastery test or their final paper will not be graded (ZERO will be entered). Papers should resemble the original and any suspected use of generative AI of any form will result in the immediate suspension of grading and an in-person interview to assess the authenticity of the work; if authenticity cannot be demonstrated, a zero will be entered for the grade. The only software students are allowed to use is Microsoft Editor (NOT Co-pilot) to identify spelling and grammatical errors.
All essays are expected to:
a. establish a clear focus through the presence of a topic statement or thesis
b. be clear, correct, and coherent in presentation of required central content
c. be organized in presentation and clearly written
d. use the required examples to substantiate exposition and/or argument
e. cite all authors names and ideas clearly; and in revision to cite direct/indirect citations correctly and to include a works cited (MLA format)
Example of required way to integrate and cite passage and works cited:
In the text, Plato explains the purpose of his cave allegory, stating that the figure is designed to show “how far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened” (Plato 1).
Plato. “The Myth of the Cave.” Sophia Project. Accessed 12 May 2021.
