Term Paper

Your paper should either provide an interpretation of some aspect of Dewey’s philosophical body of work or explore a broadly Deweyan approach to some philosophical topic or problem, with special focus on the ideas and topics in Experience and Nature. Papers can be in a primarily interpretive, systematic, or critical mode. It is my hope that your paper will both contribute to your own larger set of interests as part of your graduate program while constituting a serious engagement with the issues discussed in the course. The goal is to produce a paper that can then be used as the basis for a dissertation proposal or chapter, a master’s thesis, a conference talk, a publication, etc.

Outside Research

This is a research paper, and you are required to include primary and secondary sources not assigned in the syllabus for the course; type and amount will very depending on the topic and aims of your paper.

Stage 1: Prospectus

  1. 200-300 words that (a) describe the question or problem your paper seeks to address, (b) clearly state the thesis you plan to argue for in the paper, (c) sketch the plan for your paper.
  2. List of 6-10 references to primary and secondary sources that you plan to include in the paper

Stage 2: Term Paper Draft

A 2100-3000 word draft of your term paper. The paper should present a complete and coherent argument, though it may not be as extensive or thorough as the final version.

Stage 3: Term Paper Final

3000-5000 words, substantially revised based on peer feedback from drafts and writing workshop.

Paper specifications

Your paper should do all of the following:

  • Must contain a clear, easily identifiable, declarative thesis.
    • Not “In this paper I will explore…”
    • Rather: “In this paper I will argue that…”
  • The points discussed should be specific and textually supported, engaged with both the primary texts and the secondary literature on the topic.
  • Deeper discussions are generally preferable to broad overviews.
  • You should consider and respond to alternative interpretations and objections to your argument.
  • Must consistently follow a major manual of style (MLA, Chicago, APA, etc.) for grammar, citations, and bibliography.
  • Paper must have a descriptive title.