6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1020837CNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (C) Bachelor - specialised level.
This course concerns the writing of a thoroughly elaborated scientific monograph and the demonstration of the ability to develop a study independently. At the beginning of the academic year, each student must, under the supervision of a supervisor and after attending an introductory lecture of the 'philosophical atelier', define a subject. This subject can be chosen in function and in preparation of the master's thesis that must be submitted at the end of the master's programme, but must in any case be able to be assessed as an independent study. In the course of the third bachelor year, the student, in consultation with the supervisor and by at the same time attending the seminars of the philosophical atelier, must be able to delineate the subject, formulate a problem statement with corresponding research questions, choose appropriate research methods, draw up a reference list and subject the sources to analysis. This leads to an academic paper of minimum 8000 and maximum 10000 words.
The text should contain the following elements:
1) The problem statement from which the research departs; the thematic demarcation of the subject; the precise questions to which the 'paper' aims to provide an answer.
2) A critical status quaestionis of the selected scientific literature.
3) A critical overview of the sources that will be used for the research.
4) An overview of the methodology that will be used.
5) A (preliminary) overview of the structure of the treatise.
6) A complete list of the sources and publications being used.
The philosophical atelier will support the student in the writing process of the paper. Several learning sessions are foreseen: (1) an introduction at the start of the academic year (mainly concerning administration); (2) research seminars and/or knowledge clips; (3) two presentation moments (before the winter holiday/ before the spring holiday) during which students give an update on their research (with peer-feedback). During these presentation moments the students can improve their communication skills (for this purpose knowledge clips are provided). The first presentation (of the students) by means of a computer presentation concerns the definition of the problem statement and the research questions. The second presentation by means of a poster contains a SWOT analysis of the research (by means of an academic poster / vertical orientation / A2). The colleagues and peers focus on the following learning objectives:
Presentation 1 (computer presentation):
- Has the student formulated a relevant (tentative) problem statement?
- Is there an attempt to formulate research questions?
- Does the student communicate in an insightful way?
Presentation 2 (poster presentation):
- Does the student make a relevant SWOT analysis?
- Does the student give a comprehensible pitch related to the research?
- Is the poster adequate?
The philosophical atelier in no way replaces the obligatory contact moments with the supervisor. Students are free to consult their supervisor before or after the presentations. Attendance at the introduction class is strongly recommended and the two presentation moments are mandatory (pass/fail).
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The student must be able to demonstrate a critical reading of philosophical and/or ethical texts. The development of written and oral communication skills is of the utmost importance. This means that the basic principles and basic skills for compiling a thorough and original scholarly monograph have been acquired in a sufficient manner.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
SELF Paper determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the SELF Paper category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Remarks: The following criteria will be taken into consideration by the jury when assessing the Bachelor's paper:
-Is there a clearly formulated problem statement?
-Is the proposed methodology applied?
-Is the three-stage method followed (1. introduction and problem statement; 2. elaboration and argumentation; 3. recapitulation, conclusion)?
-Is there a clear and consistent argumentation ( handling of the source material)?
-Are the questions that have been raised answered?
-Are sources always indicated?
-Are the references complete?
-Is the source material used critically?
-Is the use of language clear and grammatically correct?
If successful for the paper but not for philosophical atelier, a second session is foreseen. The two presentation moments of the philosophical atelier are obligatory (pass/fail). In case of justified absence or in case of a second sitting time, the computer presentation (with mp4-pitch) and the poster (with mp4-pitch) will be submitted @canvas (before the start of the sitting time in question).
“The Bachelor paper has a minimum length of 8,000 words and a maximum length of 10,000 words, excluding:
The Bachelor paper uses a standard font (e.g. Times New Roman) with size 12 and a 1.5 spacing. The correct word count must be clearly mentioned on the cover page. The correct word count includes words in headers and footnotes. In case of deviations from the required word count, a score of 0/20 will be assigned.
The bachelor paper is written in Dutch. After written approval from the supervisor and the course council, it paper may also be written in English, French or German. If the Bachelor paper does not meet this requirement, then a score of 0/20 will be assigned.”
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Philosophy and Moral Sciences: default (only offered in Dutch)
Bridging Programme Master of Arts in Philosophy and Moral Sciences: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Preparatory Programme Master of Arts in Philosophy and Moral Sciences: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)