The End Is Near

All,

The following shall serve as the guidelines for your final paper: 15 full pages, citations within the text (parenthetical acronym abbreviations of text names followed by page number or chapter and verse or whatever is appropriate, not footnotes or endnotes), regular rules apply (12-pt-font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, double spaced, no title page, nothing on first page but your name, title, and body of paper, etc.). Your topic is to write about something that has changed for you during the three semesters you have taken Search. On the one hand, you may use this opportunity to state your beliefs, insofar as the paper should begin with some statement of that which you believed and the nature of the change. The change itself may not be a radical change from one view to its opposite: even if you found affirmation and vocabulary for your beliefs, this involves a dialectical change such that the belief is no longer what it was originally. Briefly (about two pages) state the belief as it originated, that into which it changed, the process of the change, the primary originator of the original belief in its historical context, the history of the belief throughout the course texts, the primary catalyst of the change in the belief, and the consequences of the change insofar as they are seen in the course materials. You may write anecdotal and/or personal accounts, events, experiences, etc., insofar as these remain relevant. However, recognize that anything beyond immediately relevant examples falls into the realm of superfluous material. This is not inappropriate, but it does not add to your 15 page minimum. Ergo, if you write on rights theory and duty, you may include a three page personal example to illustrate Kant, but if you want to dwell beyond the relevance to this extent, you would most likely need to total somewhere between 16-18 pages. You should be able to discern the difference by now between illustrative material and filler.

If you are having trouble with a topic, come talk to me. More importantly, talk to each other. If you are uncertain as to whether you could capably represent the history of your chosen idea, the easiest way to tell is to explain it to someone. I will refrain from writing out potential examples, as I do not wish to influence your decision. The paper is meant to be a testimony of sorts regarding the history of a philosophical idea which has changed the way you will live your life. Don't try to write what you think I want you to, as you will inevitably fail; there is no answer to this question save one that comes from within. But don't misconstrue the assignment to be an opinion piece. Although the topic is your own, the history of the idea is fixed according to a specific trajectory in the same manner that facts are fixed.

Please note the first and final aspects of the paper. Just as the first few pages (give or take) should address the idea as you originally perceived it (and this includes relevant personal information and allusions, which do count towards the final page number), the final few pages (give or take) should address the manner in which the changed idea will conceivably affect your life (with relevant personal information and allusions, which do count towards the final page number). In other words, the history of the idea is the body of the paper. The beginning and end are about you. Part of what you are demonstrating is the fact that you have read the texts and understood them. But there is no such thing as passive philosophy. If you have read and if you have understood, then your lives are necessarily changed. Thus, illustrate that with scholarly reflection.

As for texts: I have been glib about the number of texts to be cited for a reason. I want you to write because you want to write, not because you are keeping score. I can't imagine a single topic for this paper which would not require reference to at least four texts from the first year and five from the present semester. Nevertheless, in each case the manner in which you use the texts will vary. Some will require little citation save as to illustrate the groundwork for an idea. Some will require extensive reference insofar as they are particularly poignant given your interest. You may want to cite many more than this, just as you may want to write a longer paper. Indeed, you will probably reference more than nine texts out of necessity, even if you only focus on four or five quintessential texts.

Due: December 14th.

You will have an in-class final. It will be of the format familiar to you by now. Bring BlueBooks.

We will have a review session two days before the final, time TBA.

When in doubt, come talk to me.

Cheers,

-W.