I've decided that since my upper division classes are small, I want to turn them into writing seminars. I think this would do more good, all things considered, then other formats. So, fewer topics but more depth, more papers -- and especially "workshopping" papers, peer-reviewing, consultations with instructor, drafts, revisions, presentations, etc. -- and a final paper that requires some independent research, with the goal that interested students could do something with this paper, e.g., undergrad. conference, writing sample, etc.
There are a number of guides to writing philosophy out there -- e.g., Philosophical Writing, Writing Philosophy, Writing to Reason, and many, many more.
Anyone have any experience with these kinds of books? Anyone have anything to recommend (or not)? Thanks!
As a beginning graduate student trying to figure out how to write in order to get published, I read "Writing Philosophy: A Guide to Professional Writing and Publishing," by Richard A. Watson. This was useful to me, and might be worthwhile in an upper-division class where there are students who aspire to graduate work in philosophy or other related disciplines and will likely need to publish something. It also contains some helpful advice on writing a dissertation.
ReplyDeleteI love the Watson book (Writing Philosophy). The Watson book is helpful if you are a graduate student or junior faculty member. Be that as it may, I think it goes far beyond what is needed for a advanced undergraduate course. In my view, the best book on the market is Vaughn's Writing Philosophy. It is an updated version of Weston's outdated "A Rulebook for Arguments". It is structured in the same format as Strunk and White's Elements of Style. When grading papers you can refer directly to the applicable rules in the text. Moreover, it discusses both the subtle details of philosophical writing to create (1) philosophically sophisticated arguments and (2)produce an exceptional writing style necessary to do good philosophical work.Martinich's Philosophical Writing is the next best thing. For my own purposes, I've read Seech's Writing Philosophy Papers and Rosenberg's The Writing of Philosophy. These are good but not as good as Vaughn.Also, if you were going to spend a year teaching a writing philosophy seminar or at least a semester focused only on writing and nothing I would suggest Graybosch's The Philosophy Student Writer's Manual. It's good but cumbersome. It's over 300pps. long for one thing. Also, it's quite comprehensive, but, again, i think Vaughn is better. If you are like me, you will want to buy all of these books and read them. However, if you want the quick answer then go with Vaughn or Martinich, and you will not go wrong. Personally, i would choose Vaughn.
ReplyDeleteOur department has developed a writing guide for students that has been very well received at our university and used as a model for other department's guides. Here is the link that can be easily given to students:
ReplyDeletehttp://oregonstate.edu/cla/philosophy/resources/Writing_Phl_Papers.php
sorry here is the full link
ReplyDeletehttp://oregonstate.edu/cla/philosophy/resources/Writing_Phl_Papers.php
ok here is the link to the OSU Writing Guide. I apologize for the extra comments
ReplyDeleteI second the suggestion to use Vaughn. I have seen a dramatic increase in the quality of papers since requiring students to buy it. I make sure they read it by giving quizzes covering it throughout the quarter.
ReplyDeleteI third the Vaughn recommendation. I am using it right now in tandem with peer review that focuses on identifying a thesis, reasons in support, and counterarguments discussed. The Vaughn is nice too because it does not "shock and awe" the students with too many rules.
ReplyDeleteThe Vaughn is wonderful. I also recommend Chapter VI of Mark Woodhouse's A Preface to Philosophy (Thompson Wadsworth), which is an overall excellent companion in introductory and intermediate philosophy courses.
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