This course is not currently offered, please contact the school or faculty of your program.

Course description

This course aims to demonstrate the applicability of philosophical reasoning and persuasive writing in a professional setting and in the practice of engaged citizenship. Students will be asked to write policy briefs or analytical reports, design presentations or websites, aimed to convince sceptical parties to a debate, using the methods of philosophical analysis. Students will also participate in peer review exercises and mock grading of dummy essays using the standard assessment criteria for courses in philosophy to enhance their understanding of standards of good essay writing. Topics covered in the course will be drawn from a range of current social issues such as abortion, euthanasia, climate change, sexual and racial discrimination, affirmative action, paternalism and risk, war and terrorism.