Phl 103 Project E Portfolio Requirements Project Portfolios
Phl 103 Project E Portfolio Requirementsproject Portfolios Document An
Project portfolios document and describe your research accomplishments. Portfolios are important for presenting your research clearly, compellingly, and professionally. Each student must submit their own work, even if working in a group. Portfolios are due on the day of your presentation unless otherwise arranged.
Portfolios must include:
- A title page with course title, project title, and author’s name.
- An Acknowledgements section.
- A table of contents.
- A 4-6 page summary essay analyzing the philosopher’s argument, including at least 10 academic citations, a thesis statement with your research question, a summary of your field (political philosophy), historical and intellectual context, explanation of the argument, critical engagement, evaluation, implications, and concluding remarks.
- An annotated bibliography with at least 5 academic sources matching citations in the essay.
- A research calendar outlining your research activities and group discussions during the semester.
- A material research section containing electronic copies of sources used, notes, and related material, properly corresponding with your bibliography and citations.
- A 2-3 page conclusion essay summarizing your thoughts on the project, its significance, your assessment of the philosopher’s argument, and suggestions for further study.
- All pages must be properly numbered and formatted.
Paper For Above instruction
The purpose of this project is to develop a comprehensive and professionally presented e-portfolio that reflects a student's research on a specific philosopher within the field of political philosophy, specifically focusing on the topic of justice as outlined in your course textbook. The core objective is to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the philosopher’s argument, critically examine it, and articulate thoughtful reflections on its strengths, weaknesses, and implications for the broader field of political philosophy. Throughout the portfolio, students must showcase their ability to engage dialectically with philosophical texts, incorporate credible academic sources, and present their findings in a clear, organized manner that stands out as an example of scholarly work.
This process begins with selecting a philosopher and a primary text relevant to the topic of justice. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the major questions and issues within political philosophy, especially those concerning justice, rights, social contract, or related themes. The selection must be approved by the instructor. Once selected, students need to formulate a precise research question—such as "What is social contract, as it relates to the work of Thomas Hobbes?" or "How does John Rawls define justice?"—which will guide their inquiry.
They should gather background information on the philosopher, understanding the historical and intellectual context of their argument. This includes examining how other philosophers have engaged with or critiqued their ideas. The heart of the project involves a detailed analysis of the philosopher’s argument—reading closely, interpreting key terms, understanding assumptions, and dissecting the reasoning. Students must be able to explain the argument thoroughly, then critically examine its logic, strengths, and potential flaws.
Following this, students evaluate the argument based on their understanding, draw conclusions about its validity, consistency, and clarity, and consider its relevance and application within political philosophy. This engagement culminates in a well-structured essay, incorporating citations, reflections, and critical insights. Additional components include an annotated bibliography, a research timeline, and digitized sources supporting the research process. The final conclusion summarizes overall reflections, emphasizes the significance of the work, and suggests directions for future inquiry.
All pages should be numbered and formatted correctly for clarity and professionalism. This project aims to hone analytical and research skills, deepen understanding of philosophical arguments, and demonstrate the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively within an academic context.
References
- Freeden, M. (2004). Ideologies and Political Theory: A Conceptual Approach. Oxford University Press.
- Kymlicka, W. (2002). Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction. Oxford University Press.
- Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
- Feldman, F. (2006). Justice and Equality. Princeton University Press.
- Miller, D. (2003). Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
- Dworkin, R. (1985). A Matter of Principle. Harvard University Press.
- Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Basic Books.
- Raz, J. (1986). The Morality of Freedom. Clarendon Press.
- Gutmann, A., & Thompson, D. (1996). Democracy and Disagreement. Harvard University Press.
- Sen, A. (2009). The Idea of Justice. Harvard University Press.