Bachelor’s Essay (PHIL 499)

The Bachelor’s Essay is a year-long research and writing project carrying six (6) hours of credit.  It is normally taken during the senior year under the close guidance of the supervising professor.  The subject of the Bachelor’s Essay must be appropriate for a substantial research project.  Typically, the essay will be 35-50 pages, though the exact length of the essay will necessarily vary.

Students should begin work on the Bachelor’s Essay with a well-defined topic so they can investigate their subject thoroughly.  During the Fall semester, the student should meet regularly with the supervisor to discuss their progress and to clarify and refine the topic.  Writing should not be postponed until the Spring; rather, students should begin writing early and should submit drafts of sections to the supervisor for critical review periodically throughout the year.  A complete draft must be submitted to the tutor by April 10, including a 1-2 page abstract for distribution to department faculty. The final copy must be submitted to the tutor by May 1.  The student will present and defend the essay at the annual Philosophy Student Research Colloquium. Bachelor’s Essays are catalogued and retained in the collection of the College library.

 Some Recent Philosophy Bachelor’s Essays

  • Arguing About Abortion
  • Legality, Ethics, and Medical Developement of Organ Transplant
  • Uncovering the Non-Conceptual
  • International Human Rights & Cultural Pluralism
  • Names & Reference
  • Neuroscience and Free Will
  • Philosophical Hermeneutics: Hans Georg Gadamer
  • Knowledge and Faith in Thomas Aquinas

Pre-requisites: Senior standing, philosophy major, overall GPA of at least 3.25, plus approval by the tutor and the department.

Deadline: April 15th.

For application procedures, please see this form.