Portfolio Option
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.20 as well as a 3.20 in philosophy courses. Students must satisfactorily complete PHIL 500: Philosophy Workshop before they may submit a thesis prospectus or pursue a portfolio project.
Portfolio Option Explained
Requirements: Complete four philosophy seminars at 700 level (4 credits each) (the major requires only two 700 level seminars) with an average grade of at least A-; develop a portfolio of work that includes three research papers (revised as appropriate), from 700 level seminars; and an introduction essay that addresses how the portfolio represents a synthesis of philosophical ideas; and publicly present their portfolio in a meeting of students and faculty in philosophy.
Procedure
During the Junior Year
Candidates should discuss their plans for preparing a senior portfolio with their faculty advisor and identify four 700 seminars to be taken to fulfill the portfolio option.
May 1 of the Junior Year
Candidates must identify a portfolio advisor and receive approval of Undergraduate Program Director to pursue the portfolio option.
Senior Year
Candidates will complete the four 700 seminar requirement. By the end for the first semester, candidates will have identified one other faculty member to serve as the second portfolio reviewer. At the beginning of the second semester, candidates will identify at least three papers (or papers in progress) from at least two 700 seminars that will constitute the portfolio. Under the supervision of the faculty advisor and second portfolio reviewer, candidates will revise papers as appropriate and draft the introduction for the portfolio.
May of the Senior Year
Candidates will orally defend their portfolios before the Philosophy Department. After consulting with other members of their committees, primary advisors will determine whether the portfolio meets the requirements for Honors in Philosophy.
