Bachelor's thesis in Philosophy

The course is intended as a final course in a specialization in philosophy at bachelor's level. It is intended also as a springboard to the next step in your career, whether it is to continue with a master's in philosophy or to find a job outside the academy. Accordingly, the essay can take two main forms: a) a report on a field that the student will specialise in at master's level b) a work that summarizes and reflects on the student's own knowledge from the bachelor's degree in philosophy, and tries to apply this in a practical field, possibly a work context. Examples: an ethical problem within a business, an artistic project in light of philosophical aesthetics, reflection on the concept of dialogue and communication etc. Supervision is central.

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge and skills):

Either (version a):

Knowledge

The candidate has

• background knowledge and understanding of a particular topic/problem area, or a particular philosopher/topic in the history of philosophy

Skills

The candidate has the ability to

• orient themselves in, and study, a somewhat larger literature in the relevant field
• synthesize this knowledge in an independent and argumentative/discursive manner, under supervision
• present and 'defend' a written assignment orally

Or (version b):

Knowledge

The candidate has

• reflective knowledge of their own knowledge acquired through the bachelor's programme
• understanding of how this knowledge can be applied in a practical context outside academia

Skills

The candidate has the ability to

• synthesize this knowledge in an independent and argumentative/discursive manner, under supervision
• present and 'defend' a written assignment orally

Self-study, seminars and supervision. 

The topic of the bachelor's essay must be decided upon in consultation with the supervisor or lecturer. An approved topic cannot be changed without being approved by the administration and supervisor. Staff from the Program for Applied Ethics will also be available as supervisors in relevant areas.

In order to sit the exam, students have to attend an orientation meeting held in week 2, have approved participation and oral presentation at seminar, hand in their approved reading list to the Department and submit a draft of the essay to their supervisor. Approved obligatory activity cannot be reused if the student change the topic in a later semester.