Philosophical Theme Plan Requirements

Part One should include the following elements:

1. Entitle the document with the name of your theme, as it appears in the Shapiro and Lascano volume.

2. List each of the philosophers who Shapiro and Lascano list under that theme, divided into those that are thematically central and those that are thematically relevant.

3. For each thematically central philosopher, list two members of your group who will read relevant sections of that philosopher in order to decide whether (and what) to assign. For each thematically relevant philosopher, list the member of your group responsible for that philosopher.

4. For at least three philosophers, identify specific page ranges that are particularly relevant for your theme.

5. Provisionally choose 3-5 philosophers who you expect will be assigned as part of your theme.

6. Provisionally lay out three or four questions related to your theme, questions you hope the class will discuss.

Part Two of the Philosophical Theme Plan should include the following elements:

1. Specific readings that you will assign your classmates for each of the five days of your unit. For each reading, you should provide the page numbers in the book.

2. Short briefs of the readings you will assign. These can be very short, but they should identify at least one significant passage in each reading and at least one key argument related to the theme. (You are free to cut and paste from your Philosopher’s Briefs, if appropriate.)

3. The names of the students who will give the opening presentations, and the names of the students who will present on each major philosopher (at least three) you include in your unit.

4. At least two discussion questions for each class session.

5. A Celebration of Learning for the unit. (You should include in your plan exactly what you intend to give to the class in order to assess their learning for the unit.)