Experiential Learning Opportunities
Research
You have several options for embarking on research projects during your time at the College.
The Philosophy Tutorial is a structured program of reading and research on a specific topic not covered in our curriculum. Tutorials usually involve extensive reading, weekly meetings, and at least one substantial paper. Since the essence of the Tutorial method is its flexibility, instructors are free to tailor the requirements to the specific project.
This is the opportunity to:
- "fill gaps" in your knowledge.
- extend the knowledge you have.
- cross the usual lines between disciplines.
The Bachelor’s Essay is a year-long research and writing project. You'll likely complete this essay during your senior year. You'll work under the close guidance of the supervising professor. The subject of the Bachelor’s Essay must be appropriate for a substantial research project.
The Student Research Associate Program allows you to conduct your own research projects. You'll work under the guidance of a faculty mentor, or you will participate in a substantive way in a faculty member’s research project. Normally, Student Research Associates present their work at the annual Philosophy Student Research Colloquium.
Internships
Through internships, you will gain work experience in a professional field. You'll also explore how philosophical issues arise outside academia. With a faculty supervisor, you will develop a plan that combines workplace experience and academic exploration.
Teaching Apprenticeships
You will work with professors as they develop and teach their classes. TAs might have the opportunity to help develop syllabi, mentor students in and out of the classroom, lead review sessions, review drafts of papers and more.
Extracurriculuar Activities
Philosophy Club
The philosophy club organizes social events that often include discussion of philosophical ideas. In the past, they have:
- watched and discussed movies with philosophical themes.
- hosted receptions for visiting speakers.
- organized an oyster roast with department faculty.
- discussed our faculty’s "private philosophical passions."
- traveled to philosophy conferences in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, GA.
The Aesthetics Work Group
This is an interdisciplinary group of students and professors who meet to discuss theoretical works about and in the arts. The discussed work is often (usually) works in progress by members of AWG. We also read current articles and books that are relevant to the interests of the group. AWG has also co-sponsored visits by distinguished scholars from other institutions. Topics in the past have included:
- participatory art (visiting faculty).
- aesthetic disobedience (faculty).
- the politics of form in Tibetan poetry (student).
- cover records as social commentary (visiting faculty).
- metaphor and metaphysics in Zhuangzi (student).
- ethical and emotional expression in music (faculty).
- environmental aesthetics (visiting faculty).
- the transgender gaze in film (faculty).
The faculty contact is Jonathan Neufeld, and students from German, English, religious studies, music, art, art history, political science and psychology attend regularly.
Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Competition
Students interested in joining the team should contact Professor Baker. The team practices at The Citadel on Fridays from 2-3:30 p.m.
Intern Spotlight
