Intro to Philosophy: Close Reading Pre-Writing Workshop

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This is a workshop on Close Reading papers from my Fall 2013 Introduction to Philosophy class at Marist College, in which I introduce my students to a kind of assignment which I have them carry out, in order to not only deepen their understanding of thinkers and texts, but also to learn the craft of Philosophy.
This particular workshop focuses on the pre-writing processes early on, eventually culminating in writing a Close Reading paper.
Note: this workshop is specifically designed for my own classes -- if you are writing a close reading paper for a different instructor, she or he will likely use a different grading rubric, assignment sheet, have different requirements, etc.
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#philosophy #introduction #writing

[@GregoryBSadler]

I did in fact shoot another video, further along in the process, last semester. They're actually intended to work as complements to each other -- not really so much to stand on their own or replace each other. Yes, I'd say that one of the "now you've got it" points is where a student grasps that the text and the thinker have something to say -- and to continue to say -- not just to them, but about them and about their views

[@GregoryBSadler]

I devoted one class session last week to a workshop on the pre-writing stages for Close Reading paper assignments

[@GregoryBSadler]

***** Locke is a philosopher, right?

[@Mike82ARP]

Excellent! I’ll use what I’ve learned here with my Apologetics class.

[@davidsoto4394]

Thank you for this video professor.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome

[@GregoryBSadler]

It certainly is one good way to do so.

[@MrRodyaRaskolnikov]

I think you did another close reading video in the past. I like this one better. My students have a difficult time at first learning to "interact with the text". I try to get students to have a conversation with the text by trying to think of "What would the author of this text say about my POV, and how do I know what his/her response would be?" This helps them look into what the text both implicitly and explicitly says. I love the comment, "Throw all that crap out." We don't stress ParaG-counts

[@GregoryBSadler]

Thanks! Glad it's useful for you. So, are they having you do Close Readings in that class?

[@Toughpaw]

After a 23 year break in formal education (military), I am back in college. You sir have further increased my want to know. Finishing up my Enlightenment period course and heading into Intro to Philosophy next semester and I am getting a since of fulfillment reading Kant and Locke. Just wanted to say thank you Professor.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're very welcome! What was your branch?

[@vandyke8079]

+Gregory B. Sadler Hello Dr. Sadler, I always appreciate your videos, they do inspire me a to study philosophy. I also appreciated your video about anger with the metaphysics of mgtow. Thanks for taking the time. I do have a question: I am currently working hard to improve my spelling, grammar and vocabulary as well as learning philosophy. I am trying to write about a book that might be too difficult for me. Free Will Delusion by James B. Miles. I think I will start with Plato instead. But my issue is. It is very difficult to write about what I read. I will revisit these 2 videos you made because I saw them 8 months ago, nevertheless, would you have books to suggest ? Here are a few that I searched that seems interesting. One of them my friend suggested and read. A) How to Read a Book. By Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doven ( my friend said this is great) B) How to Write a Philosophy Paper. By Stramel , James S. ( expensive for an 84 page book) (40$ to 85$ canadian I think. Maybe its out of print) a) www.amazon.ca/How-Read-Book-Mortimer-Adler/dp/0671212095/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449931531&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+read+a+book b) www.amazon.ca/Write-Philosophy-Paper-Stramel-Paperback/dp/B010MZD5U4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449931222&sr=1-1 If you think these 2 resources are great let me know please. if Not what other written resources could I use ? What I want to do is write an essay or text about the arguments, facts and conjectures employed by the author and maybe even trying to reconstruct the arguments with my own examples; maybe giving my opinions and arguments as well. And really the goal is for me to understand what the author is saying and to try to explain it to someone(including myself) using simpler word or my own words.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Both of those are fine as resources. It's an area I haven't much to say about -- what books are good for "improv[ing] my spelling, grammar and vocabulary". There's a host of books out there of that sort, but I haven't looked at anything like that for years. I will say that, while those things can be good, another way one develops as a writer is reading other, good, challenging writers. It's rare you find a good writer who isn't an avid reader as well

[@vandyke8079]

+Gregory B. Sadler Oh sorry, What I meant is I am looking for a book that with help me understand what I read and write about it. So I am not looking for a book on grammar. I am looking for a book that shows me how to write a philosophy paper. So these would be good resources ? I also find this www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/how-to-write-philosophy-essays/9781910038819-item.html

[@GregoryBSadler]

Again, not something I've looked at for a long time

[@GregoryBSadler]

I think that they can be quite helpful as well.

[@cvan1075]

Wonderfully clear instruction. I would be interested in seeing the 7 strategies handout you didn't have time to review. Is it a point-outline of what you described or something like cues for inquiry into the close-reading/iterative process? Is it the 3 points you mentioned at the end: interest; relevant pithy texts cited ;argue Why... ?

[@Mike82ARP]

Well, that’s a work in progress. Some readings from Plato’s dialogues, Descartes’ Meditations. I’d appreciate some other recommendations.

[@Mike82ARP]

Actually, I’m teaching an 2 semester H.S. apologetics class where about half the time will be spent on philosophy. The Literature teacher told me the students are aware of close reading.

[@Acapbuntal18]

Do you this close reading approach you have explained in the video to be a good way for someone who doesnt formally do philosophy but wants to know philosophical texts in greater depth ?

[@Acapbuntal18]

And, what do you think about the use of short 'discussion questions' in order to deepen one's understanding of a text ?

[@GregoryBSadler]

I'd be interested to know which philosophers you'll have them engage with. One caution about close reading -- the emphasis in English/Lit will be on somewhat different aspects than in Philosophy

[@kuki.256]

Thank u so much

[@GregoryBSadler]

You’re very welcome

[@kuki.256]

@@GregoryBSadler sir,,can I have ur no.(WhatsApp),so I can ask things I don't know personally..shall I send mine first?

[@GregoryBSadler]

@@kuki.256 I don't do whatsapp. And if you'd like to book my time to discuss philosophical matters, you can do so through my website

[@The3fx]

Prof. Sadler, do you have anything on Epistemology?

[@GregoryBSadler]

I've got plenty of videos engaging with epistemological themes. But, I do my work by engaging thinkers and texts, not by discussing broad areas or problems -- so, you'll have to do some work going through the playlists

[@The3fx]

Thank you. I'm actually going through your Intro. series. I'm working towards a BA in Phil. (distance). Your materials are just great! Very grateful.

[@XFunkWizardX]

Is the Symposium a good text to use for someone who is a beginner in close reading? Great videos, many thanks.

[@GregoryBSadler]

As something to practice upon? It wouldn't hurt, I'd say

[@mobiditch6848]

Interesting that an interpretation would seem “better” if it were “productive”...maybe in orbit with relevance...yet the “hot dog” theme may have the ability to outrun the encapsulation, the tidy package that the “relevant” implies. Crazy...yet the point made regarding viable interpretation did depend on the crazy hot dog theory...rather than the full frontal demonstration of a “coherent” interpretation. Love your lectures.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad you enjoy the,. Every once in a while some entirely off-the-wall interpretation makes some sort of contribution, but that's pretty rare

[@GregoryBSadler]

I'll message you -- that's a subject matter for a chat, I think