TPO 28
Section1
Conversation1
Narrator
Listen to part of a conversation between a student and a professor.
Student
I am so sorry I am late. Professor Mills. I just finished at the student medical center. I twisted my ankle playing soccer this morning. It took longer than I expected to see the doctor.
Professor
That’s okay. Don’t worry about it. David. So let’s get started. Your paper on John Dewey’s political philosophy has a few issues I’d like to cover. You gave a great biographical sketch in the beginning. Okay.
But then as you get into his political philosophy, I don’t think you’ve done enough to situate his philosophy within the time period. In other words, you haven’t connected Dewey’s philosophy to the thinking of other intellectuals of the time.
Student
So I haven’t captured the most critical influences, the influences that were most significant to his political thinking?
Professor
Exactly. OK. Now, look back up at the section here, where you wrote about Dewey’s view of individuality. This is all good content. But you haven’t presented the information in a systematic way. I really think this portion on individuality needs to come later, after your paragraphs on Dewey’s intellectual influences.
Student
After my revised paragraphs on what influenced them.
Professor
Yes. Revised. Let me ask. Uh. When you were finished writing, did you go back and ask yourself if all of the material was relevant?
Student
Well, no.
Professor
I do think there are areas that can be cut. I guess what I am saying is that your paragraphs aren’t really presented in a logical order. The direction of your argument isn’t crystal clear. And there’s some unnecessary material getting in the way.
Student
OK. Sounds like I have a lot to do.
Professor
And one more thing, do you have a copy of the department’s document on the correct format for index, citations and references?
Student
No. I mean, I look at it online when I was working on this assignment.
Professor
You really should print it out. You are going to need it for every paper you write in the political science department. It looks like you are getting it mix up with another referencing system.
Student
Oh. Yeah. I used something different in high school. It’s so confusing switching to a new system.
Professor
I know. But remember, everything needs to be consistent when it comes to referencing. It is a very important academic convention.
Oh, also, I wanted to ask you… Will you be at the political science club meeting Saturday?
Student
Definitely. The topic is John Dewey.
Professor
Yes. Are you interested in leading part of the discussion? Tom Hayward is looking for someone to help out. I think you’ll have a lot to contribute.
Student
That’ll be fun. I will give him a call.