This document provides instructions for a philosophy student assignment. Students are asked to choose one principle issue in philosophy from a list of topics, develop their own theory on the issue using the philosophies of predecessors as support, and present their theory and supporting evidence in an 11-14 slide PowerPoint presentation with speaker's notes. The presentation will be evaluated on content, development, readability and style, and mechanics based on criteria such as comprehensiveness, use of examples, organization, citations, and adherence to formatting guidelines.

1. Topic: Topic: Topic: Topic:
• Afterlife Does it matter whether there is an afterlife? Does the question of whether an
afterlife exists affect how we live now?
• Afterlife Does it matter whether there is an afterlife? Does the question of whether an
afterlife exists affect how we live now?
• Afterlife Does it matter whether there is an afterlife? Does the question of whether an
afterlife exists affect how we live now?
• Afterlife Does it matter whether there is an afterlife? Does the question of whether an
afterlife exists affect how we live now?
Objective of Exercise: What is the purpose of studying philosophy if not to refine one’s viewpoints by
comparing and contrasting them to those of others? Students are asked to choose one principle issue
in philosophy and to create their own theory concerning it, using the philosophies of their predecessors
as support.
Create an 11-14-slide PowerPoint® presentation answering one of the topics selected from Appendix
A as well as 3-4 principle issues related to your chosen topic. Refer to Appendix A for details of the
assignment. Objective of Exercise: What is the purpose of studying philosophy if not to refine one’s
viewpoints by comparing and contrasting them to those of others? Students are asked to choose one
principle issue in philosophy and to create their own theory concerning it, using the philosophies of
their predecessors as support.
Create an 11-14-slide PowerPoint® presentation answering one of the topics selected from Appendix
A as well as 3-4 principle issues related to your chosen topic. Refer to Appendix A for details of the
assignment. Objective of Exercise: What is the purpose of studying philosophy if not to refine one’s
viewpoints by comparing and contrasting them to those of others? Students are asked to choose one
principle issue in philosophy and to create their own theory concerning it, using the philosophies of
their predecessors as support.
Create an 11-14-slide PowerPoint® presentation answering one of the topics selected from Appendix
A as well as 3-4 principle issues related to your chosen topic. Refer to Appendix A for details of the
assignment. Objective of Exercise: What is the purpose of studying philosophy if not to refine one’s
viewpoints by comparing and contrasting them to those of others? Students are asked to choose one
principle issue in philosophy and to create their own theory concerning it, using the philosophies of
their predecessors as support.
Create an 11-14-slide PowerPoint® presentation answering one of the topics selected from Appendix
A as well as 3-4 principle issues related to your chosen topic. Refer to Appendix A for details of the
assignment.
Content and Development Points Points
Comments
200 Points Possible Possible Earned
The presentation covers one of the
topics listed in Appendix A, as well as
40
3-4 principal issues within the chosen
topic.

2. The presentation cites at least three
philosophers mentioned in
30 Good
Philosophy: The Power of Ideas to
support student viewpoints.
The presentation consists of 11-14
slides appropriate for the speaker’s 30
audience.
Presenter’s notes are included. 45
The content is comprehensive,
accurate, and persuasive.
• The presentation includes visual
aids and utilizes elegant graphics.
25
• Text is limited to approximately five
lines on each slide and approximately
five words per bulleted item.
• Use of font sizes is appropriate.
The presentation develops a central
theme or idea, directed toward the 10
appropriate audience.
Major points are stated clearly; are
supported by specific details,
10
examples, or analysis; and are
organized logically.
The introduction provides sufficient
background on the topic and previews
10
major points. The conclusion is logical
and reviews the major points.
Readability and Style Points Points
Comments
25 Points Possible Possible Earned
Slide transitions are logical and
maintain the flow throughout the 9
presentation.
The tone is appropriate to the content
8
and assignment.
Sentences are clear and concise. 8
Mechanics Points Points
Comments
25 Points Possible Possible Earned
Citations of original works within the
body of the presentation follow APA 10
guidelines.

3. The presentation is laid out with
effective use of headings, font styles, 5
and white space.
Rules of grammar, usage, and
5
punctuation are followed.
Spelling is correct. 5
Total Points 250 0 Submitted on Time?
Date Due and Date Submitted: 11/8/09 Yes- Full Credit
Adjusted
Adjusted Points Comments:
Points 0
Complete the following requirements in your presentation:
• Cover a topic mentioned above, as well as three to four principle issues within your topic.
• Develop your personal philosophy concerning the topic you chose.
• Cite, according to APA style guidelines, at least three philosophers mentioned in Philosophy: The Power of
Ideas.
• Include speaker’s notes that add to the presentation and, therefore, are not a replica of the PowerPoint® slides.
• Using text and graphics, create 11-14 PowerPoint® slides to illustrate your philosophy. The presentation
should include the following:
o One introduction slide that presents your topic
o Three to four slides that describe three to four principle issues within your topic
o Three to four slides that present your views concerning these principle issues
o Three to four slides that present historical philosophers’ views as support for your theory
o One conclusion slide
1. CheckPoint: Final Project Outline and Speaker’s Notes
• Post a detailed outline and speaker’s notes for your final project.
• Refer to Appendix A (posted in the Course Materials Forum) for details concerning the final
project.