In our new “how can we help you?” thread, a reader writes:

I am starting as an assistant prof in the fall, and will be teaching my first graduate seminar in the spring. I’d love to hear how you vary your teaching approach and methods with graduate students. I suspect that teaching a grad seminar won’t be all that different from teaching advanced undergrads in small seminars. But I don’t want to pitch things at too low a level, and I also want to teach in a way that recognizes that many graduate students are aspiring professional philosophers, which involves a set of skills that I might not prioritize with undergrads. I’d appreciate reflections on this, or any general advice. Thanks!

Great query! Do readers have any helpful tips to share?

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One response to “Tips for teaching a grad seminar?”

  1. Anonymous

    A lot will depend on your students. You need to learn what the typical background, strengths, and challenges are of the students that are admitted to your program. This can vary vastly. You mention skills. I think this is very important. I think we spend far too little time teaching skills: how to do a literature search, how to write a paper, how to write a strong conference abstract, how to present an argument in 15 minutes, etc. So do not think of the seminar just in terms of philosophical content. But, enjoy, and good luck with it.

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