Master Discourse Project

The Master Discourse Project (MDP) is a substantial interdisciplinary project undertaken by Hawthorn’s Grade 12 students. It entails a number of components, starting by scoping out a thesis topic which links content from Grade 12 Philosophy with that of at least one other Grade 12 course. Students then research, write, and present their thesis to a panel and the broader Hawthorn community in May, at which time they will be expected to defend their position orally.

Objectives

The MDP is designed to encourage students’ improvement in:

• Critical thinking, including the ability to make interdisciplinary linkages between and across different courses, connecting and integrating them to obtain deeper insights; 

• Ability to scope out a meaningful and relevant research topic based on this interdisciplinary thinking;

• Research skills, by investigating a topic, applying a rigorous research methodology;

• Analytical skills, by critically examining relevant information, applying logical thinking to take a position on their topic;

• Writing skills, by summarizing findings in a strong, logical, succinct, persuasive paper; and,

• Presentation and public speaking skills, by sharing findings and defending their position in front of a panel and audience; the Gr. 11 Toastmasters classes, provided within the context of the Gr. 11 English course, constitutes invaluable training for this culminating oral presentation and defense.

Evaluation

The MDP counts as 15 % of students’ final mark for both Grade 12 English and Philosophy. Depending on the interdisciplinary scope of a student’s topic, the MDP may go towards the final mark in other courses.  In this case, students must obtain the applicable teacher’s approval before submitting their thesis topic.  

In Conclusion

With the Master Discourse Project, Hawthorn is proud to offer a unique experience that facilitates students’ transition to post-secondary education and builds their competency and confidence in any situation in which they are called upon to express their ideas publicly.