After a couple more months of working on my senior thesis, I have another update. As I have mentioned in the previous two posts, my topic relates to how science should be treated in classical Christian education. My exact thesis statement has undergone many changes, but the final version stands at “Science education in classical Christian schools should be restored to the fullness of natural philosophy because the integration of classical and scientific pedagogies allows education to aid in fully growing and cultivating students.” Natural philosophy is a term that is not really used in classical education anymore, but it used to be seen as one of the three main branches of philosophy. It essentially integrates what we know as science today with the humanities, merging both observation and experimentation.
My argument
My argument, which I reduced from three to two points has to do with the benefits of natural philosophy. The first point demonstrates how natural philosophy can further students’ understanding and deepen their wisdom. Meanwhile, my second point is that natural philosophy teaches students to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and leads them to worship Him, which is the goal of classical Christian education.
Where we’re at now
At the end of last month, we submitted the final drafts of our papers. After months of planning, writing, and editing, I finished with a paper that is 22 pages in length, including cover page, abstract, bibliography, and footnotes, which amounted to about 14.5 pages of actual writing. We also had our last official class this week. However, there will still be optional office hours to continue refining our speeches.
Upon completing it, I sent my final draft to my faculty advisor and guest reader. They will read over it and prepare a few questions each to ask me at my defense.
Speaking of defenses, that is what we currently are working on. I have been practicing my speech diligently. After many revisions, it is beginning to make sense, and I have started to memorize it. My class has been attempting to write our speeches in notes only, without a word-for-word script. It has definitely been a challenge and a big learning curve. But the more I have practiced, the easier it has gotten, and I am becoming more comfortable with it.
Next up…
As I mentioned, I have been working on my speech. I will keep practicing for the next two weeks and then, later this month, I will give my defense. The defense will consist of about a 15-minute speech, followed by 20-25 minutes of panel questions (my teacher, faculty advisor, and guest reader), and then about 20 minutes of audience Q&A.
I will be practicing both on my own and with family and friends, as well as in class, to make sure I completely ready for my speech. Once I finish my defense, I will be officially done with Senior Thesis and once step closer to finishing senior year! This has been such a wonderful class, and it will be very bittersweet to have it end.
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