Mark Selikowitz PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Mark Selikowitz Age: 57 Current occupation: Consultant Paediatrician and Director of a Child Development Clinic Where you live: Sydney, Australia Your program: BA (Philosophy), University of London External System Start date: 28/09/2007 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I did a Google search for an online philosophy course. What alternatives were you considering at the time? None What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? I wanted someone knowledgeable to ensure that I had understood what I had read and that I was on the right track. I also wanted my essays writing skills assessed. How do you feel about that decision now? I feel confident that I made the right choice. I could not have managed without my tutor's guidance. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? No How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? N/A How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? N/A Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? N/A 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? There was sufficient information about the tutorial support for the BA (Philosophy) in general terms. I obtained specific information by sending an email to Dr Klempner. This was what I needed. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? I am satisfied with these as they are. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Yes 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Dr Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? I am happy with it as it is. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? This is my first philosophy course. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? No If you did participate, how would you rate the quality of the philosophical discussion? N/A If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? Not at this stage. I can see the benefit, but I have a demanding, full-time profession and family commitments and the little time I have had to devote to my philosophy studies has been fully occupied with reading texts and articles, writing essays and, most importantly, thinking about what I have read and am about to write. This solitary pursuit of knowledge suits my needs at present. I am concerned that a conference would be a distraction. Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Not at present. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? It has been an enjoyable and enriching experience. I am a neophyte in this area, and over the past 6 months, since I started, I have been surprised by how much I have learned that has changed some of my attitudes and has broadened and deepened my understanding of certain issues. I have found each topic I have studied absorbing. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I hesitate to answer after only 6 months, but I anticipate that I will want to continue after I complete my BA. However, I have not even taken my first exam yet! Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? None in the past and no other while I am doing his one What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? I find studying philosophy enjoyable. Some of what I have learned has had a positive impact on my everyday life and work. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Not at this early stage of my philosophy studies. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? It sounds like an interesting idea, but I would not be able to attend unless I happened to be in the UK at the time. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? When I travel to the UK, I am based in London. If there was a conference in Sheffield while I was there, I would certainly consider traveling to it if I had the time. Currently, there are two free Pathways e-journals, Philosophy Pathways and Philosophy for Business. What are your thoughts about a third journal dedicated to publishing the best examples of course work by Pathways students? I do not know enough about these journals to answer. 8. CONTRIBUTING TO PATHWAYS Do you have any thoughts about possible articles for Philosophy Pathways or Philosophy for Business? Or have you already written a piece that you could send us? Not at this stage of my studies. Have you have successfully completed the ISFP Associate or Fellowship Awards, or the first year of the University of London Diploma or BA in Philosophy? If so, would you like to join the panel of Ask a Philosopher? N/A If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? N/A 9. GENERAL ASSESSMENT In the most general terms, how would you rate your experience with Pathways: Strongly positive? More positive than negative? About equal? More negative than positive? Strongly negative? Strongly positive How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? The responses to any queries that I have had have been prompt and helpful. The mentor's comments on the essays have been to the point, insightful, detailed, constructive, and thought-provoking. They have also expanded my knowledge because they contain suggestions for further reading. I also appreciate the fact that the comments arrive reasonably soon after I have submitted my essay. 10. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE YOUR COMMENTS Are you prepared to allow us to reproduce any of your comments above, under your name, on the Pathways web site? Or, is there something in particular you would be prepared to say for publication? **END OF QUESTIONNAIRE** Email info@philosophypathways.com if you would like to comment on this page.