Introduction to Philosophy Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

PHIL-1301-004 Introduction to Philosophy

Prerequisites

20 semester hours or instructor consent

Course Description

Various branches of philosophy - the nature of goodness, freedom - and certain basic problems within each branch. Designed to introduce the student to philosophical thinking.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Carder, Eddy. A Primer in Philosophy: Available online on Course Website for download.

Craig, Edward. Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.

Porter, Burton. Philosophy Through Film. Second Edition. Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY: Sloan Publishing.

Supplies

Textbook, dictionary, pens, pencils, notebook paper or notebook for note taking, access to a computer to complete assignments and review class material, access to a computer to complete a power-point presentation. Access to film rentals and library m

Student Performance

Student Learning Outcomes are based on the required Core Curriculum Intellectual Competencies, Perspectives and Exemplary Educational Objectives as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Specific Course Requirements are to be found in the course schedule and course syllabus.

Learning Outcomes for Philosophy: CCIC 1,2,3,4,5 CCP 1,2,5,7,8 EEOSB 1,2,4,5,9,10,12

1. To understand the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. To identify and demonstrate an understanding of the main categories of philosophy (such as metaphysics, logic, epistemology and axiology)
3. To identify and analyze the origins, historical, social, cultural emphasis of philosophical inquiry.
4. To demonstrate an understanding of the principle characteristics which define the areas of philosophy through a presentation of critical analysis.
5. To recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research.
6. To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to philosophical problems.
7. To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

Your instructor wants this class to be both interesting and enjoyable, but any form of disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated.

Grading Criteria

Grade Scale
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
59 and Below F
Grading Criteria
1. Position Papers            20%
One page single spaced 12 pt. Times New Roman Font one inch margins all round. Name and course on top line.
2. Mid Term Exam            20%
Online exam 50 questions true false and multiple choice 50 minute time limit one attempt.
3. Term Paper                  20%
Ten pages not counting cover page double spaced 12 pt. Times New Roman Font Minimum of 5 sources on topic selected from list posted on course web site.
4. Final Exam                   20%
Online exam 50 questions true false and multiple choice 50 minute time limit one attempt.
5. Forum Discussion        20%
Online Forum Discussion requiring an initial post/response to the dialogue question and two subsequent responses to class member postings.

Attendance

Attendance Policy: Two or more unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester unless those absences are made up. Absences may be excused if they are the result of illness, official Amarillo College business, or personal emergencies.   It is your responsibility to talk with the instructor about this, though.  He will never bring it up to you. Unexcused absences may be made up by doing extra work as approved by your instructor.

Student Online Attendance Policy: Accessing AC Online for Course Information: It is the responsibility of the student to check email messages, announcements and the course using AC Online. Students will submit all assignments and analyses using AC Online unless noted on the assignment or by the instructor.

Calendar

PHIL 1301 Course Calendar
Text Reading Key:
CP = Carder Primer, An Introduction to Philosophy (available online for download).
PSI = Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction
PTF = Philosophy Through Film
SE = Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Online (Free Online Resource)
IEP = Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Online (Free Online Resource)


Date        Reading/Assignments
Part I: Introduction
Week 1     1/17     Course Overview; What is Philosophy?; CP: Introduction; PSI: Ch. 1; PTF, Preface and Introduction
Part 2: Epistemology
Week 2     1/24     Reading: CP, Ch. 1; PSI, Chs. 4, 7; PTF, Ch. I; Online Forum Discussion
Week 3        1/31     Movie Clip Discussion From The Truman Show; Online Forum Discussion
Week 4        2/7     Position Paper 1 Due In Class; Online Forum Discussion
Part 3: Metaphysics    
Week 5        2/14     CP, Ch. 2; PSI, Ch. 6; PTF, Ch. II; Online Forum Discussion
Week 6         2/21     Movie Clip Discussion From The Matrix; Online Forum Discussion                
Week 7        2/28     Position Paper 2 Due In Class; Online Forum Discussion
Part 4: Ethics                
Week 8    3/6     CP, Ch. 4; PSI, Chs. 2, 8; PTF, Ch. III; Online Forum Discussion; Online Mid-Term
Examination    
3/13-15 Spring Break
Week 9        3/20     Movie Clip Discussion From On The Waterfront; Online Forum Discussion            
Week 10    3/27     Position Paper 3 Due In Class; Online Forum Discussion
Part 5: Philosophy of Religion            
Week 11    4/3     CP, Ch. 3; PSI, Ch. 3; PTF, Ch. IV; Online Forum Discussion                
April 6-8 Easter Holiday
Week 12    4/10     Movie Clip Discussion Movie Undecided; Online Forum Discussion            
Week 13    4/17     Position Paper 4 Due In Class; Online Forum Discussion
Part 6: Political Philosophy    
Week 14    4/24     CP, Ch. 5; PSI, Ch. 5; PTF, Ch. Movie Clip Discussion From To Kill A Mockingbird; Online Forum Discussion
Week 15    5/1     Position Paper 5 Due In Class; Online Forum Discussion; Term Paper Due
Week 16     5/7-11     Final Examination Week

The above calendar is subject to change due to unexpected situations. It is the student’s responsibility to check online email and announcements for all other forms of communication issued by the Instructor.

 

Additional Information

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM