Introduction to Philosophy Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Course

PHIL-1301-001 Introduction to Philosophy

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value and their practical applications.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1.  Porter, Burton, Philosophy Through Film, 2^nd Edition, Sloan Publishing, 2009.

2. Optional:  Blackburn, Simon, The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, 2^nd Edition Revised, Oxford University Press, 2008.

3. Optional:  Most Recent Edition of The MLA Handbook

Supplies

Your textbooks, syllabus, notetaking materials, and access to a computer to complete assignments and review class materials.  Access to reference materials through the library or online is necessary for the successful completion of this course.  Access to films may be necessary if you cannot attend on the days we view and discuss contemporary movies.

Student Performance

ACCESSING AC CONNECT:

Online communication will be achieved between students and the professor by using AC Connect.  It is the student's responsibility to check for email messages and announcements regarding this class by clicking on AC Connect at the top of the Amarillo College home page, and then clicking on the icon identifying this class.  You will be able to communicate with both your classmates and professor, check your syllabus, find required supplemental materials, assignments, and grades posted there.

All exams, except for Exam #1, will be taken in class.  Other assignments, including weekly assignments and the research project, will be submitted through Blackboard.  If you need assistance submitting assignments through Blackboard, contact IT, the Writing Lab, or Writer’s Corner,.  All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period.  Assignments submitted after the beginning of the class period will be considered late.

Late Assignments:  10 pts will be deducted from the grade for late assignments for each day they are late.  After three days, late assignments will receive a zero..  

OBJECTIVES AND GOALS: We will identify history’s leading paradigmatic philosophers and analyze their philosophies through assigned readings, lectures, discussions and the viewing of appropriate movies and movie clips.

POLICY CONCERNING SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER:  In the college experience, students encounter diverse views and new subject matter which expand their knowledge and perspective.  In all Humanities or Philosophy courses, we might observe, read, and discuss some works with subject matter that could include (but not be limited to) death, violence, sexuality, race, potentially offensive language, and political or religious viewpoints different from your own.  If any sensitive subject matter is a concern for you, please arrange a meeting with the instructor.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES):

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

1.         Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts. 

2.         Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, major arguments, problems, and terminology in Philosophy.

3.         Present logically persuasive arguments both orally and in writing. 

4.         Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation and application of philosophical concepts to various aspects of life. 

5.         Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world.

THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY:  Philosophy is an important part to the foundation of a liberal arts education. Courses in philosophy help to provide a deeper understanding of the concepts which have formed human cultures while at the same time helping to develop the students’ skills in critical analysis, their ability to write and interpret texts from all cultures, and to examine the ideas behind theoretical thinking. 

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHILOSOPHY 1301:

1.         Regular attendance and classroom participation. Two unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester.  Four unexcused absences will then result in the loss of two letter grades.  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.

2.         A careful reading of all the assigned sections of the textbooks (see the class outline on this syllabus to find your specific reading assignments), and all informational sheets.  Reading the assigned portions of the textbooks before coming to class is necessary for the successful completion of this course. 

3.         The successful completion of three examinations, including the final examination. See the course outline for the dates of these exams.

4.        In addition, students will complete one of the research project assignment options available in class Content (Blackboard).:

5.        No extra credit is available for this eight week course.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

All matters of academic dishonesty including plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, and cheating will result in a failing grade for the assignment in question.  All violations will be reported to the proper college authorities for review. 

CELL PHONES/PERSONAL COMPUTERS:

In order to not interrupt the class, students are asked to turn off or silence all cell phones prior to the beginning of each class session.  Personal computers are allowed for taking notes and/or looking up materials that will contribute to our class discussion.  However, the improper use of cell phones and/or computers will not be tolerated.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

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

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

All students are required to follow the AC Student Rights/Responsibilities Statement (On the internet, go to www.actx.edu  and look under the “campus bookmarks”).

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE BREAKDOWN:               COURSE GRADING SCALE:                

 Weekly Assignments     20%                            90-100                 A

 First Examination           20%                            80-89                   B

 Second Examination      20%                            70-79                   C

            Final Examination          20%                             60--69                 D      

            Research Paper             20%                             0-59                    F            

                                        100%                            

Attendance

Regular attendance and classroom participation are required.  Students will be expected to sign in for each class meeting.  Students who do not attend either of the first two classes will be administratively dropped from the course.

Absences:  Two unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester.  Four unexcused absences will then result in the loss of two letter grades.  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 absences. 

Calendar

Additional Information

DO NOT FORGET THIS DATE:

            Last Day to Withdraw without a Failing Grade:                    Oct. 8th