Must be placed into college- level reading (or take Reading 0310) and be placed into collegelevel writing (or take ENGL 0310).

Transcription

1 SYLLABUS ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE,, PHILOSOPHY INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY GENERAL COURSE DATA: INSTRUCTOR : Dr. Jolanta W. Best TIME : Fall Semester of 2014 PLACE : TBA on campus meetings OFFICE HOURS : By appointment only CONTACT : Please contact me through MyBlackboard (this is my preferred contact) or me at jbest@alvincollege.edu You should receive a return message within 24 hours. COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course introduces Philosophy. Students will investigate the major philosophical theories and writings from Plato through the most contemporary period. The stress will be put on ancient Greek philosophy (Plato and Aristotle), post-aristotelian moral schools (the Epicureans, Stoics, and Skeptics) and various ideas of modern philosophy (Descartes, Hume, and Kant). The selected readings will help students to recognize famous philosophical problems and their historical context. Students will be prepared to compare between the Western philosophical theories and practical requirements of our contemporary life. In addition to the sequential arrangement of the texts, the course will undertake a thematic interpretation of the material. We will examine the idea of Individual Freedom and Society. The class will connect epistemological issues with metaphysical and ethical principles of the philosophical periods. The Blackboard modules and readings are designed to help students distinguish between primary and secondary components of philosophical periods. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the intricate character of philosophical issues and to develop critical thinking. The secondary purpose is to show that Philosophy and life are related to each other. PREREQUISITES: Must be placed into college- level reading (or take Reading 0310) and be placed into collegelevel writing (or take ENGL 0310). REQUIRED READING: 1.James Fieser (Editor), A Historical Introduction to Philosophy: Texts and Interactive Guides, Oxford University Press, 2003, ISBN (pbk.) RECOMMENDED FURTHER READINGS: (students do not need to buy them.) 1. Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Prentice Hall, 1 st Edition,

2 2. Aquinas, T., On Law, Morality, and Politics, Hackett Publishing, 1 st Edition, Wollstonecraft, M., A Vindication of the Rights of Women, Dover Pub., Kant, I., Lectures on Ethics, Hackett Publishing, 1 st Edition, Kant, I., Political Writings, Cambridge University Press, 2 nd Edition, Nietzsche, F., Genealogy of Morals, Double & Co. // Anchor, F. Copleston, History of Philosophy, any Edition. 8. R. Audi, The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, CUP, 2 nd Edition, T. Schick, L. Vaughn, Doing Philosophy, McGraw-Hill, 4 th Edition, REQUIREMENTS: A) Major Assignments Evaluated by a Grade: 1.THE FIRST EXAM will be online. The test will consist of Multiple-Choice and Fill-in-the Blank Questions, and it will be based on the readings, modules, discussions, and study questions. In order to prepare for the exam, the course participants should analyze The Final Exam Study Questions located in the Blackboard learning module. Also, please contact the instructor if you have any questions. Critical thinking is required during exam. 2. THE MIDTERM will have a form of Multiple-Choice questions. It will be based on the material from the textbook. Students should apply knowledge and critical thinking to the exam issues. Please note that critical thinking and the material from the textbook will be stressed during the exam. Study questions will be provided. If you have questions, contact the instructor. 3. THE PAPER on Picasso and Philosophy of two pages in length ( words) is required. The work is designed as an Essay (Term Paper) which demonstrates the analytic/synthetic and interpretative approach to Philosophy. Students need to familiarize themselves with art by Pablo Picasso by visiting a museum of fine arts, by using art books, and by conducting online research. Course participants will be asked to view art exhibits, analyze paintings, and take notes on Picasso. Also, students are encouraged to select and name Picasso s works and aesthetical styles which they like. Using the method of contrast, each student should compare Picasso s art with a discipline of philosophy he/she studies in trying to find differences and similarities. Definitions of philosophy and art must be provided in the paper. Students must describe the realm of art and philosophy using observations, logical arguments, and research. The purpose of the project is to enhance critical thinking and to develop art appreciation. Please follow the general format of MLA research papers. 4. THE FINAL EXAM will have a comprehensive character, and it will be related to readings, modules, discussions, and study questions. The exam is designed as Multiple-Choice (True- False) questions. The final exam study questions are located in a separate Blackboard learning module. Please note that only illness or emergency justifies an absence during the final exam. In case of sickness a doctor s certificate is required. Also, critical thinking and intellectual independence are required during the exam. Do not memorize the material, but try to understand it. Please, contact the instructor if you have a problem with the material. The exact time and place of the final exam will be provided during the course. 2

3 B) Minor Assignments Evaluated by Points: 1. EVERY WEEK students MIGHT be given a short quiz based on readings and class activities. Quizzes will be evaluated by giving a certain number of points. All points will be converted to a percentage before the end of the class. This percentage will create extra credit for each student and will be added to the final grade calculated after the final test. For instance, let s imagine that John Doe s grade is 75% after the final exam. However, assume he also has 5% extra credit from the minor assignments. Then, the instructor will add 5% to his 75%, and John s final grade will be 80%. 2. THE PURPOSE of minor assignments is to enhance class participation. Students might elect to work on all major assignments described in the syllabus in advance to meet deadlines. Nevertheless, students also will need to visit the online classroom at least twice each week to learn about current class objectives. In terms of precision, philosophy is close to mathematics, but in philosophy not everything can be organized in a purely mathematical way. In order to make philosophical knowledge concrete, we need to discuss and analyze current readings. The assignments will be creative and will measure each student s proficiency in a particular philosophical text. Thus, be sure to check your Blackboard calendar and every week. ASSESSMENT: Class assessment includes the following: 1. Quizzes need to be submitted via the Blackboard Assignments and Assessments. 2. Exams are based on multiple choice (True-False/Matching/Fill-in) solutions, short answer essays to questions of fact, and interpretive essays. 3. Student Discussions should possess interpretive elements and blogs related to ethical issues. 4. One Major Essay should stress the analytic/synthetic approach. Students need to apply a multilayered prism of different philosophical theories to interpret the subject. EVALUATION: 1. The first test 20% 2. The midterm exam 20% 3. The paper 20% 4. The final exam 40% 5. Total 100% GRADING: A (90-100%) B (80-89%) C (70-79%) D (60-69%) F (0-59% ) Excellent Good Fair Passing Failing 3

4 COURSE SCHEDULE/DEADLINES: The detailed exam and project deadlines will be posted during the first few days of the class. Please check the Blackboard Announcements and Calendar. Also, you will be contacted via the Blackboard . OBJECTIVES: By following the course activities, students will be able to: 1.1 Acquire a broad familiarity with the names of major thinkers, the schools they represent, geographical location, and historical periods. 1.2 Learn historically significant questions, definitions of special terms, and concepts linked to Philosophy and its various schools. 2.1 Cultivate reading comprehension of philosophical writings. 2.2 Distinguish various approaches to interpretation, including conceptual analysis, testing for validity, determining if sound or not sound. 3.1 Articulate the relevance of philosophy and philosophical questioning to everyday life. 3.2 Consider how philosophy may/may not apply to ways of thinking and cultural influences. 4.1 Inventory, summarize, and assess correlative questions, concepts, and schools of thought. 5.1 Create and cultivate alternative philosophical positions on presented course content. 5.2 Develop coherent logical arguments and apply rules of disciplined thinking. 5.3 Critique chosen positions and adequately defend against possible objections. OUTCOMES: After the course, students will be able to: 1. Recall and identify major thinkers, schools, and core philosophical questions and concepts from ancient times to the contemporary world. 2. Interpret and explain core philosophical questions and concepts in terms that illustrate a comprehensive understanding of each. 3. Apply core philosophical questions and concepts to contemporary issues and personal experience. 4. Compare and contrast core philosophical questions and concepts, and the correlative thinkers and schools with which they are commonly associated. 5. Justify a sound philosophical position on topics of ethics and contemporary issues that integrates and logically demonstrates a synthesis in thought. COURSE POLICIES: 4

5 1. ATTENDANCE. This Blackboard course is conducted online. Although we will not meet face to face, the student is expected to log into this course every week as completing assignments and exams on time will be counted as attendance. Your online attendance will be graded. You work at your own pace, but the due dates for each item on the Assignment Schedule still apply. 2. EXPECTATIONS. A) Students are expected to obtain a textbook and send the instructor an stating that they have read the syllabus and schedule and they understand what is expected of them by the second week of class. Include your first and last name and student ID number in the . B) Students are expected to allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week on textbook readings, interacting with course materials, participating in class discussions and completing assignments, quizzes and exams. C) Students are expected to have a workable computer that can access the Internet and the course website/myblackboard or they can access the Internet through the computers in any of the 23 ACC computer labs. Technical problems such as slow or no Internet connection at home WILL NOT be an acceptable excuse for late work. 3. ACADEMIC HONESTY/PLAGIARISM. Evidence of plagiarism will be graded F. The Academic Honesty code requires that students produce their own work. Passing of the ideas of others as one s own material is prohibited. You must credit the source. Cheating, plagiarism, and collusion are forms of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism can be defined as the appropriation of another's work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one's own written work offered for credit. In addition, collusion can be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing work for credit. Possible punishments are a grade of 0' or F on the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College." Students are sometimes confused about what constitutes plagiarism. Please consult with your instructor if you have any concerns or questions. The following website, is from Purdue University and is an excellent resource to determine what constitutes plagiarism. Students may review the information in this web site in addition to checking ACC policies. The web site teaches how to avoid plagiarism and how to properly document bibliographical sources. Alvin Community College students are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity is important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community College are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and students guilty of such conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures. 4. MAKE-UPS/LATE WORKS. We will not have make-up tests in the DE Philosophy but we will have the rule of substituting an exam grade. If a student writes a comprehensive final exam well, then we will substitute the final exam grade for the missing exam grade. Also, we do not accept late works or papers. Nevertheless, in case of emergency, immediate help will be given to students. Please contact your instructor for details. 5

6 5. DE ADVISING AND COUNSELING SERVICES. Advising can be accomplished by telephone at and via at Confidential sessions with the distance education counselors are encouraged. They help students understand online studies, admissions, registration, entrance testing requirements, degree planning, transfer issues, and career counseling. ACC DE counselors also provide appropriate referrals to students with personal or family issues that may require long-term solutions. 6. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register with the Office of Disability Services, A 136, (281) Instructors are not able to provide accommodations until the proper process has been followed. Please inform the instructor about your documented disability at the beginning of the semester. 7. SIX DROP LIMIT- NUMBER OF COURSE WITHDRAWALS. Beginning Fall 2007, all first-year students enrolled for the first time at any Texas public college or university are limited to six course drops during their academic career. Students may not drop more than six courses regardless of how many institutions attended, how many courses taken or how many years attended. This policy does not apply to courses dropped prior to census day, complete withdrawals from all courses for the semester, courses taken while attending high school, developmental courses, drops from private or out of state institutions, or courses dropped during the Three Week Mini term. Students who feel they have good cause for an exception should discuss their reasons with a counselor or adviser. Exceptions are granted by the Academic and Technical Deans. Once the six course drop limit has been reached, subsequent drops will be recorded with grades of F. Drops included in the limit will be recorded on the student transcript. 8. WITHDRAWAL DETAILS. Students are responsible for their course withdrawal. For students, failure to withdraw will result in a failing grade. Please remember that each withdrawal requires a student s signature. If you are ready to withdraw, your request can be submitted by mail or fax ( ). Be ready to include your name, student ID, course number, phone number and signature. You need to call the office at to confirm your withdrawal. Students who file withdrawal requests by the published deadline will receive a grade of W. It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. If a decision is made to withdraw, the student must start the process at the Enrollment Services Center, room A INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. Please note that all international students are responsible for their own withdrawal. The instructor does not withdraw students from the course. If you have additional questions about your visa status or other issues, feel free to contact the ACC International Adviser at Also, you can reach the office by at international@alvincollege.edu 10. ALL STUDENTS ARE ADVISED. Prior to considering withdrawal, consult your instructor or counselor and ask for opportunities for tutoring or other forms of assistance. There are many opportunities available to assure your academic success. Therefore, do not give up. 11. VIRTUAL CLASSROOM CONDUCT. As with on-campus classes, all students in ACC Distance Education courses are required to follow all ACC Policies & Procedures, the Student 6

7 Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, and relevant sections of the Texas Education Code when interacting and communicating in a virtual classroom with faculty and fellow students. Students who violate these policies and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access to course-related , discussion groups, and chat rooms or being removed from the class. 12. LOG IN INFORMATION. Using the ACC MyBlackboard web site, please check the updated details related to log in information. If you have any problems, feel free to contact the ACC DE Department. 13. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION TEAM (BIT)-LETTING SOMEONE KNOW. The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Alvin Community College is committed to improving community safety through a proactive, collaborative, coordinated, objective and thoughtful approach to the prevention, identification, assessment, intervention and management of situations that pose, or may reasonably pose, a threat to the safety and well-being to the campus community. College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate concerns to the BIT by , BIT@alvincollege.edu, or through an electronic reporting option located on the BIT page of the college website, STUDENT SUPPORT INFORMATION: 1. MYBLACKBOARD SUPPORT. If you are missing a course or having difficulty logging in: feel free to call if you need password help, or call for all other issues. Also, you can at de@alvincollege.edu. Please visit the DE page for details. 2. INOFMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT. During the fall and spring semesters the IT helpdesk is available Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 7:00PM (in person or by phone), Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In addition, it is open on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Please contact the IT helpdesk by calling or by e- mailing at helpdesk@alvincollege.edu 3. LIBRARY HOURS. During the fall and spring semesters the ACC library is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Also, it is open on Friday (from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM) and Sunday (from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM). For further details, feel free to contact the ACC Information Specialist by calling at or by ing at tbates@alvincollege.edu The ACC Library website: The ACC Library is an excellent source of assistance for writing the required research paper. 4. LEARNING LAB/WRITING CENTER. The Learning Lab is located in the Building A, 2nd floor, Room A-210 (inside Library). It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. In addition, it is open on Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The center provides a variety of academic activities which can enhance student learning. In trying to ask for details, please call the office at

8 5. ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT CENTER. Within the Learning Lab is also the Academic Enhancement Center. It is an important resource for students enrolled in developmental courses, or students who have been out of school for a longer period of time. The center provides academic support for students in major developmental programs. It works with students to help them be successful and to make college years a positive learning experience. The services include free tutoring in which the professional staff will assist students on a walk-in basis and study skills in which test-taking techniques and time management skills will be introduced. 6. WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Labs. Please contact the IT Department and Help Desk at DISCLAIMER. The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify the students of any changes using the ACC or MyBlackboard or announcements. 8. PLEASE REMEMBER: 1. The instructor reserves the right to rearrange and possibly change the material and syllabus. 2. The instructor reserves the right to conduct the final exam on campus. 3. Online exams (including finals) with technical difficulties must be proctored on campus. 4. The exam and project deadlines will be posted within the first few days of class. 5. The exams and assignments have to be submitted via the Blackboard features only. 6. The instructor will not accept any exams or assignments sent via . Thanks for help. 7. Check your Blackboard calendar and at the beginning of each week. 8. Always contact your instructor when you do not understand the material. 9. Good luck in Philosophy! 8