Syllabus
Philosophy 100 --
Introduction to Philosophy
Fall 2009 (8/19 –
12/19)
Section
AB CRN 84895
MWF 10:10pm –
11:00pm Room 18-204
Robert Schwartz
Robert’s
web page: http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/schwartzr/
Email for this class: phil100_84895@jungleboy.com
Email: schwartzr@smccd.edu
Class web page:
http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/schwartzr/phil100/phil100.htm
The
course explores what philosophy is, and why and how we do it, but most of the
course is a slow, painstaking journey through the history of ideas. The goal of this course is for you to
gain an understanding of the nature of philosophical questions and ideas, and
to help you develop your life with these philosophical issues in mind. Another
goal is for you to experience the difficulty and joy of presenting, discussing,
re-evaluating and understanding your own views and those of others. Part of
this joy entails learning to recognize, evaluate and create well-reasoned
arguments.
These
are the Student Learning Objectives:
Identify some of the central figures and main issues
in the history of philosophy.
To be able to identify, explicate, and evaluate
complex arguments.
Compare and contrast divergent philosophical
theories on some issue.
Formulate a reasoned response to a philosophical
position.
Analyze a philosophical position in terms of
different cultural/social perspectives.
Does
The Center Hold? (An Introduction to Western Philosophy), by Donald Palmer,
McGraw-Hill; 4th edition
Looking
at Philosophy, The Unbearable Heaviness of Philosophy Made Lighter, by Donald Palmer,
McGraw-Hill; 4th edition
Class Participation:
20% *
|
Participation
in class discussions is equally important (5% of your grade). |
Quizzes: 40%
|
Quizzes
(4) are online through Web Access – make sure you have access to a Web
Access-capable computer. (You
can always use a library PC.)
Check for Web Access email often. |
Mid-term exam: 20%
|
Long
answer (essays), closed book, in class
|
Final exam: 20%
|
Long
answer (essays), closed book, in class
|
*
Disrupting the class is negative participation and will reduce your Class
Participation score.
Expectations
A
lot of philosophy is old or even ancient, and so you need pretty good
deciphering skills and patience to figure out what philosophers are getting
at. Few find this easy. But the skills developed from reading,
writing and discussing this way will help you, especially if you plan to enter
law, or do investigation or research.
Reading & Understanding: In nearly every class you
will be given an assignment to read portions of commentary on philosophical
masterpieces and/or original passages, and you will be expected to talk about
the readings in class, or write about them. You are expected to understand and
remember and apply what you’ve read.
Web Access with Email: You are expected to learn to use Web Access for
taking online quizzes. You will
need to provide Web Access with a working email address and check for messages
there regularly.
Seeking Help: This is the hardest course I teach. You are expected to seek help when you
need it. Ask questions in class.
Talk with your classmates. Use the
web. Use of my office hours,
email, or phone. Request an appointment if you need more time.
Withdrawing: If you decide to withdraw from the class, you must do this yourself before the deadline through Web Smart or through CSM’s Admissions and Records office. (Your instructor cannot do this for you.)