PHIL 1301 340 - INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Introduction

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title: Introduction to Philosophy

Course Prefix & Number: PHIL1301

Section Number:  

Semester:

Semester Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 0

Course Description (NCTC Catalog):

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.                                    

Course Prerequisite(s): None

Required or Recommended Course Materials:

Cahn.  Classics of Western Philosophy.  8th edition.  Hackett Publishing.

ISBN # 978-0-872-20859-9

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

 

Campus/Office Location:

 

Telephone Number:

 

E-mail Address:

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

 

Grading Policy and Procedures:  You will be evaluated in three ways in this class.  The first is through Reading Quizzes, the second is through Summary Papers, and the third is a comprehensive Final Exam. The Reading Quizzes will be multiple choice and will be random in nature based on homework reading that is due for the day assigned on the lecture schedule. They are intended to encourage you to read in advance of the lecture on that topic.  The Summary Papers will be short (two or three page) written responses to a question that will require you to think about an assigned reading that we will have read and discussed.  They are intended to test your ability to understand and put together the particular thinker or subject in question.  The Final Exam will be during exam week and will be comprehensive. Here is the breakdown:

      1. Reading Quizzes – 4 (of 5) = 40%
      2. Summary Papers – 4 (of 5) = 40% 
      3. Final Exam = 20%

A = 90-99, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F = 0-32, Plagiarized Papers = F as 0 (zero)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

 

Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts.

 

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

 

Present logically persuasive arguments both orally and in writing.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

Attendance Policy:  I will not include attendance as part of your grade, and leave you to take responsibility for your performance. However, I strongly caution you NOT to miss these lectures, for Philosophy can be a tricky subject.  It is pretty much a rule that if you fail to attend, you will fail.   Also, bear in mind that your grade is determined from the surprise Reading Quizzes which are given IN CLASS and CANNOT BE MADE UP.  Further, if you do not attend classes, do not be surprised if I am not very giving my time to help you catch up.  I do not have “notes” that I can email you in lieu of attendance, and cannot reproduce lectures in either email form or office hours.  Those who attend and try to comprehend the ideas in the course will find in me a willing and patient source of help, I truly want you to understand this material.  But, those who try to use me to summarize what they miss due to lack of attendance will not find this to be the case.  If you do not attend for significant periods of time for any reason – work conflicts, personal issues, or illness – I cannot certify at the end of semester that you have mastered the material and should be given credit for something you did not work toward.  Hence, if you find yourself in a position in which you cannot regularly attend, it is best to consider dropping the course, or at least see me and we can talk.  Either way, attendance is up to you, as are its consequences.

 

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 

 

 Part One:  The Nature of Philosophy

 Week 1 – Orientation: Syllabus, Nature of Philosophy, Branches & Chronology

  1. Text: Descartes’ Discourse on Method, (p.501-508, Parts 1,2)

Week 2 – Mythology (See “Greek Mythology” packet on Canvas)

Week 3 – Critical Thinking and the Republic

  1. Text: Plato; The Euthyphro (p. 18-26)
  2. Movie: Gladiator (available NCTC library, and Netflix etc)

Part Two:  Being and Knowledge

Week 4 – Metaphysics (What is?)  A.  Idealism: Plato

  1. Text: Plato, The Republic: BK I&II (p.128-155), VI, VII (p.175-178)

Week 5 – Metaphysics: A. Idealism con’t

  1. Text, The Republic con’t

Week 6 –Metaphysics: B. Materialism: Aristotle

  1. Text: Aristotle, The Categories (p. 195-198) 
  2. Text: Aristotle, Metaphysics BK I, IV (p. 243-254)

Week 7 – Epistemology (What is True?) A. Rationalism: Descartes

  1. Text: Descartes, Meditations (Mediations One and Two p. 533-539)
  2. Movie: Name of the Rose (available NCTC library, Netflix etc) 

Week 8 – Epistemology, Rationalism con’t

Week 9 – Epistemology: B. Empiricism: Locke

  1. Text;  Locke, Essay Concerning Human Understanding, BK I,II (p.672-705)

Part Three: The Polis

Week 10 – Ethics (What is Truly Good) A. Teleology (aka Virtue Ethics): Aristotle

  1. Text: Plato, The Apology (p.27-39)
  2. Text: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics BK I,II (p. 275-290) and X (320-329)

Week 11 – Ethics (also, Epictetus, Encheiridion, (p.340-351)

Week 12 – Ethics: B. Utility: Mill

  1. Text: Mill, Utilitarianism (p.1187-1192)

Week 13 – Politics (What is Truly Good for the Whole) A.  Monarchy: Hobbes

  1. PDF:  Plato, The Republic, BK VIII
  2. Text: Hobbes, The Leviathan (p. 562-591; concentrate on: Introduction, Part One, Chapt. I, V, VI, XIII, XIV, Part II, Chapt. XVII [13])

Week 14 – Politics con’t

Week 15 – Politics. B. Democracy and Liberalism: Mill and Madison

  1. Text: Mill, On Liberty (p. 1220-1226)
  2. James Madison, Federalist 10 (See Canvass)

 

 

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is _____S1- June 28, S 3 – July 12__________.

 

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA______________________________

 

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

X         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

 

o         History

o         Government/Political Science

o         Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

 


REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES

 

X            Critical Thinking

X            Communication

o           Empirical and Quantitative

 

o           Teamwork

X            Personal Responsibility

X            Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

X         Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://nctc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2014-2015/Catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook

 

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Crystal R.M. Wright

Office Location:

Gainesville Campus, Room 824

Telephone Number:

940-668-7731, ext. 4320

E-mail Address:

cwright@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean:

Dr. Bruce King

Office Location:

Gainesville Campus – 1525 W California St.

Telephone Number:

940-668-4267

E-mail Address:

bking@nctc.edu

 

Syllabus File(s)

Handouts list view Handouts card view