NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Course title: Introduction to Philosophy
Course prefix, number, and section number: PHIL1301
Semester/Year of course: Summer 1 2024
Semester start and end dates: June 3 - July 3
Modality (Face to face/Synchronous or Asynchronous online/Hybrid): Asynchronous
Class meeting location, days, and times: N/A
Lab meeting location, days, and times: N/A
Semester credit hours: 3
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.
Course prerequisites: None
Required course materials: Cahn. Classics of Western Philosophy. 8th edition. Hackett
Publishing. ISBN 978-8-872-20859-9
Name of instructor: Dr. Jack O’Connor
Office location: COR 337
Telephone number: 940-668-5258
E-mail address: joconnor@nctc.edu
Office hours for students: MW - 8:30-9:30, 12:30-3 and TR – 10-12:30
SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER
The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced as soon as possible in person and/or writing.
SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Grading Policy and Procedures:
You will be evaluated in three ways in this class. The first is through Reading Quizzes, the second is through Reaction Papers, and the third is a comprehensive Final Exam. The Reading Quizzes will be short multiple choice tests based on an assigned reading. They are intended to encourage you to read the text and are more about literal comprehension than full understanding of what you read. They are more about focusing
you on key parts of the reading. The Reaction Papers will be medium length (3-5 page) written responses to a question that will require you put together larger themes within the sections of the course. The first will be about connecting themes between the first two parts of the course, and will be due roughly half way through. The other paper will also be geared toward finding connections between parts of the course - the last two parts - and will be due toward the end of the semester. I will expect that you can adequately write a standard college level essay and, since grammar is graded, expect a certain proficiency in English and the ability to proofread your work. The Final Exam will be during exam week and will be comprehensive. More details will be given in the last couple weeks of the course. Here is the weighted breakdown of the elements:
- Reading Quizzes – 11 (9 of which will count) = 40% Note: I drop 2 quizzes
- Reaction Papers – 4 (3 of which will count) = 40% Note: I drop 1 paper
- Final Exam = 20% Note: The Final Exam is mandatory
A = 90-99, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F = 0-32, Plagiarized Papers = F as 0 (zero)
List of graded assignments: 16
Final grade scale: See above
Late work policy: Papers can receive one week extension if following policy
SEE CANVAS FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE CALENDAR, OUTLINE, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF GRADED WORK, AND OTHER RELATED MATERIAL.
COURSE POLICIES
Academic Integrity Policy: The first instance of plagiarism the assignment receives a zero, the second time the student is officially reported to the College for discipline.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is taken, but not part of your grade
Withdrawal Policy: I will not withdraw a student
A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request Form.
Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is:
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 an application of philosophical concepts to various aspects of life.
Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world.
Core Objectives:
Critical Thinking
Communication
Personal Responsibility
Social Responsibility
COLLEGE POLICIES
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student Handbook.
ADA STATEMENT
NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations. See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.
STUDENT SERVICES
NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students. See the Student Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS
The student should contact the instructor to deal with any questions, concerns, or complaints specific to the class. If the student and faculty are not able to resolve the issue, the student may contact the chair or coordinator of the division. If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may proceed to contact the instructional dean.
Name of Chair/Coordinator: Charles Adams
Office location: Flower Mound Campus, room 107
Telephone number: 972-899-8424
E-mail address: cadams@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean: Crystal Wright
Office location: Denton Exchange, room 204
Telephone number: 940-380-2504
E-mail address: cwright@nctc.edu