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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PH 101-2"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Philosophical Thinking"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Annie Hewitt
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 10:00AM 11:15AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course aims to introduce students to philosophical thinking by way of a selection of classic texts in the history of western thought.  Students will have the opportunity to read original works by some of the most influential philosophers on a range of issues that have come to ground and define philosophy today, questions such as: Why be good? What does a just society look like? What does it mean to know something as opposed to merely believing it? Is there a God? Grappling with the primary sources, always aware of the context in which particular questions arose, students will gradually come to see the way philosophical problems are framed, resolved (or not), and how they both persist and change through time. 

 

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course will be divided into 3 historical sections: Ancient Philosophy (roughly 400-300 BC), Modern Philosophy (roughly 1500-1900) and Contemporary/Recent Philosophy (1900-present).  We will read original material from each time period, and then discuss the works together in class. The classes will combine lecture with class discussion and debate, always making explicit reference to the texts read for the day to support different arguments and opinions.


LEARNING OUTCOMES:
  • To become familiar with some of the most influential figures in the history of Western philosophy, and to explore some of the basic issues and arguments they considered
  • To learn how to identify an author’s argument, and to construct — through textual support and evidence — persuasive, thesis-driven arguments of one’s own
  • To become active, engaged and critical readers
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, PhaedoPlatoHackett978-0872206335     
Introductory ReadingsAristotleHackett978-0872203396      
Meditations on First PhilosophyDescartesHackett978-0872201927     
Second Treatise of GovernmentLockeHackett978-0915144860     
Grounding for the Metaphysics of MoralsKantHackett978-0872201668     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
A Short History of PhilosophyRobert SolomonOxford University Press0195101960B72.S66 
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
SEE BELOWPARTICIPATION 20% MIDTERM: 20% PAPERS 25% FINAL 35%SEE BELOW

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cou
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Detailed reading list will be given to students in class.

Week 1: Introduction

Weeks 2-5: Ancient Philosophy
Presocratics
Plato
Aristotle

Weeks 6-11: Modern Philosophy
Descartes
Locke
Kant

Weeks 12-14: Recent Philosophy
Russell
Sartre