Philosophy 1301

Revised August 2007

 

TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

COURSE NUMBER: PHIL 1301

COURSE NAME: Introduction to Philosophy

HOURS: Lecture 3, Laboratory 0, Contact Hours 48

SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS: 3

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of reading section of THEA (or alternative) test, or a grade of "C" or better in READ 0303 or its equivalent, and THEA (or alternative) writing test scores or completion of ENGL 0303 or its equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher.

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE: A general introduction of philosophy designed to give basic knowledge of philosophy and understanding of the issues from which those ideas evolved.

TEXTBOOKS: Philosophy, 9th ed., Velasquez

Guided Tour of Five Works by Plato, 3rd ed., Biffle

PURPOSE AND GOALS OF COURSE: Through class lectures, discussions, and readings, students will become familiar with some of the answers that have been given to a variety of philosophical questions. Students will develop an ability to read, speak, and write clearly, effectively, and critically about the questions raised. By the end of the semester the student will be able to complete satisfactorily all the listed learning objectives with a minimum of 70 percent competency level based on the completion of a comprehensive final examination not to exceed two hours.

INSTRUCTOR NAME: _______________________________________

OFFICE NUMBER: __________________________________

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OFFICE HOURS: ____________________________

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COURSE GRADE: During the semester each student will take a minimum of four major tests. One of these will be a compulsory homework grade (10 items for 10 points each). The first three grades will be worth 100 points each. The grade from the comprehensive final examination will be worth 150 points. Students may expect weekly pop quizzes; otherwise, no extra work will be accepted. Students will receive study guides a week before each test to enable them to "fine-tune" their reviews. Students are expected to take the tests at the assigned times. Each unit of the homework assignments will have a cut-off date. Students will not be able to make up missed homework after the unit ends. Since students may drop one test score or missed-test, the instructor does not allow test make-ups. However, students may not drop either the homework or final examination grades. The final examination grade, the homework grades, and the best two of the three test grades will constitute the final course grade.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: Lectures and class discussions.

METHODS OF EVALUATION: Examinations, class participation, and attendance, as determined by the instructor.

PERFORMANCE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES

(MINIMUM COMPETENCIES)

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have accomplished the following objective

1. Relate philosophical ideologies to distinct historical periods.
2. Identify and relate specific philosophical theories to specific philosophies.
3. Differentiate the logical, epistemological, ethical, aesthetic, and metaphysical presuppositions underlying major philosophical movements.
4. Outline and define key ideas within the major disciplines of philosophy.
5. Compare concise analyses of central philosophical themes within the texts, combined with creative evaluation.
6. Summarize knowledge from various disciplines in order to demonstrate their philosophical underpinnings.
7. By the way of philosophical methods create alternative resolutions to contemporary social issues.
8. Appraise the soundness of solutions offered by philosophies in terms of empirical data.
9. Critically evaluate the internal consistency of a particular philosophical approach.
10. Interpret the kind and relevance of the logic adhered to in the written material.

TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE

EXPECTED CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

Tyler Junior College is committed to promoting a level of classroom etiquette conducive to maximum teaching and learning. Within this context the following etiquette is expected:

1. Attend class each time the class meets.

2. Be on time for class and remain for the entire period. Students are inconsiderate of their classmates when they arrive late and/or leave early.

3. Refrain from talking while the teacher is lecturing. Idle chattering and giggling are disruptive to the class and disrespectful to the teacher and classmates.

4. Without prior approval from the instructor, students are not allowed to use cell -phones, beepers, walkmans with headphones or any electronic device in class.

5. Be attentive and participate in class.

ADA Statement: If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and requires accommodations, he/she should contact ADA Student Coordinator Margaret Rapp for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact the ADA Student Coordinator if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies. Ms. Rapp’s office is located on the second floor of Rogers Student Center. Her phone is (903) 510 2878. In order for the instructor of this class to allow/offer accommodations to a student, the student must present the documentation from Ms. Rapp’s office as soon as possible, at least by the end of the second class week.

Class concerns: Any student with a concern(s) about any aspect of this class should first discuss the matter with the instructor in an attempt to clear up any misunderstanding before taking the concern to the next level.