COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To come to an understanding of relevant issues and arguments surrounding some of the deepest and most enduring philosophical problems, e.g., Is there an eternal self? How can I distinguish right from wrong? What are my obligations to other people and the world around me? What role should religion play in society?

2. To explore the diverse perspectives and positions on these issues across a wide range of cultures and time periods.

3. To introduce you to the specific ways of thinking appropriate for philosophical questions and train you to think and write critically about philosophical issues.

4. To encourage you to reflect philosophically on these and other significant issues which confront us all today.

This course fulfills the "Multicultural Intensive" course requirement and the General Education requirement in Literature and Ideas (Basic Skills VI) for certain majors.
 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• average of weekly short quizzes = 50%
• 2 600-word take-home essays @ 10% each = 20%
• mid-term and final exams @ 15% each = 30%

2. You are expected to be in command of the assigned readings PRIOR to the class period in which we will discuss them. Otherwise, any attempt to discuss the material will be a waste of time. Most of the readings are fairly short, although they may still be dense and require effort on your part to understand them. Give yourself time to read difficult passages more than once.

3. Brief, unannounced QUIZZES will be given at the beginning of class almost every week. These quizzes will cover main topics from the previous lectures OR from material assigned for that day's reading not yet discussed in lecture. These quizzes are intended to encourage you to attend lectures and keep up with assigned readings. Quizzes will have various formats, possibly including true/false, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, or summarization of assigned readings. Passing these quizzes will require that you attend class, CAREFULLY read all assignments, and arrive at class on time. You may make up a quiz missed for medical reasons if you provide a statement from your physician or Health Services. The average of all quizzes will account for 50% of your final course grade.

4. Two take-home ESSAYS will be assigned, each worth 10% of the final course grade. Essays will be in response to questions distributed one week prior to the due date for the assignment. Essays must be at least 600 words (about 2 pages on most word-processors), and a WORD COUNT must appear on the first page of your essay. Papers less than the minimum number of words will receive an "F." Essays will only be accepted if TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE-SPACED, STAPLED, AND PROOF-READ, and must be brought to class on the due date. LATE ESSAYS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. For help constructing your essays, please read the Appendix in Hallman, "Writing Philosophically" (665-684). Further assistance is available from the Writing Center, 345 Southeast Morse Hall (341-5380). If you anticipate trouble with your writing, please consult with the Writing Center or myself as soon as possible during the semester. Students having trouble with writing fundamentals may be required to seek assistance from the Writing Center as a condition for continuing in the course.

5. On the days that essays are due, we will have a "READING DAY" devoted to discussion of student papers. On these days, students will be selected at random to present their essays to the class and answer questions from classmates about their essays. The reading and discussion of papers will not be a part of the grade for the assignment, except in the following case: Failure to read your essay on a day that you are selected will result in a failing grade for that assignment. If you have a legitimate reason for not wishing to read in front of the class, you must discuss this with me prior to the first essay assignment.

6. MID-TERM AND FINAL EXAMS, each worth 15% of the final course grade, will include an "objective" (true/false, fill-in-the-blank, or short answer) component and an essay component. Review sheets will be distributed one week prior to exams, and ample class time will be provided to ask questions about the material to be covered on exams. Each exam will cover half of the course (i.e., the Final is non-cumulative).

7. Discussion is crucial to the doing of philosophy, and I am counting on you to provide it. I will do my best to make everyone feel at ease and welcome to contribute to the discussions. Talking with each other about these sometimes difficult and/or controversial topics is a sure-fire way to understand them better (and it also makes for a livelier class period). So my hope is that you will put in your two cents whenever you are struck by a question, idea, problem, or objection. NO RELEVANT REMARK IS OUT OF BOUNDS IN THIS CLASS. As an added incentive for your participation, I will take into account your regular contributions to the ongoing discussion in borderline grade cases. For example, regular thoughtful participation in discussion (not just quantity, of course, but also quality) may raise a high "B" grade (say, an 88 or 89) up to an "A." On the other hand, if you stare at me with a vacant, surly look all semester, I will not grade you down, as much as I might want to.

PLEASE NOTE
1. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes plagiarism, the paraphrase or quotation of any published or unpublished source--including the textbook--without full and clear acknowledgment. If you are uncertain about what documentation is appropriate, please consult the Writing Center or myself before submitting your essay. The university policy regarding academic dishonesty, as explained in the Student Handbook (p. 37), will be strictly enforced.

2. If you have a documented disability, please let me know as soon as possible so that appropriate accommodation can be made.

3. As listed above, my office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00 to 4:00, and Thursday, 3:30 to 4:30. I will be spending these hours in my office for the sole purpose of being available for your questions. If these times are not convenient for you, and there is something you need to discuss with me, please ask to make an appointment. Messages can be left with the Social Sciences secretary (PH 411) at 341-5462. You are also welcome to address inquiries to me via Email at toadvint@emporia.edu.