PHL 106 Fall 2006
INSTRUCTOR:
Mr. J. Michael Jones
Office Hours: M&W by appointment
Phone: 205-999-1891
E-mail: AmericanPhilGuy@yahoo.com
COURSE INFORMATION :
Meeting Time : M&W, 12 :30 1 :45
Meeting Place: Room 210 Bethune Deramus Hall
Course Website : http://www.oocities.org/americanphilguy/Jeffstate-intro
On-line Discussion Board: http://jeffstateintro.proboards105.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A general survey of major philosophical issues arranged in several broad categories including logic, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, epistemology, the mind-body problem, free will/determinism, and ethics.
COURSE GOALS:
This course is designed to develop in students the following skills:
1. an understanding of major philosophical problems and various solutions
2. familiarity with major historical figures in philosophy
3. the ability to think critically about philosophical issues and communicate complex ideas in writing
4. the propensity to live a better, more thoughtful life.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Rachels, James. Problems from Philosophy. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.
SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS:
Each week additional readings will be assigned and posted on the course website.
GRADING:
Final grades will be given on a ten-point scale (100-90 = A, 89-80 = B, 79-70 = C, 69-60 = D, 59 and below = F) and calculated based on the following five components:
10% Weekly Participation
15% Pop Quizzes
20% Response Papers
5% Rough Draft
50% Final Paper
Weekly Participation This includes properly preparing for and engaging in active discussions, in class and online, as well as participation in a group debate.
Pop Quizzes Quizzes will be administered from time to time to gauge students progress in the course. Questions for these quizzes will be drawn from the assigned readings.
Response Papers Each student will select at least four of the assigned readings from class and write a response paper for each. These will be 2-3 page essays where the student records his/her initial reaction to the text. More specific instructions will be given in class by the instructor.
Rough Draft Each student is required to submit a *complete* draft of their final paper (see below) to the instructor for review and comment no later than November 15th. Prior to submitting a rough draft, each student must also meet with the instructor to discuss the topic of the final paper.
Final Paper Papers may be written on any topic discussed in the course, or any other topic approved by the instructor. Each student must meet with the instructor to discuss the topic of the final paper. Final papers should be 10-12 pages (see writing guidelines below). More detailed instructions will be provided in class by the instructor.
WRITING GUIDELINES:
General guidelines for this course-
12 pt. standard font (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial, etc.)
double spaced
1 inch margins top, bottom, and sides
consistently follow standard style guide (e.g. MLA, Chicago, etc.)
Guidelines for Writing a Philosophy Paper Philosophical writing is characterized by precise analysis, development, and critique of arguments. For most of you, this will be your first experience writing such a paper. I expect everyone in the class to read the following article: http://www.jimpryor.net/teaching/guidelines/writing.html
ATTENDANCE:
Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should withdraw from the class before poor attendance interferes with the students ability to achieve the objectives required in the course. Withdrawal from class can affect eligibility for federal financial aid.
STATEMENT OF DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT
The College and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an individuals race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations. It is the students responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to the College.
STARS COURSE
You can view the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Educations approved syllabus at the following web address: http://stars.troy.edu/stars/CRSLISTS/TWO-YEAR/PHL-106.pdf