Bellevue College
Instructor: Edwin George
Summer Quarter 2010

Phil&101 – Intro to Philosophy
Syllabus

  e-mail: egeorge@bellevuecollege.edu

 

Course Description 

     This course will provide an introduction to the major philosophers and ideas which have shaped the western philosophical tradition.  Though there are many different ways to approach a course such as this, we will be taking a historical approach.  We will begin with the earliest philosophers in ancient Greece and continue up to our present era. We will also spend a brief interlude learning about an some influential eastern schools of philosophy, namely Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.  

      You can expect this to be a fairly challenging course. You will be required to do a great deal of reading.  And, on top of that, you will be participating in online discussions,  taking exams and quizzes. Nevertheless, I believe you will find the course quite interesting and well worth the effort.  


Course Objectives 

        This course is designed to: 

  • Expose you to some of the influential thinkers and ideas that have contributed to the world which we all presently inhabit.
  • Provide you with an historical context and a vocabulary to enter into the extended "conversation of humankind" which philosophy consists of.
  • Enable you to personally engage the perennial problems which have concerned philosophers throughout the ages.
  • Sharpen your ability to read well, evaluate arguments and to think critically.
  • Improve your communication skills.
  • Give you an opportunity to develop research skills for academic writing.


Texts  


Required: 
 Archetypes of Wisdom, Douglass J. Soccio (seventh edition only)

Highly Recommended: 

 Sophie's World, Jostein Gaardner 
 

  • To provide additional reading of the philosophers, you can go to the Class Library.


Expectations 

  • Participation:  Philosophy, in particular, is a discipline which requires discussion, dialogue, and occasionally debate. In other words, while requiring introspection and self-examination, philosophy is at heart a very social activity. For that reason your participation will improve you ability to think, to reason, to dialogue--it will also make the class more interesting for you and everyone else.  In designing activities for the course I take for granted that you have read, understood, and thought about the assigned reading. A good percentage of your grade will be for active participation.
  • Reading Assignments:  Reading assignments are posted on the Schedule. Please note that you will be responsible for reading all of the assignments regardless of whether or not the material is covered in lecture or classroom discussion.  The quizzes and exams will assume that you have read all the assigned readings.
  • Academic honesty and the highest standards of ethical behavior when preparing papers and taking exams is expected.  Plagarism, collusion in the writing of papers and exams, may result in your failure in the course and referral for disciplinary action.


Assignments 

  • There will be two essay exams, each worth 100 points.
  • There will be 10 weekly timed quizzes to test your reading comprehension, each will be worth 20 points.
  • Your participation in the class activities will be worth 20% of your grade. This participation will consist of involvement in four online discussions.

 


Grade Distribution 

The grade distribution will be as follows: 
 
 

Assignment

Percentage of Overall Grade

Exam 1

30%

Exam 2 (Final)

30%

Quizzes (10)

20%

Online Discussions (4)

20%

Totals

100%

 
 


Grading Standards 

Grade of A:

  • Consistently superior scores on exams.
  • Assignments completed in prescribed form, on time, with evidence of careful research on subject matter and planned presentation.
  • Consistently shows independent thinking in terms of the subject matter of the course, either in written assignments and/or class discussion.
  • Shows grasp of relationships among various parts of subject.
  • Applies learning to new situations.
  • Asks questions which are appropriate and stimulate relevant discussion.
  • Participates actively as a leader in online discussions.

Grade of B:

  • Consistently above average achievement on examinations.
  • Assignments completed in prescribed form and on time; above average in quality.
  • Demonstrates independent thinking in written assignments and/or class discussions.
  • Shows grasp of general organization of subject matter by noting parallels in written assignments and discussions.
  • Demonstrates that the reasons for learning subject matter are understood and some applications made.
  • Asks questions which clarify presentation of the subject and demonstrate above average knowledge.
  • Participates actively as a leader in online discussions.

Grade of C:

  • Satisfactory scores on examinations.
  • Assignments completed in correct form, on time, and of an acceptable quality.
  • Presents evidence of satisfactory grasp of assigned subject matter, either written assignments and/or class discussions.
  • Shows satisfactory grasp of organization of subject matter.
  • Demonstrates some understanding of the relationship of the subject to academic, vocational, or social goals.
  • Asks relevant questions.
  • Participates actively in online discussions.

Grade of D:

  • Below average examination scores but high enough to show better-than-chance responses.
  • Assignments completed in imperfect form or not completed on time; quality of work is marginal.
  • Shows grasp of individual units of subject matter but little evidence of inter-relationships.
  • Shows some application of material, but with little insight.
  • Is a passive listener rather than an active participant in class discussion.
  • Participates in online discussions.

Grade of F:

  • Unsatisfactory test scores.
  • Assignments omitted, incomplete or unacceptable.
  • Is inattentive in class.
  • Demonstrates little or no interest in or comprehension of subject matter.
  • Unsatisfactory progress toward achieving intended class goals.
  • Does not participate in online discussions.


Recommendations for Success 

Here are a few recommendations for doing well in this class: 
 

  • Make a commitment to yourself and your classmates to do well. Your positive attitude will be infectious and can transform the class.
  • Form study groups with fellow students and work with them regularly.  You'll understand the materials better and perhaps you'll make some new friends
  • Study at least two hours for every hour of the class. Use the time to highlight and mark your text, review class notes, and otherwise prepare for class.  Do not let yourself get behind in the readings.
  • This is an online class and will require that you are a self-starter.  You will need to develop the discipline to keep up with the readings and assignments.
  • If something is confusing you, formulate and submit questions to me in class or via the discussion list. I will post responses on the list so all may benefit from your question.
  • Make the library an important place in your life. Learn to use its resources effectively.
  • Explore the internet resources I have compiled for you in the Class Library. Use them to dig deeper into the topics we study and to find out more about the philosophers who interest you.