SYLLABUS
HANDOUT
for
Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy
101 / Section 1A
Winter
2003-2004
Edward
Abplanalp
1-800-228-9553
COURSE SECTION AND TITLE: Philosophy
101
Introduction
to Philosophy
ACADEMIC QUARTER: Winter 2003-2004
INSTRUCTOR’S NAME: Edward
Abplanalp
LOCATION OF CLASS: EVC
407
TIME OF CLASS Mon/Wed 12-1:55 p.m.
METHODS OF CONTACTING INSTRUCTOR:
Email address:ea55720@navix.net
IMPORTANT DATES:
DATE CLASS BEGINS: 1
December 03
LAST CLASS BEFORE RECESS 22 December 03
CLASS RESUMES 5 January 04
NO CLASS (Martin Luther King Recess) 19 January 04
DATE CLASS ENDS: 29
February 04
LAST DATE TO DROP CLASS: 11 February 04
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is an introductory course in
Western Philosophy. Students are exposed to some of the basic philosophical questions
concerning human nature, knowledge, truth, existence, God, free-will, and
value.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: Students are recommended to have completed ENG 101 &
102.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students will learn and demonstrate
these specific skills:
· Learn
to recognize, evaluate, and reconstruct arguments.
· Learn
how to question fundamental metaphysical, epistemological and moral beliefs
· Demonstrate
an ability to present a philosophical theory in a coherent manner;
· Demonstrate
an understanding of basic philosophical ideas and terms
· Learn
how to apply certain theories to contemporary issues
REQUIRED TEXT: We will be using the eigth edition of Manuel
Velasquez’ Philosophy: a text with
readings (Belmont: Wadsworth, 2002).
METHODS OF LEARNING: Students are expected to cover assigned
materials before class. This includes
doing the assigned reading and the exercises included in each chapter.
ATTENDANCE STATEMENT: Students are expected to attend each class. Students who are
unable to attend class are expected to bear the burden of understanding the
material on their own.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot attend and complete this course, you should officially withdraw
by calling Central Registration, 457-5231.
Failure to officially withdraw will result in either an instructor
withdraw (IW) or failing (F) grade. The
last date to withdraw is identified on the first page of this syllabus handout.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials used in connection with this course
may be subject to copyright protection.
Additional information about copyright is provided on the library
webpage at http://www.mccneb.edu/library, by your
instructor, or by the College's Copyright
Officer. In response to incidents of
student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific
actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the
course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. The disciplinary procedures are available in
the Counseling/Advising Centers.
USE OF STUDENT WORK: The ownership of student works
submitted in fulfillment of classroom requirements shall remain with the
student(s): By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College,
the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work
as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course
syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other
manner without the written consent of the student(s).
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM: Metropolitan
Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and
learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For
example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other
cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be
shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES: By using the information technology
systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones) you acknowledge and
consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community
College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and
Resources. It is your responsibility as
a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the
following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/itprocedures.htm
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
PROGRAM AREA IDENTIFICATION:
Program
Area: Communication and Industrial
Technology
Dean: John Mangini
Academic
Dean’s office phone: (402) 738-4011
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: This course will be a combination of
lecture, discussion, and class exercises.
METHODS OF ASSESSING STUDENT PROGRESS:
Student progress will be assessed by in-class examinations
and quizzes. There will be three exams and three quizzes given during the
semester. Materials asked on exams and quizzes are covered thoroughly in class.
Students will also be expected to write a short philosophy paper.
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING FINAL COURSE GRADE: Each of the
three quizzes will constitute 10% of the final course grade. Each of the three exams
will constitute 20% of the final course grade. The paper will constitute 10% of
the final course grade. The Final course grade will then be calculated as
follows: 100-90% - A; 90%-80% - B; 80-70% - C; 70-60% - D; below 60% - F.
MAKE-UP TEST PROCEDURES: A missed exam can only be made up
under dire circumstances (and with good documentation). See the instructor for
details. The final exam give on February 25th cannot be made up.
MAINTENANCE OF STUDENT RECORDS: Records are maintained by
the instructor and are available for review by the student at any time
immediately before or after class. Exams will be returned during the next
class.
SECTION V: SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS:
December 1st (M): What is Philosophy?
December 3rd (W): Logical Reasoning
December 8th (M): Logical Reasoning/Quiz #1
December 10th (W): The Nature of Human Nature
December 15th (M): The Mind-Body Problem
December 17th (W): The Mind-Body Problem
December 22nd (M): Exam #1
January 5th (M): Materialism
January 7th (W): Idealism
January 12th (M): Pragmatism
January 14th (W): Logical Positivism &
Empiricism/ Quiz #2
January 21st (W): The Free-Will Problem
January 26th (M): The Free-Will Problem
January 28th (W): Exam #2
February 2nd (M): Does God Exist?
February 4th (W): Does God Exist?/ Quiz #3
February 9th (M): The Sources of Knowledge
February 11th (W): The Sources of Knowledge
February 16th (M): Truth (Writing Assignment Due)
February 18th (W): Truth
February 23rd (M): Kant
February 25th (W) Exam #3