Philosophy 2010: Introduction to Philosophy
Professor Tonietta A. Walters
|
|
What is a Syllabus?
- A contract between students and instructors
- Written guidance and orientation to how the course works
- Written documentation of the instructor's policies relative to the course
|
|
Course ID:
|
PHI 2010
|
|
Reference Number:
|
569401, 569405, 569407
|
|
Credits:
|
3
|
|
Term:
|
2009-3
|
|
Start Date:
|
05/10/2010
|
|
End Date:
|
07/30/2010
|
|
Course Description: PHI 2010 - Introduction to Philosophy
This is a foundation course in philosophy. Students will learn about topics such as epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. The course introduces the methods of philosophy, addresses some major philosophical questions and examines the views of various philosophers from around the world.
|
|
Gordon Rule
This course fulfills the “Gordon Rule” requirements for Writing Credit. A course grade of “C” or higher will be awarded only if students have demonstrated college-level writing skills.If a student does not demonstrate English proficiency at what the instructor judges to be a college level they will fail the course!
Multiple “college-level writing assignments” per course will be used to assess college-level writing. “Multiple” will be defined as a minimum of three (3) writing assignments per course. This course has 4; the student must pass 3 of the 4 Gordon rule writing assignments with 60% or higher of the exam's total possible points. There is a rubric contained in the lessons with the Gordon Rule Essay Exams that will be used in the evaluation of your work.
The following descriptors will be used as the MDC criteria for “college-level writing”. The writing will:
A. have a clearly defined central idea or thesis;
B. provide adequate support for that idea;
C. be organized clearly and logically;
D. utilize the conventions of standard edited American English;
E. be presented in a format appropriate to the assignment.
|
Miami Dade College's Learning Outcomes
Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, General Education provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes that foster effective citizenship and life-long learning. This course introduces, and or emphasizes 4 of the 10 learning outcomes: 1,3,7 & 8. Other outcomes may be touched upon as well.
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
- Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
- Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
- Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
- Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
- Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
- Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
- Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
- Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.
|
|
Competency 1: The student will demonstrate knowledge of philosophy by:
-
Employing effective use of philosophical vocabulary in college level writing.
-
Applying college level writing in the analysis of philosophical problems and issues.
-
Demonstrating the ability to articulate a coherent philosophical position in college level writing.
Competency 2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of critical thinking by:
-
Defining key vocabulary terms relating to critical thinking.
-
Distinguishing between deductive and inductive reasoning.
-
Applying various logical techniques to evaluate deductive and inductive arguments for traditional philosophical theories.
Competency 3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of ethics by:
-
Defining key vocabulary terms relating to ethics.
-
Identifying and explaining issues in normative ethics such as Kantianism, utilitarianism, or hedonism.
-
Describing personal values and ethical standards regarding personal, civic and social responsibility.
-
Describing different theoretical frameworks for resolving ethical dilemmas.
Competency 4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of epistemology and metaphysics by:
-
Defining key vocabulary terms relating to epistemology and metaphysics.
-
Articulating various historical theories of epistemology and metaphysics.
-
Analyzing and evaluating various epistemological and metaphysical ideas.
Competency 5: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the various branches of philosophy such as Aesthetics, Political or Social Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, or Logic by:
-
Defining key vocabulary terms within these topics.
-
Articulating various theories within these topics.
-
Analyzing and evaluating ideas within these topics.
|
|
Technology Requirements (Hardware/Software)
- Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint are standard for Virtual College courses. Internet Explorer is the recommended browser. You may use AOL or other Internet Service Provider specific browsers to access the internet, then minimize the window and open Internet Explorer to access your courses.
- Due to the necessity of technology in Virtual College Courses, you must have a backup plan for using an alternative computer with Internet access in case of problems with your personal computer. If you live in the South Florida area, you may use the computer labs located on MDC campuses. If you have a major technology problem, please notify your instructor immediately to let him/her know you are trying to resolve it. After contacting your instructor and if you cannot resolve the problem, you need to report this to the Virtual College by contacting the Help Desk at 305.237.3800.
- Please be aware that the Virtual College's Help Desk does not cover problems that you may be experiencing with your computer hardware, installation of software, Internet connection, or other technical problems that may require a technician or intervention from your Internet Service Provider.
|
Textbook and Course Materials
The student must purchase the textbook in order to complete the assignments in this course!
|
Title of Book and Edition:
|
Philosophy: The Power of Ideas
|
|
Author(s):
|
Moore and Bruder
|
|
Publisher:
|
McGraw Hill
|
|
Copyright:
|
2007
|
|
Bundle ISBN:
|
978-0-07-353572-2
|
|
This course is organized as follow:
- Module 1: (25% of final Grade)
- Lesson 1:The Pre-Socratics
- Lesson 2: Sophist & Plato
- Lesson 3: Gordon Rule Essay Exam
- Module 2: Epistemology & Metaphysics (25% of Final Grade)
- Lesson 4: The Rise of Modern Metaphysics and Epistemology
- Lesson 5:Hume, Kant, Hegel and Schopenhauer
- Lesson 6: Gordon Rule Essay Exam
- Module 3: Philosophy of Religion (25% of Final Grade)
- Lesson 7: Philosophy of Religion (Western)
- Lesson 8: Philosophy of Religion (Eastern Philosophy)
- Lesson 9: Gordon Rule Essay
- Module 4: Ethics and Political Philosophy (25% of Final Grade)
- Lesson 10: Ethical Theory
- Lesson 11: Political Philosophy
- Lesson 12: Gordon Rule Essay
|
To successfully complete this course, you need to spend at least an average of 4 to 6 hours per week on the course, which includes readings, postings, quizzes, exams, etc. Set up a weekly time schedule that allows you sufficient time to complete the assigned course work by the required due dates. Plan to check-in and complete assignments at least three times a week. You should check in daily.
Don't procrastinate! Turn your work in early or by the scheduled due date at 11:55pm.
|
Modules:
|
There are 2 lessons and 1 Gordon Rule Essay Exam in each module. Each Module is 25% of your final grade.
|
|
|
15 points
|
|
Lesson Discussion Board Post
|
5 points
|
|
Lesson Textbook Questions for Discussion and Review
|
80 points
|
|
Gordon Rule Essay Exams
|
100 points
|
|
Gordon Rule Essays Exams:
|
This course fulfills the “Gordon Rule” requirements for Writing Credit. A course grade of “C” or higher will be awarded only if students have demonstrated college-level writing skills.
If a student does not demonstrate English proficiency at what the instructor judges to be a college level they will fail the course!
You must pass (in the judgment of your professor) 3 of the 4 Gordon Rule Essay exams to demonstrate proficiency in college level English or you will receive a final grade of D or F regardless of your points or course average.
|
|
Proctored Exams:
|
There are no proctored exams within this course.
|
|
Late and Make-Up Policy:
|
Everyone is expected to take the exams and turn in assignments on the scheduled due dates. Permission for make-ups may be granted only on condition that you request and receive permission before the due date or exam date.
Outside of the above parameters, NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED- REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES. Assignments can be accessed and submitted early so you have ample opportunity to complete assignments on time!
Quizzes and exams cannot be made up under any circumstances. Again, exams cannot be made up under any circumstances and no late work will be accepted. You must pass 3 of the 4 Gordon Rule Essay Exams in order to pass this course. Please make a note of this.
|
|
Course assignments and exams will be graded within 5-7 MDC business days of the scheduled due date even if the assignments are submitted early.
|
Course Requirements
|
Percentage
|
|
Module 1
|
25%
|
|
Module 2
|
25%
|
|
Module 3
|
25%
|
|
Module 4
|
25%
|
|
Total Possible
|
100%
|
Miami Dade College's Letter Grades:
|
Total Percentage
|
Letter Grade
|
|
90 - 100
|
A
|
|
80 - 89
|
B
|
|
70 - 79
|
C
|
|
65 - 70
|
D
|
|
64 and below
|
F
|
|
Miami Dade College Policies
To help students to be successful in Virtual College courses a set of policies have been established. These policies provide you with the basic information you need to know as a student at Miami Dade College.
|
|
Virtual College students have the same rights and responsibilities as all students at Miami Dade College, and shall abide by all applicable policies and procedures.
- Students' Rights and Responsibility Handbook
This handbook provides you with the basic information you need to know as a student at Miami Dade College. Please review the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook to learn about policies addressing code of conduct, grade appeals, religious observations, services for students with special needs, and many other areas. Due to the nature of the online environment, the information below supplements the Handbook for Virtual College students.
The Handbook identifies "cheating on an examination" as one of the actions included under academic dishonesty. In this course, you are expected to complete quizzes and exams independently and without access to the course's online content or your own study notes. Having multiple browser windows open, accessing previous quizzes or course readings, and using your course notes while taking a quiz or exam constitute cheating. All your course activity is recorded by the ANGEL system; activity logs during the times when you are taking quizzes / exams that demonstrate access to other course components constitute evidence of cheating, and may result in a failing grade for the corresponding quiz or exam.
Plagiarism is another action identified as academic dishonesty in the Handbook. Presenting the work or ideas of someone else as one's own constitutes plagiarism, which is why students are always expected to cite their sources. Through the use of Turnitin, unoriginal work can be easily identified; if not sourced, this constitutes evidence of plagiarism, and may result in a failing grade for the corresponding assignment.
After registering, students may change their schedules during the drop / add period. The dates for this period are listed on the Academic Calendarthat may be found as a link on the Miami Dade College homepage.
If you decide to drop this course and you desire a full refund, you must do so before the last day to withdraw with a full refund (see College Academic Calendar for date). If you stop logging on to class without officially withdrawing through the Registrar's Office, the instructor may withdraw you for nonattendance. If you continue to log on but do not participate in the class and complete assignments, the instructor may withdraw you for inactivity.
All your log on and course activity are recorded by the ANGEL system. The instructor notifies absent / inactive students of his / her intent to withdraw them via e-mail and / or phone; if the student does not respond in the amount of time allotted, the instructor may withdraw the student. Once a student is withdrawn, course access will be denied.
An Incomplete is given only where extenuating circumstances exist, such as documented medical problems or a death in the family, and is issued solely at the discretion of the instructor. If the instructor agrees to grant an Incomplete, a written agreement must be completed between the instructor and the student, specifying the coursework to be completed, in what manner, and by when. Failure to fulfill the terms of the contract by the end of the next major term will result in an "F" for the course. A student may not remove an Incomplete by registering in a subsequent term to re-take the course.
Professor Walters does not grant incompletes.
- Hurricanes and Other Natural Disasters
In the event of a hurricane or other disaster, the Virtual College follows the schedule established by the College for campus-based courses. Please visit the MDC website (http://www.mdc.edu) or call the MDC hotline (305.237.7500) for situation updates. Assignments and due dates will be adjusted based upon the impact of the storm on our community. However, if the College reopens and you are still without power or internet access, it is up to you to have a backup plan (MDC computer courtyards, labs and libraries; Miami-Dade County public libraries; or similar facilities). Please keep in touch with your instructor if at all possible.
|
|
|