A representative selection of philosophical problems will be explored in areas such as knowledge, reality, religion, science, politics, art and morals. 3 units.
Course Objectives
Our principle objectives in this course are (1) to become acquainted with some of the basic questions of philosophy, (2) to understand the various ways in which these questions have been addressed, and (3) to learn to engage in philosophical inquiry. We will study and attempt to learn the views of published philosophers reflecting diverse cultural and historical perspectives. Your grade in the class will be based largely on how well you have mastered the views of these philosophers. However, we will approach these readings critically, and you will be encouraged to develop your own ideas concerning the issues they raise.
Course Structure
This course is scheduled to meet on a MWF schedule; however it will normally only meet in the classroom on Mondays and Wednesdays. The one scheduled exception is the midterm, which will take place over two days, including a Friday. We may also require an occasional Friday to catch up on material, so be sure not to schedule work or any other commitment during that period. You should normally plan to use Friday to study the supplementary material posted on the instructor's website. Students will be quizzed on this material and its relation to the text as described below.
Assignments
Your grade in this course will be based on your answers to quizzes, a midterm, and a final.
Quizzes
Beginning on Monday of the 2nd week of classes you will be given a 5 question multiple-choice quiz on almost a daily basis. Your best 20 quizzes will count toward your final grade. The quizzes will concern the reading, lecture and additional material posted on the instructor's website. Quiz questions are administered throughout the class period and you will answer them using CPS response pads. (See below.)
Tests
The midterm and final will be based on the readings, lectures and supplemental materials. Both exams will consist of short answer and short essay questions. Both exams are administered in class.
Office Hours Extra Credit
Students may receive up to 6 points of extra credit by coming to Friday office hours during the time their class usually meets. To receive credit the student must have questions that are the result of serious engagement with the material; i.e., they must be informed by the reading and demonstrate some understanding of it. A maximum of 2 pts. per visit is available. Office hour credit is not available during the week before the midterm or the two weeks before the final exam.
Note: Students not seeking extra credit are still perfectly welcome at Friday office hours!
Due Dates and Late Policy
The dates of the midterm and final are posted on the reading schedule. You may, for compelling reasons, arrange to take an exam early. Late exams will be administered only for extremely compelling reasons, and a late penalty will be assessed at instructor's discretion. There are no make-up quizzes under any circumstances.
Attendance
Every missed class is a missed quiz. Hence, failure to attend any class will have an immediate negative impact on your opportunity to succeed in this course.
Preparation
Keep up with the reading. Philosophy is very demanding of your time and attention. Most students find they need to read philosophical writing several times before they have understood it.
Academic Honesty
You are free to study together outside of class. However, all work done in this course is subject to the CSUS academic honesty policy, which you may read at: http://www.csus.edu/admbus/umanual/UMA00150.htm.
In this course you will be using a hand held device called a CPS response pad or "clicker" to answer quiz questions. Your clicker is only capable of answering questions under your name and can not be shared with or transferred to anyone else until this course is over. Never handle another student's clicker or allow anyone else to handle your clicker while in class. Students who do will be expelled from class and referred to Student Affairs for disciplinary action.
Grading
Answers to exams will be graded on the basis of two criteria: form and content. Matters of form include grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity and organization. Matters of content include: textual accuracy, thoroughness and overall quality of thought.
| Value | Max. Possible | |
| 20 quizzes | 5pts. | 100 pts. |
| 1 Midterm | 50 pts. | 50 pts. |
| 1 Final Exam | 50 pts. | 50 pts. |
| Total Possible | 200pts. |
Final letter grades are assigned on a standard scale. 92% and above = A, 90-91% = A-, 88-89% = B+, 82- 87% = B, 80-81% = B-, etc. Fractional point totals are rounded up from .5.
Course Materials
Instructions for registering your CPS:
The box your clicker comes in identifies the website www.einstruction.com where you will register it. You will need a credit card and a class key corresponding to the section in which you are enrolled.
The reading and exam schedule is located on the course homepage.
Students with Special Needs
Students with disabilities that require accommodation must provide disability documentation to SSWD, Lassen Hall 1008, (916) 278-9655. Please discuss your needs during the first week of the semester.
Caveat
Minor changes to this syllabus may be made at the instructor's discretion.