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1833 W. Southern Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85202
480-461-7000
PHI218 – PHILOSOPHY OF SEXUALITY SYLLABUS – SPRING 2018
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DR. DEBRA J. CAMPBELL
TR 12:00 – 1:15 PM
In-Person Lecture Format
S&D Campus, Room: BP 1N
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- PHI 218. PHILOSOPHY OF SEXUALITY. 3 CREDITS
This course explores philosophical dimensions of sexuality in western (primarily European and North American) culture. Some examples of the philosophical questions surrounding sexuality are: “What is sex?” and “Is sex outside of marriage immoral?” We will examine many of the perennial questions of human sexuality by critically evaluating readings about sexuality from the ancient Greeks to the present day. We will trace the changing mores surrounding sex by comparing and contrasting the most influential western cultural forces, such as, ancient Greek culture and the rise of Christianity, and by analyzing the changing gender roles from the ancient Greeks to contemporary culture.
The purpose of this course is to help you think more effectively about the philosophical dimensions of sexuality. The course emphasizes effective thinking. It is not a purpose of this course to provide you with answers. The professor may, from time to time, argue for certain positions, based on logical consistency. However, the intention would not be to attempt to persuade you of these positions. The intention would be to stimulate thought, to encourage you to view questions from a new perspective, and to approach them carefully and logically. In human experience, sexuality is important and controversial—perhaps it is controversial because it is important. Sexual topics, questions, and words often elicit strong feelings and emotions. Our feelings and emotions can sometimes begin to point the way toward truth, but can also short-circuit our rational processes. Any philosophy course attempts to help students think carefully and logically about questions that arouse strong feelings and emotions. Such is the case in a philosophy of sexuality course. While we will sometimes begin the examination of a question by attending to our feelings and our intuitions, we will always seek to go beyond our intuitions to a rational (relatively dispassionate) analysis of the question.
MCCCD Official Course Competencies1. Identify and evaluate key philosophers and theologians who have treated the subject of sexuality. (I)
2. Describe the views of key philosophers and theologians through written or oral work designed to emphasize the historical development of topics in the philosophy of sexuality. (II)
3. Contrast and criticize reductionist and expansionist theories related to sexuality through written or oral work designed to build on the research gleaned from the historical section and the feedback provided from the earlier written or oral work. (III)
4. Apply principles of philosophy and ethics to contemporary questions and issues related to human sexuality that create innovative solutions to perennial problems of sexuality. (III)
II. CLASS DISCUSSION/ACADEMIC FREEDOM
Class sessions will conform to the principles of decency and courtesy that are generally observed by the academic community and our larger society, e.g., deference toward others when they are speaking, tolerance of viewpoints that differ from our own, respect for the questions under discussion, the assumption of academic freedom, and the use of language that is as direct and precise as possible. The last two points require elaboration.
In general, the ideal of academic freedom entails that essentially any belief or question about any aspect of human experience that bears on the discipline in question may serve as the topic of examination. The discipline of this course is the philosophy of sexuality. Thus, any aspect of sexuality, any question, any topic, any claim or idea, any thought experiment, any language used or mentioned that is relevant to sexuality is possible material for our reading, discussion, and writing.
Our language—what we read, what we write, what we say in class—must reflect the principle of academic freedom. It would be impossible for us to conduct this course without language that refers to sexual experiences, processes, and organs. Nevertheless, a distinction must be drawn between the "use" and the "mention" of words. We use words when they refer to the world; we mention words when they refer to themselves, that is, when we are talking about the words. There are certain words that a sensitive person might never usethat she will mention for the purpose of analyzing their meaning or significance. For example, we may mention that the word, “gay” has multiple meanings in our culture, but we will not use the word “gay” as a derogatory term in our discourse. This course requires that we all be free to use and mention language directly, precisely, but also as decorously and sensitively as possible within the constraints of precision and clarity.
III.INSTRUCTOR
Debra CampbellOffice: BP014
Office hours:MWF 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.,TR 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Phone: 461-7615
E-mail: - email will be responded to promptly between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
IV.TEXT AND MATERIALS
The required books in this course areThe Philosophy of Sex: Contemporary Readings, (Sixth Edition) edited by Nicholas Power, Raja Halwani, and Alan SobleISBN-13: 978-1442216716 ISBN-10: 1442216719 [available at the MCC Bookstore and at Amazon.com], and PlatoSymposium, (Hackett Classics, May, 1989) by Plato(author), Alexander Nehamas (Translator), Paul Woodruff (Translator), ISBN-13: 978-0872200760 ISBN-10: 0872200760[available on Amazon.com]. In addition to these two texts, the instructor will provide a few selected handouts for students at no charge to be used by the student and then returned to the instructor. These selected handouts will not be reproductions of any copyrighted materials nor will they be copied using any college resources, but these are free and open source documents copied and provided at the exclusive expense of the instructor and are used by the instructor for educational purposes only, not for profit. You must make your own copies of these handouts as soon as possible and return the originals back to the instructor right away. By having your own copy, you are free to mark up your own copies with your notes, etc. without marring the original handouts. Please make your copies and return the original handouts to me immediately and intact so that I can provide them free of charge to students next semester. Your cooperation in this regard will be greatly appreciated by all future students!
- ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
PAPERS: The instructor will maintain a continuous record of each student’s progress. Three short (minimum of 3 pages) papers (worth 25% each) will be assigned. The three papers will reflect the three sections of the course, that is, the historical, conceptual, and contemporary components. Students will be asked to choose a topic in the Philosophy of Sexuality and develop that topic over the three papers, specifically: historical overview, conceptual overview, and sexuality in society today. Detailed instructions will be given for each paper approximately two weeks before the due date and detailed feedback will be provided on each paper as it is graded.
ARTICLE SUMMARIES: Students are also required to answer a few questions (called an “Article Summary”) on EACH of the assigned readings. The format for the article summaries is available at the very end of this syllabus. You may make copies of this form to use for each article summary or just follow the format as you write out each summary. The article summaries may be hand-written as long as your handwriting is unambiguously legible. Each summary is “due” at the beginning of class on the first day that reading will be discussed, though the discussion of some readings may extend over more than one class meeting. Students will turn intheir article summaries to the instructor as attendance is taken at the beginning of each class period and then the summaries will be redistributed among the class members to use during the discussion (more about this below). Each article summary turned in will add to your participation points.
While the dates for each reading are listed on the syllabus, the instructor will announce at the beginning and end of each class which reading will be discussed in the next class period, just in case we do not finish a reading in a particular class meeting. If a student is absent, it is the STUDENT’S responsibility to contact either the instructor or a fellowclassmate in order to determine the reading assignment for the next class meeting.
DISCUSSIONS: For each new reading, students will use the article summaries to generate discussion. As stated above, the instructor will take the article summaries from each student at the beginning of class and then pass them around randomly among the students so that students can see what their fellow students have written. Students will be asked to share answers with the class in order to share thoughts and ideas during the discussion of each article. This is part of the required participation for the class.
SHOW AND TELL: At some point during the semester each student is expected to bring in one presentation item (approximately 2-5 minutes in length) to share with the class. This can be a You-Tube video, piece of music, website, artwork, literature—so long as it relates to human sexuality.
BREAKDOWN OF GRADING: So, 75% of the grade is based on the three papers, and the remaining 25% of the grade will be reserved for the instructor to award points based on the number of article summaries turned in, the show and tell item, and overall participation in each daily discussion. Regular attendance and participation are crucial to the success of this course. To recap:
Value of exams and assignments:
1st Paper25%
2nd Paper25%
3rd Paper25%
Participation 25%
Grading Scale (approximate)
90-100 pointsA
80-89 pointsB
70-79 pointsC
60-69 pointsD
Below 60 pointsF
- CALENDAR OF ASSIGNMENTS (Approximate)
DatesReadings/Assignments
1/16INTRODUCTION TO THE CLASS
1/18Discussion of the syllabus and assignments – be prepared to ask and answer questions about the coursework for this class by reading the syllabus carefully
1/23HISTORICAL SECTION – INTRODUCTION
Find a Historical Timeline (on the Internet) for Western Philosophy – note the distinct historical periods. Locate each of the philosophers (and St. Paul) from the Historical Section of the syllabus in the proper historical period according to the timeline. Next, google the Greek and Christian influences on sexuality in western culture until you find something interesting – write it down – note the URL to share with the class.
1/25READ Plato, Symposium, pp. xi-xxvii, and pp. 1-19 (Introduction, Phaedrus, and Pausanias) [NOTE: For correct pronunciation of the names in the Symposium go to: and type the name of the character.]
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
1/30READ Plato, Symposium, pp. 20-44 (Eryximachus, Aristophanes, and Agathon)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
2/1READ Plato, Symposium, pp. 45-77 (Diotima/Socrates, and Alcibiades)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
2/6READ Handout, Excerpt from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, pp. 1-5
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
2/8READ Handout, Immanuel Kant, excerpts from the IEP, pp. 1, 24-27
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
READ Handout, Kant, excerpts from The Philosophy of Law, pp. 1-2, 24, 58-60
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
2/13OPEN DISCUSSION DAY - Instructions for First Paper handed out
2/15READ Bertrand Russell, excerpts from Love and Marriage, from Wikiquotes
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
2/20-IN CLASS Videos, Bringing Sexy Back and The Science of Sex Appeal
2/22HISTORICAL SECTION - CONCLUSION
2/271st PAPER DUE – Tuesday, February 27th at beginning of class
CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS – INTRODUCTION
All readings in this section are from the text, Philosophy of Sex, by Alan Soble
3/1READ Article 2: Are We Having Sex Now or What? (Greta Christina)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
3/6READ Article 3: Sexual Perversion (Thomas Nagel)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
3/8READ Article 4: Sexual Behavior: Another Position (Janice Moulton)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
3/12-16 SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES
3/20READ Article 5: Plain Sex (Alan Goldman)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
Instructions for 2nd Paper handed out
3/22READ Article 7: Sex in the Head (Seiriol Morgan)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
3/27-IN CLASS Film, Closer
3/29CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS - CONCLUSION
4/32nd PAPER DUE – Tuesday, April 3rd at beginning of class
SEXUALITY TODAY– INTRODUCTION
All readings in this section from the text, Philosophy of Sex, by Alan Soble
4/5READ Article 8: Chatting is Not Cheating (John Portmann)
4/10READ Article 12: What is Sexual Orientation? (William S. Wilkerson)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
4/12READ Article 15: Trans Persons, Cisgender Persons, and Gender Identities (Christine Overall)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
4/17READ Article 17: Sexual Exploitation and the Value of Persons (Howard Klepper)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
4/19READ Article 21: The Harms of Consensual Sex (Robin West)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
4/24READ Article 24: On F***ing Around (Raja Halwani)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
Instructions for 3rd Paper handed out
4/26READ Article 25: Date Rape: A Feminist Analysis (Lois Pineau)
WRITE Article Summary for this Reading
5/1-IN CLASS Film, Don Jon
5/3SEXUALITYTODAY - CONCLUSION
5/93rd PAPER DUE – Thursday, May 3rd at 12:00 noon
VIII.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Content policy: Philosophy deals with controversial adult material including human sexuality, the existence of God, principles of justice, etc. Students must be prepared to engage all material as presented/assigned. Alternative assignments, readings, lectures, etc. will not be provided.
- Syllabus policy: Students are required to read the syllabus. Due to the nature of the course, it is impossible to exactly link topics with specific dates, thus the above calendar is an approximation. The instructor will make every attempt to stick as closely as possible to the syllabus and will clarify assignments at the beginning and end of each class meeting.
- Attendance policy: Students must attend classes regularly. The instructor reserves the right to withdraw a student and assign a grade of “W” after three unexcused absences. Attendance will be taken daily. You must be here and you must be on time because this is the only way real learning will occur. If you come to class after attendance has been taken, you will be considered tardy. Two tardies will count as one absence.
Excused Absences
“Excused” absences, according to MCC’s policies include ONLY those due to college sanctioned events or religious observances. Long term medical leave (with documentation) will be excused at the instructor’s discretion. Jury duty or subpoenas will be excused with documentation.
Attendance Withdrawal Policy
If you stop attending this class after the 45th day of the semester, your instructor may award a grade of W, Y, or F depending on your status in the class up until the day you stopped attending. Please discuss any desires to withdraw from the class with your instructor so together you can decide on the best course of action.
- Cell phone policy: You may have your cell phones and laptops in the classroom, but they are to be used for instructional purposes only. Cell phones should be set to silent and put away or placed on the desk face down so that no one in the class is disturbed by notifications. There may be occasions when I will allow students to use their smartphones to look things up during classroom discussion, but otherwise cell phones are not to be used during class for any other reason. No texting, no checking for updates. I can see when students try to text under the tables. I will call you on it (pun intended). Similarly, laptops are to be used only for work directly related to learning in our class and only with my express permission.
- Academic Integrity: Besides academic performance, students should exhibit the qualities of honesty and integrity. Any form of dishonesty, cheating, fabrication, the facilitation of academic dishonesty, or plagiarism may result in disciplinary action. Please refer to the MCC Student Handbook (available on-line) for information regarding institutional policy and due process procedures.
- Recording Lectures: The content of course lectures, including, but not limited to, verbal, printed, PowerPoint and other electronic communications are the copyrighted property of the professor. Recording class lectures isprohibitedwithout express written consent. If you wish to record lectures, you must see me during office hours and sign a Proprietary Information Agreement.
- Academic Support:
Learning Enhancement Center
Many students find that college coursework provides new academic challenges. Students who wish to deepen their understanding of course concepts, extend their skills, and improve their performance in their course(s) are encouraged to use the free tutoring and other support services in the Learning Enhancement Center.Tutoring is available at 10 campus locations (including two at Red Mountain). Visit or call the LEC office to learn how they can help you. It is located on the 1stfloor of the Elsner Library.
Phone: 480.461.7678 Red Mountain: 480.654.7735
Web:
Writing Center
The Writing Center provides one-on-one appointments to help students during any phase of the writing process: brainstorming, prewriting, researching, drafting, and revising. The Writing Center is located on the 1st floor of the Elsner Library. Phone: 480.461.7513.
Web:
*Note: use the tutoring information that is relevant to your course/campus.
Disability Services
Information for Students with Accommodation Needs: If you have a documenteddisability(as protected by the Americans withDisabilityAct) or if you arepregnantor parenting (as protected under Title IX) and would like to discuss possible accommodations, please contact the MCCDisabilitiesResources and Services Office at480-461-7447or .
Access to Course Materials
If you are experiencing difficulty accessing course materials because of adisabilityplease contact your instructor.All students should have equal access to course materials and technology.