William Bar, Instructor

Alvin College

Fall, 2017

PHIL -1301-02 (7812)

William Bar, Instructor

Room G 174, 9:30--10: 50 a.m.

Description: A survey course designed to introduce students to some of the more important problems in Western philosophy.

The course will cover the general topics specified above by considering, along with others, the following specific topics:

 Cosmology

 Basic Arguments, Reasoning and Logic

 Metaphysics

 Epistemology

 the Socratic Method

 Ethics

 Social ethics

 the general development of ideas within Western Culture

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who successfully complete this course will enhance their ability to:

Identify and evaluate an academic argument;

Identify and evaluate multiple perspectives and approaches to philosophical issues;

Identify and evaluate the development of Western philosophical ideas and theories;

Identify and evaluate the implications of Western philosophical ideas and theories;

Place in sequence the development of Western philosophical ideas and theories;

Formulate and defend a philosophical argument on an issue-related example;

Write clearly, economically and persuasively, at a college level re philosophical problems;

Use core competencies in everyday life and in the workplace.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

As part of the Texas and ACC Core Curriculum, students in this course will gain a foundation of knowledge in human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse work force, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. The chart below details the core requirements that are applicable to this course, the activities in which students will participate to develop skills in the required areas, a determination of how students’ mastery of those areas will be assessed, and the level of expertise students are expected to demonstrate. Please note that these requirements are already included in the computation of the course grade and not a separate grade.

Office Hours: Before class and afterward by appointment.

Communication

E-mail is the official communication for the college; it is also the best way to contact me. The correct e-mail address appears in the header of this syllabus, and will appear in all written documents that you will receive in this course. It is your responsibility to notify the college of your e-mail account, and to check it routinely throughout the semester. If I have new information that pertains to an assignment or an upcoming class, I will e-mail each student at the e-mail she/he has placed on record with the college. You should check your e-mail before each class day to check for updates.

Course Prerequisites

DIRW/DIRR 0310 or ENGL 0310 & READ 0310

Required Materials

1. Scantrons, pencil and eraser for exams.

2 Melchert, Norman. The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy, Volume 1. Oxford University Press, ISBN#978-0-19-539762-8 A copy will also be on reserve at the ACC library

For current information on the textbook and other course materials, visit the ACC College Store website.

THE BOOK IS A REQUIREMENT OF THIS COURSE; IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO PURCHASE THE BOOK IN A TIMELY MANNER, YOU SHOULD NOT TAKEL I THIS COURSE.

THIS IS A WEB-ENHANCED COURSE; IF YOU DO NOT HAVE RELIABLE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER, YOU SHOULD NOT ENROLL IN THIS SECTION. ALL STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO COMPUTERS IN ANY OF THE 23 ACC COMPUTER LABS, INCLUDING THE ACC CYBER LAB AND THE ACC LIBRARY.

STUDENTS MUST BRING PENCILS, ERASERS, SCANTRONS AND A STANDARD ENGLISH-LANGUAGE DICTIONARY TO EXAMS; EXAMS TAKEN WITHOUT A SCANTRON WILL HAVE 20 POINTS DEDUCTED; STUDENTS WITHOUT A PRINT COPY OF A DICTIONARY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BORROW ONE.

Major Exams/Major Essay/Homework

You will have two major exams during the semester. This includes a non-comprehensive final. Exams are true/false, multiple-choice and essay format. Scantrons are required; Scantrons are available in small packages at the college bookstore. Students will write a term paper due November 30. Finally, you must have a couple of Scantrons for the Homework assignments.

Essays

You will have an essay assignment which is described on the last page of the syllabus. In compliance with Texas State law, essays will be graded on grammar as well as content.

Missed exams will be taken in class on December 7. Format is up to the instructor’s discretion. STUDENTS ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO TAKE ONE MISSED EXAM.IF YOU MISS TWO EXAMS, YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO ON ONE OF THEM. There are no “re-takes” for exams that have already been taken. In accordance with college policy, grades of “Incomplete” will not be assigned other than in documented extreme emergencies and if the majority of the class assignments have already been completed.

Grades

90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D; 59 and below

THE 2 EXAMS & THE END OF TERM PAPER & THE HOMEWORK GRADE ARE EQUALLY WEIGHTED AS 4 GRADES.

Attendance: All students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions.

Withdrawal

It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. Current course withdrawal information can be found in the printed version of the ACC Schedule for this semester or online at ACC Course Withdrawal Instructions. Students who file withdrawal requests by the published deadline and have not exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a grade of W. The deadline to drop the course & receive a grade of W is November 14, 2017.

Tardies

Students who are routinely tardy should expect their grades to reflect the material missed. Students who are late for exams must still finish in the allotted time.

Computer Access

This is a web-enhanced course, and portions of the class will require materials from web sites. Students are responsible for having access to a computer which is compatible with the system and any required software. All students have access to computers in any of the 23 ACC computer labs, including the ACC cyber lab and the ACC library.

Academic Integrity

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. The most likely consequence for any type of plagiarism or other forms of cheating is failing the entire course. Every instance of cheating will result in an academic dishonesty report being filed with the Dean. Please refer to the college’s academic dishonesty policy in the ACC Student Handbook.

Code of Conduct

Students will be expected to adhere to a basic student code of conduct. Students who engage in disruptive behavior may be barred from attending class. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, texting and excessive tardies.

Laptops

Laptop use is not allowed unless student has documentation from the ADA office.

ACC ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES: Americans with Disabilities Act ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register first with the Office of Disability Services, A 136, (281)756-3533. Instructors are not able to provide accommodations until the proper process has been followed. Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) – Letting someone know

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Alvin Community College is committed to improving community safety. College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate safety concerns to the BIT team by email, or through an electronic reporting option located on the BIT page of the college website.

The ACC Library is an excellent source for research and writing help. Quiet rooms are available for studying and doing class work. For more information, visit the ACC Library Website or call 281-756-3559.

The ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab, located upstairs in building A, provides students with a

variety of services including tutoring (math, writing, and other disciplines); computers and printers; a testing facility; and tables/carrels. Call 281-756-3566 or visit the ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab Website for more information.

MyBlackboard

Support for MYBlackboard can be obtained by completing the Online Support Form.

WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Lab Information- -Help Desk Website or contact the IT Dept. Help Desk at 281-756-3544.

Course Calendar

August 22-24 Syllabus & Ch 1
29-31 Ch 2

September 5-7 Ch 3

“ “ 12-14 Ch 4

" “ 19-21 Ch 5
“ “ 26-28 Ch 6
October 3 EXAM I (Chs 1-6 & lectures)
“ “ 5-10 Ch 7
“ “ 12-17 Ch 8
" " 19-24 Ch 9
“ “ 26-31 Ch 10
November 2-7 Ch 11

“ “ 9-14 Ch 12
“ “ 16-21 Ch 13
" “ 23 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY (NO CLASS)
“ “ 28-30 Ch 14 (Term Paper due in class on 11/30—in hard copy & typed.
December 5—NO CLASS

December 7-- Final Exam (Chs 7-14 & lectures)

Topic for Philosophy paper due day November 30:

Identify a philosopher and corresponding philosophical texts that apply to a situation or concern in the modern world. The philosopher about whom you write must have been covered by this course. Write 3-5 pages in a detailed, comprehensive essay that applies this philosopher’s ideas world by

(1) identifying the essential points of the philosopher’s work, including the historical context and its relation to dilemmas, decision making, and consequences;

(2) describing how these philosophical ideas relate to contemporary life;

(3) and explaining what the philosopher would say were an individual’s responsibilities as a citizen of a modern community.

Sample Format:

Identify/Describe a philosopher and his most important contributions, including the historical context of the original text and how it addresses dilemmas, decision making, and consequences from the philosopher’s own time.

Describe/Discuss how this philosopher’s texts relate to contemporary life and whether there are figures from other cultures who present arguments that reveal his philosophical influences.

Analyze/Explain the dilemmas this philosopher would see for the individual living in our contemporary, intercultural world and what his or her response (choices/actions/consequences) would be with regards to one’s responsibilities to self and society.

If writing about political philosophy, detail how this philosopher’s work can contribute to the improvement of our political order, i.e., the political process, and/or political ends, and /or the function of our American (or Western) politics in the present era.