Syllabus

OER Section D606                                                                               PHIL2101

Dr. Laureen Park                                             Tues. Thurs. 10:00-11:15; N616

Lpark@citytech.cuny.edu                        Office Hours: Tues. 1-2pm , Thurs. 5-6pm  in N627

(718) 260-4953                                Pre-requisites: ENG1101; Certified in Reading and Writing

Syllabus

Course Description: An introduction to metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, as well as to the critical explanatory function of philosophy. Philosophy is the oldest, most basic and most general discipline. Introduction to Philosophy covers the central topics in philosophy in an introductory way and also is an introduction to the history of philosophy. By examining what historical philosophers said about the central issues of philosophy, the course will cover both these issues and their history in philosophy. Students will learn to read philosophy critically, as well as discovering how different philosophers have contributed to the great conversation of humankind. The impact of philosophy on our lives will be discussed in the hope that the students will be able to articulate their own ideas.

Course Objectives: The course aims to provide knowledge about the history and problems of western philosophy. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to define and explain key ideas of   the famous philosophers of Ancient Greece and a select number of philosophers from the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and modern times. They should also be able to understand basic arguments within the divisions of metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology, and become familiar with notions of logic and aesthetics. The course also aims to help the student develop their own capacities for ethical and aesthetic reflection and critical thinking. An essential part of this development is the cultivation of writing and oral expression that conveys and synthesizes their understanding of the above objectives. I will assign frequent writing to help students develop and practice philosophical writing. Exams and will be opportunities for students to demonstrate their proficiency in expressing themselves in writing. Ongoing contributions to class discussion will help students develop and practice communicating philosophical ideas orally. Debates and a group presentation will be opportunities for students to demonstrate proficiency in expressing themselves orally.

Additional Recommended Reading: For a full bibliography of Philosophy texts recommended for PHIL2101, please consult the outline. For basic peer-reviewed articles on key philosophers and concepts, you may do a key term search on either of these two online encyclopedias of philosophy: 1. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: http://www.iep.utm.edu/ and 2. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/.

There are also videos of additional lectures on topics of the class here: https://www.khanacademy.org/. You may search for key philosophers like ‘Aristotle’ or concepts such as ‘Consequentialism’.

Attendance: Attendance is crucial for class participation and learning. Minimally, for every absence after the four, there will be a reduction of the class participation grade by 3 points.

Class Participation: Students are expected to come to class prepared. That means s/he has read the assignment, answered the study questions, and is able to discuss the material in class. Additionally, a handful of students will be asked to take extra responsibility for preparing to discuss assignments for certain days. When it is your turn, that means that you will lead your group’s discussions on the topic, and you will also be called on more during class discussion. You will also be posting or responding to the topic on the discussion board.

Blackboard:  I will be using Blackboard for announcements, discussion and to post assignments.  It is important to know how to access and use this online tool. You may find the portal at www.cuny.edu. Click on “Blackboard 8.0” and click on this class’ site. If you are enrolled for this class, you are automatically enrolled for Blackboard. Please see me if you have questions.

Homework: Unless otherwise stated, I will assign study questions for every reading assignment. I will check to see that you have done them at the beginning of group discussions, and you will then turn them in at the end of class. Handwritten work is acceptable so long as it is legible. Otherwise, please type all work. The more time and effort you put into homework, the more you will get out of the class. If you do not understand the reading right away, don’t worry! The important thing is to try. Do your best making sense of the reading, and that effort will help make sense of class discussions. It will make sense!

Tests/Exams: There will be one multiple choice test and two essay exams in this class. Find ways to express your thoughts so that someone who has never taken philosophy before can understand them. Exams consist of a definition section and an essay section. I will give you review sheets for each exam and conduct a review session during the class period before the exam date. For the definition section, you will be given five terms, and asked to write a one paragraph definition giving the philosophical import of the term, the philosophers involved, and any illustrations or examples that may be relevant. In the essay section, you will be given three questions to choose from, and you will answer two. Each essay should be about three paragraphs in length and elaborate all the central ideas. Do not write a formal introduction and conclusion, but do formulate a thesis or basic idea for each answer.

Policies on exam days: Once you begin an exam, I ask that you finish it before you leave. Please take care to use the facilities, bring water, etc. before coming to class for exams. No notes, electronic devices, or books are allowed for use during exams.

Group Projects:  Everyone will be assigned to a group. Students are expected to participate in group assignments and discussion. The major requirement for each group will be two group projects which will culminate in a group oral presentation and individual reports. More details will be provided on the instruction sheet for this project available in “Information” on Blackboard.

Debate: There will be a debate held in class. Details will be discussed in class. It will take the following structure: The class will be divided, roughly in half. Each half will argue one side of the argument. There will be student judges who will listen to both sides, deliberate, and declare a winner. The debate is often interesting and enables students to think about the issues in a more concrete way. It is very important to be respectful of others when making your points. If you are unable to participate in the debate, please see the instructor for a written make-up assignment.

Grading Policy: The breakdown of the final grade is as follows:

10% Class Participation

5% Debate

5% Test

20% Homework and Class Work

20% Group Projects

20% Mid-term Exam

20% Final Exam

100% Total

Grade Distribution:

A         94-100

A-        90-93

B+        87-89

B          84-86

B-        80-83

C+        77-79

C          70-76

D         60-69

F          Below 60

Policy on Academic Integrity: I do not tolerate academic dishonesty. The college policy is this:

“Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion.  The complete text of the College policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the catalog.”
— NYCCT statement on academic integrity

We will discuss more what this policy entails in class. I will then ask you to sign an academic integrity contract. This is required for the course.