LOS ANGELES PIERCE COLLEGE
PHILOSOPHY 1: Introduction to Philosophy (UC:CSU)

Section 0542 MW 11:10-12:35      

Spring 2006

TEXTBOOKS:

Required: Moore, Brookke, and Kenneth Bruder, PHILOSOPHY: The Power of Ideas;

                        6^th Ed., McGraw Hill, 2005. ISBN 0-07-287603-4

Recommended: Biffle, Christopher, A Guided Tour of Five Works by PLATO, 3^rd Ed.

                                    McGraw Hill, 2000. ISBN 0-7674-1033-5

                        Blackburn, Simon: The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy,2^nd Ed., Oxford University

                                    Press, 2006. ISBN 0-19-861014-9

            Student Study Guide: www.mhhe.com/moore6e

GRADING:

            35% Quizzes: The quizzes will usually be announced, not always. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped. Always bring a TCES 9783 to class for                         unannounced quizzes. NO MAKE UP TCES QUIZZES! Take home quizzes may be turned in late, 10% will be deducted for each class day                         late, maximum penalty 50%.

            10% Homework: Homework will be required to be turned in before class. All homework

                        should be typed but will be accepted hand written if readable, 10% will be deducted.

                        Any homework submitted late will be deducted 10% of earned points for each class

                        day late, maximum penalty 50%.

            30% Exams: There will be three exams. The lowest exam score will be dropped. NO MAKE UP EXAMS!

            25% Final: As stated in the Pierce Catalog every student must take the final.

Extra Credit: It is recommended that the student complete the Guided Tour of Plato. Extra credit may also be received for attending philosophy discussion groups or other announced lectures if the student submits in writing a short summary and critique. Extra Credit can raise your grade 4%.

Final grades will be assigned accordingly:

                        90-100%         A        

                        80-89%           B

                        70-79%           C

                        60-69%           D

                        <59%              F

 
ATTENDANCE:

            “All students should be familiar with the Attendance Regulations printed in both the College Catalog and the Schedule of Classes.

            Students are expected to be in class on time and to remain for the entire class period. Medical appointments, work, job interviews, childcare responsibilities, etc. should be arranged so as not to occur during class time. Please do not make requests for exceptions.

Any student who has unexcused absences equaling one week's worth of class time prior to census date (Feb 20^th) may be excluded. Students may drop the class in the Admissions and Records Office, on-line, or by phone on or before April 21. Students should never rely on the instructor to exclude them. Do not call the college office to report absences; you may call my office extension.

            By the last day to add the class, February 16^th, students are responsible to inform the instructor of any anticipated absences due to observance of major religious holidays so that alternative arrangements may be made. Failure to do so may result in an inability to make other arrangements or a lower grade.” (Pierce College Policy)

            Let me make it clear that if you stop attending after February 20th I will not drop you. This is your responsibility. You will have an F on your transcript.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The student will be able to

1. explain how a philosophical question differs from a scientific one

2. contrast a theologically-based approach to philosophical question (e.g. whether human beings have immortal souls) with an approach based solely on reason

3. identify the key positions taken on the basic issues of knowledge and reality by selected figures in the history of philosophy

4. explain the difference between a rational view of knowledge (as in the position taken by Descartes) and an empiricist one (as in the position taken by Locke or Hume)

5. indicate the strengths and weaknesses in rationalism and empiricism

6. define idealism, dualism, materialism

7.analyze the arguments proposed on another side of a selected philosophical issue (whether there is a God or whether human beings have free will)     

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the class the student will be able to:

1. distinguish between proper philosophical approaches to the questions of knowledge and reality and the approaches taken either in science or in theology

2. demonstrate improvement in understanding a developed philosophical argument

3. identify positions taken on the nature of knowledge and the human person by some of the most important figures in Western philosophy, including Plato and Descartes

4. identify the central issues involved in any debate over the existence of God and human free will

5. show an awareness of alternative approaches to philosophy appearing in non-Western thought

COURSE STANDARDS:

            It is the responsibility of each student to come to each class prepared. During this course students are expected to achieve certain specified objectives. All performance assessment depends upon the accomplishment of these outcomes. STUDENTS ARE GRADED ON ACHIEVEMENT, RATHER THAN EFFORT.    

            It is expected that each student will maintain high standards of honesty and ethical behavior. All assignments submitted in fulfillment of course requirements must be the student's own work. Any student who is found, cheating, plagiarizing, or handing in other student's work will be failed.

Disruption in the class distracts other students as well as the professor and will not be tolerated.

            It is assumed that students will perform at college level when preparing for class. Any paper that is to be handed in must be typed and submitted on the due date. Papers not typed will be accepted but will be deducted 10%. Papers handed in late will be penalized 10% per class day late, maximum penalty is 50%.

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS:

            Out of consideration for others please turn your cell phone and pagers off. Even the silent or vibrate mode causes disruption in class to the other students and the professor. If there is a “life or death” situation where you must leave your cell phone on during class please let the professor know before class.

            There are to be NO cell phones or any other electronic equipment out of backpacks during exams or quizzes. If this rule is violated you will earn a Failing grade.

TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE WITH HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:

FINAL EXAM: Monday June 5, 11-1PM

Please bring an evaluation of the class listing at least three positive comments and three areas you would recommend change.

It is my hope that we will have a successful semester with this introductory course. Philosophy will give you an opportunity to think in a brand new way. It will not only expand your critical reasoning skills but it will add meaning to your life.

            Please feel free to contact me if you have ANY comments, questions, or suggestions about the class. It is with your input that we can make this a positive experience for all. While my office hours are limited I am on campus many additional hours and would be glad to meet with you in my office at your convenience. Just let me know when is best for you.