SYLLABUS: PHIL-101. INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY.

Instructor: Jim Stockton
Office: 1019 Lincoln Hall; Rm. # 108. Lincoln Ave. is east of the Student Union building, branching off of University Drive. When facing east, Lincoln Hall is on the right-hand side of the street. It is the two story brick building with the parking lot in front. Facing the building, the Philosophy department is on the left-hand side. The first door will lead you to my office.
Office Phone: 426-2127
E-mail: jstockto@boisestate.edu & jstheology@qwest.net

Learning Objectives: PY-101 is designed to enable students to:

1) Understand and appreciate the Western tradition of philosophical thought.
2) Understand the basic concepts and arguments in selected areas of philosophy. For example: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and aesthetics.
3) Strengthen skills in analysis, reasoning, and problem solving through the reading and discussion of diverse philosophical texts.
4) Effectively communicate the aforementioned and exercise those skills in the composition of accurate, insightful, detailed, and well-organized essays; and/or respond to similar questions appearing on examinations.

Required Text:

Schoedinger, Andrew B., ed. Our Philosophical Heritage.

               4th ed. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt, 2006.

Course Requirements and Grading:

 

Students are expected to:
1) Attend class, take pertinent notes, and complete all of the assigned work on time.
2) Read the assigned material prior to the class session when the material is to be discussed. Reading assignments are announced in class a lecture or two ahead of time.
3) Maintain a willingness to look at a given argument from more than one perspective.

TESTS:
There will be 5 multiple-choice, T/F, matching, and/or short answer tests corresponding to the material covered in 5 distinct sections. The first two tests will be 33 to 40 questions in length. The third, fourth, and fifth tests will be 50 questions in length. These are very difficult tests and should not be taken lightly. Tests will be announced a week ahead of time. The last test (#5) will be taken during Finals Week. All tests are progressive. There

are no comprehensive exams. Test(s) dates will be announced a week ahead of time.

 

STUDY QUESTIONS OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT:

 

Throughout each section, I will be assigning 3 to 5 (optional) SQ exercises for those students who wish to earn extra credit toward their respective test score. To obtain the additional credit (10 to 15 points) all of the SQs must be completed, as instructed, and turned in prior to taking the test. Incorrect, insincere, or sloppy work will not be accepted, and will not be awarded any points. All of the assigned SQs must be turned in to warrant any credit. There is no partial credit.

 

GRADING:

 

Averages: Over the last three years my Intro. Sections have shown a mean average of 11% of the students earning a grade of A. In a class of 40 this equates to 4 to 5 students receiving an A. On an average, near to 50% of my students earn a B; and I see nothing shameful about finishing the term with a C.

POINTS: Each test is worth 100 points. Total points possible: 500. The scale is as follows:

500-470: A    /   469-450: A-

449-435: B+  /    434-415: B   /  414-400: B-
399-385: C+  /  384-365: C    /  364-350: C-

349-300: D
299-0: F

Students should note that the BSU registrar has adopted a plus, minus grading system; and that this means of grading will be employed by your instructor. A discretionary proportion of your final grade is based upon attendance, promptness, and the overall quality of your course work.

TESTS OR SQs CANNOT BE MADE-UP OR RE-TAKEN.

 

Please Note the Following Classroom Policies:

1) Turn cell phones off during lecture.
2) I do not appreciate it when people leave (with no prior explanation) during class time, fall asleep in class, or show up intoxicated or too stoned to pay attention. Nor do I tolerate talking or whispering to others when myself, or someone else, is speaking. I take such rude behavior seriously, as well as personally, and will dismiss rude students from the class. Students who are told to leave, will not be allowed to return--and will fail the class.
3) On test days students will be required to place their backpacks, purses, book-bags, or other loosely carried items by the far wall of the classroom. Desks must be entirely clear of all items (including cell-phones, cups, and wallets). Sweatshirts and large loosely fit coats must be taken off and placed behind the student's chair or with the backpacks. No hats.