Syllabus: Introduction to Philosophy

Course: Philosophy 101-01 Teacher: Michael Bazin

Semester: Fall 2010 Voice Mail: 410-334-2999 x 3001
Meetings: T/Th 12:45 p.m.-2:15 p.m. e-mail: Through Blackboard

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Location: AAB 307 Back up: [email protected]

Course Description:

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This course covers the history of philosophy and addresses the problems of religion,
knowledge, reality, morality and politics as they arise in the thoughts of great Eastern
and Western philosophers. Selected issues that underlie personal, social and cultural
ferment in the 20th and 21st centuries are explored in the light of Eastern and Western
classical philosophy.

Texts (an additional reading or two will be online):

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1) Bazin, Michael, ed. Philosophy. New York: McGraw Hill Primis Online,

2008. Print.

2) Tolstoy, Leo. The Death of Ivan Ilyich. New York: Bantam Books, 2004.

Print.
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Course Blackboard Website:

Study guides, e-mail, H.W., “handouts,” some readings, one quiz, and the final exam
are accessed through our course’s Blackboard site. Go to www.worwic.edu, click on
“Blackboard” and follow “Student log-in procedures.” Contact Blackboard
Administrator Safaa Said in AAB 218 [[email protected] or call (410) 334-2961]
with repeated problems with Blackboard.
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PHL 101 COURSE Assessment Goals: What are specific skills I must Assessment Strategies: How will my
OBJECTIVES: What should learn to meet course objectives? skills be assessed?
I be able to do by course’s
end?

1. Explain philosophy as a 1) Discuss the purpose of philosophy. 1) Graded homework and/or

discipline. 2) Interpret the nature of philosophy based on quizzes.
assigned readings, and class discussions, 2) A test.
(GEO 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8) PowerPoints and videos. 3) An essay.
4) Class participation.
5) A comprehensive final exam
(multiple- choice and perhaps
essay parts).

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2. Apply, analyze, and 1) Identify and explain major ethical theories and/or 1) Graded homework and/or
evaluate philosophical social and political concepts. quizzes.
ethical/social theories. 2) Apply major ethical theories and/or social and 2) A test.
political philosophical concepts from course to 3) An essay.
(GEO 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8)

3. Explain, analyze, and

evaluate the reasons behind
philosophical world views.
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real or realistic contexts.
3) Evaluate how well these ideas illuminate contexts
they are applied to.

1) Identify and explain the basic beliefs/rationales

behind major Western and Eastern philosophical
worldviews (concerning the nature of reality).
4) Class participation.
5) A comprehensive final exam
(multiple- choice and perhaps
essay parts).

1) Graded homework and/or

quizzes.
2) A test.
2) Compare and contrast reasons behind 3) Class participation.
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(GEO 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8) different philosophical world views. 4) A comprehensive final exam
3) Evaluate the reasons behind these world views (multiple-choice and
and their implications for the meaning of life. essay parts).

4. Apply, analyze, and 1) Identify and demonstrate the ability to apply 1) Graded homework and/or
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evaluate selected ideas from relevant ideas from the course (philosophy; quizzes.
the course to show how they religious, etc. world views; ethics/social and 2) A test.
might enhance the meaning of political philosophy; and, especially, the 3) Class participation.
a person’s life. meaning of life) to a life in order to suggest 4) A comprehensive final exam
how it could be more meaningful. (multiple-choice and essay parts).
(GEO 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8) 2) Apply and assess various views about
the meaning of life in terms of their Note: The final exam will be taken
potential for enhancing the meaning of a life. on Blackboard, but on campus. A
quiz on Buddhism will be taken on
Blackboard at home.
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Grading Scale:

The scale is 90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; 0-59%=F.

REQUIREMENTS:

A) SOME GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

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1) Support your positions, orally and in writing, with compelling reasons and
specific examples. Show you have thought open-mindedly and critically about
alternatives and possible objections in reaching a conclusion or position.

2) KEEP COPIES OF ALL WORK, BOTH TURNED IN AND RETURNED.

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3) Work turned in in class goes in the “IN” folder at the front, not your individual
folder, which is only for me to return work to you. Work may also be e-mailed
through Blackboard, but you must attend class, and e-mail the work before
class, for it to be “on time.”

4) It is your responsibility to ask for assistance if needed. We can meet by

appointment in the part-time office (AAB 221). I am happy to help!

5) Look over “Tips for Success” and “Conduct” (which affects your participation
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grade) under “General Handouts” on Blackboard!

B) SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS (AND PERCENT OF TOTAL GRADE):

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1) ESSAYS (20%):

These two (not counting the final exam essay) formal essays must be word
processed (typed on a computer), 2 (full)-3 pages, double-spaced, in Times New
Roman 12-point font. You may re-do one essay, BUT... only if you submit the
original with my comments, and make substantive changes.

Late policy: Essays are awarded 3 bonus points for being on time (you must be in
class for it to be on time) and docked 7 points from the grade you earn if late. A
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late essay can be e-mailed through Blackboard, attached in Microsoft Word. After
our last class, late essays may not be graded or may be far more heavily penalized.

Use only assigned course material and your observations, experiences and ideas.
Take pride in doing your own work. Plagiarism is prosecuted!

Refer to the rubric for philosophy essays under “General Handouts” (on
Blackboard) in all stages of writing your essays!

If you want help with writing of an essay (thesis statements, organization, etc.), you
may schedule an appointment with a writing conference instructor by going to
www.worwic.edu and clicking on “Current Students” and then “Learning
Resources” and “Writing Conferences.” Limited time slots are available, so an

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appointment is required. If you cannot keep your appointment, it is your
responsibility to cancel any writing conferences by using this link.

2) TESTS (20%):

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These (three) multiple-choice tests (closed book/no notes) are taken in class on the
day specified in the schedule (except in the rare event you are told otherwise).
Study guides will be posted. Tests cannot normally be made up, and, if allowed
late, are penalized.
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3) FINAL EXAM (30%): [20% Multiple-Choice, 10% Essay.]

This is a cumulative, closed-book/no notes final exam. Although the multiple-

choice portion is online (on Blackboard) the exam must be taken in MTC 200,
where the essay portion will also be word-processed (in Microsoft Word).

A study guide will be posted. The novel figures prominently, as do the thinkers
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from Part III of the course. The final cannot normally be made up (and, if so, only
with significant penalty).

4) HOMEWORK QUESTIONS, BUDDHA QUIZ, ETC. (15 %):

This category includes a quiz on Buddhism (on Blackboard from home), and
possibly other short quizzes, assignments or activities. However, the main
requirement is SUBMITTING HOMEWORK QUESTIONS FOR A READING:
EITHER three (3) of the “Reading” questions (in complete sentences), OR one (1)
of the “Discussion” questions (this can be in outline/prewriting form)—AS
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ASSIGNED TO GROUP “A” OR GROUP “Z” IN CLASS, AND THEN ON

WHICH GROUP DOES WHAT FOR EACH READING IN THE syllabus
SCHEDULE. These questions are in our book at the end of the reading they
are for, or, occasionally, on our Blackboard site under “Homework Questions”
instead. Homework should be word-processed.

You are responsible for thinking about every Homework Question (whether you
had to write on it or not, and whether we discuss it or not).

On time/late policy: Homework Questions are on time if turned in within a week

of when they are listed as due, giving you the benefit of all or most class discussion
before you write, if you wish. Thus if we begin discussing a reading on a Tuesday,
the H.W. Questions must be in on or before the following Tuesday to be on time.

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Beyond that point, 7 points are deducted for lateness. H.W. can also be e-mailed
through Blackboard, attached in Microsoft Word. Homework Questions are not
accepted after the last class, with the possible exception of those for the last reading
or two. Other work handed in after the last class may not be graded at all, and, if
so, may be penalized far more than 7 points.

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Other homework, quizzes, and class activities, are not accepted late.

The lowest grade in this homework, etc. category will be dropped.

6) CLASS PARTICIPATION (5 %):

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You are expected to have wrestled with the reading listed for a given day, and to
have thought about the questions, even if you choose to hand them in later.

Constructive, active participation in individualized, whole class and small group

activities is expected.
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Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking! Be patient. Sometimes I
am trying to keep on schedule/topic, or get others involved. Thus I do not always
call on the first hands up. I do want to hear from everyone as much as possible.

The participation grade also reflects conduct (Review “Conduct” under “General
Handouts” on Blackboard!). Respect and enable the ability of other students to
learn and of the professor to facilitate learning by maintaining a civil, safe, and
encouraging atmosphere. You can challenge ideas, but do not attack a person. We
can all learn from discussion, even when we disagree.
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7) ATTENDANCE (5 %):

You earn eight (4) points per class if present, zero (0) if not, regardless of reason,
and lose points if late or leaving early. If late, tell me right after class, or the record
remains an absence.

With a possible 104 for perfect attendance, you can miss one class and still get a
100, or an “A” for this particular grade, and miss two and still get an 96. This
should help cover (and be saved for) any emergency. Do not ask for absences to be
excused. You cannot earn attendance points without attending. Attendance
patterns tend to affect all grades.

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8) ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT (5 %):
This assignment consists of answering questions (posted on Blackboard), but
related to our reading on Buddhism, which is itself online, rather than in our reader.
Access is explained in the schedule.

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Introductory Note: You are responsible for checking what is coming due (this
schedule is your reminder), and for pacing yourself. For unexpected closings, read
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what we would have discussed, plus the material due on our return. All work listed
under a date (and before the next) is due that day.

Before you start, I would recommend looking over the “Course Overview” on
Blackboard under “General Handouts” to get the “big picture” of the course.
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IMPORTANT: For purposes of Homework Questions, you are in (assigned in

class, and filled in by you accordingly—check your Blackboard e-mail there for an
announcement or e-mail me if you were absent when your group was assigned):

Group “A” if your last name starts with a letter A through _____.

Group “Z” if your last name starts with a letter _____ through Z.

(Class #) 1>> Thursday (9/9/10)

PART I [of the course]: PHILOSOPHY ITSELF

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Introduction to the course and to philosophy.

2>> Tuesday (9/14)

Read: Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” (from “The Republic”) using the Homework
Questions (Reading and Discussion Questions) as a guide.

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[Before, during, and after any reading, always use the Homework Questions
(“Reading” and “Discussion” questions) provided as a reading/study guide.
These help you read productively and prepare for discussions, tests, etc. For this
particular reading, the questions are on Blackboard under the “Homework
Questions” icon, rather than in the book.]

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IF assigned to GROUP A: Word Process and bring answers to three (3) of the
“Reading Questions” (in complete sentences) from the Homework Questions at the
end of the reading above. All three questions cannot be consecutive (see “Reading
Questions Cannot Be Consecutive: Explanation” under “General Handouts” on
Blackboard if you need clarification). Be prepared to discuss all Homework questions.
These directions will be simplified hereafter, but remain the same in intent. Refer
back to these if needed. See also under “Homework, Etc.” under “Specific
Requirements” above.
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IF assigned to GROUP Z: Word Process: Bring answers to one
(1) of the “Discussion Questions” (can be in the form of outline or prewriting) of
your choice from the “Discussion Questions” after the reading above. Be prepared to
discuss all Homework questions. These directions will be simplified hereafter, but
remain the same in intent. Refer back to these if needed. See also under “Homework,
Etc.” under “Specific Requirements” above.
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3>> Thurs. (9/16)

Reading: Plato’s “Apology” (complete)

[Your goal is to be able to answer ALL Reading Questions, including those you
are not submitting. Come with any questions you have or would like to discuss related
to the homework.]
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Homework Questions:

Group A: Answer one (1) “Discussion Question” for this reading.

Group Z: Answer three (3) non-consecutive [All three questions cannot be

consecutive (see “Reading Questions Cannot Be Consecutive: Explanation” under
general handouts if you are not sure what this means).] “Reading Questions” for
this reading.

Note: There is a potentially helpful online version of this reading that you can use as
a supplement or substitute for your book version if you wish. It is found at
http://socrates.clarke.edu/ or by searching for Clarke and “The Last Days of Socrates.”
Once there, click on the link for “Apology.”).

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4>> Tues. (9/21)
Apology continued.

5>> Thurs. (9/23)

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We finish discussing the “Apology.”
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Reading: Plato’s “Phaedo” (selection)

Group A: Answer three (3) non-consequtive “Reading Questions” for this reading.

Group Z: Answer one (1) “Discussion Question” for this reading.

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6>> Tues. (9/28)

“Phaedo” continued.

7>> Thurs. (9/30)

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“Phaedo” completed.

8>> Tues. (10/5)

Read/Study: Lawhead’s (Part of) Appendix: “Reasoning Effectively” (The

appendix, the last selection in our reader, begins on p. 333.)
[FOCUS on the following fallacies: hasty generalization [p.340], ad hominem
(abusive) [p.342, top], false dichotomy [p. 345], straw man [p 346], and wishful
thinking [p.346]. (What are fallacies? See p. 335 margin note.) Avoid these in your

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writings and discussions.

A: Answer one (1) “Discussion Question” for this reading.

Z: Answer three (3) non-consequtive “Reading Questions” for this reading.

9>> Thurs. (10/7)

PART II: ETHICS AND JUSTICE

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Read: Kant’s ``Fundamental Principles of Metaphysics of Morals''
[Read at least parts necessary to answer the Homework Questions]

A: Answer three (3) non-consecutive “Reading Questions” for this reading..

Z: Answer one (1) “Discussion Question” for this reading

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10>> Tues. (10/12)

Take: TEST I (in class) is on the readings and related class and homework
through Part I of the course (meaning material related to the “Allegory of the Cave,”
the “Apology,” and the fallacies we focused on from the Appendix). Check our
Blackboard course site for a study guide for the test.) The test is multiple-choice.
Remember: Tests cannot normally be made up, and then only with major penalty
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Kant’s ethics continued.

11>> Thurs. (10/14)

Kant continued.

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12>> Tues. (10/19)
Kant concluded.

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Care Ethics introduced (class and PowerPoint).

~ESSAY I due. The TOPIC CHOICES will be POSTED under “Essay Topic
Choices” icon on Blackboard. You must write on a topic for your group according to
last name.

Be sure to review the Essay Rubric under “General Handouts”! Essays are to be 2-3
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pages, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12 point font. See under “Requirements”
and “Essays” above for late policy!

Remember: help is available (see under “Requirements” and “Essays” above).

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13>> Thurs. (10/21)

Care Ethics and…

Reading: Manning’s “Just Caring”

A: Do one (1) “Discussion Question” for this reading.

Z: Do three (3) non-consecutive “Reading Questions” for this reading.

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14>> Tues. (10/26)

Manning concluded.

Read: Glaspell’s “Trifles” (complete)

[First, see the corresponding, important “Focus” and “Homework
Questions” on Blackboard. Be prepared to discuss this play.]

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A: Do three (3) non-consecutive “Reading Questions” for this reading.

Z: Do one (1) “Discussion Question” for this reading.

15>> Thurs. (10/28)

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Reading: King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (complete)

A: Answer one (1) “Discussion Question” for this reading.

Z: Answer three (3) non-consecutive “Reading Questions” for this reading

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Suggested Reading: Gandhi’s “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” (no
questions due).
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16>> Tues. (11/2)

Continue discussion of King’s “Letter…”

Reading: King’s “I Have a Dream” speech (complete)

A: Do three (3) non-consecutive “Reading Questions” for this reading.

Z: Do one (1) “Discussion Question” for this reading

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17>> Thurs. (11/4)

King concluded.

18>> Tuesday (11/9)

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Come with any last minute questions about the study guide/material for Test II.

TEST II (in class) The (multiple-choice) test will be on all Part II material on
ethics and civil disobedience (Kant through King). There is much material to review.

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Check Blackboard for the study guide! Remember: Tests cannot normally be made
up, and then only with major penalty.

19>> Thurs. (11/11)

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PART III: REALITY, CHOICE AND MEANING

Note: We will have a visitor. Be SURE to ATTEND, be prepared, and take notes!
There will be a graded, in-class activity.
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Read (ONLINE): Lawhead’s “Rethinking the Western Tradition: Asian

Religions” (Second part on Buddhism ONLY, not Hinduism)
[This reading is only found ONLINE on the companion website for a book by
Lawhead. The link is: www.mhhe.com/lawhead4 . Copy and paste it into your
online browser’s address box, if necessary. Once on the site for William Lawhead’s
Philosophical Journey, 4th ed., select “student edition” on the left side. Next, click on
the drop-down arrow in the white box that says “choose one” (you may have to click
on “contents” first). From the drop-down menu of chapters, choose the last option,
“eastern religions.” Then click on “eastern religions” link. Once on the text, scroll
past “Hinduism” to get to Buddhism! Before reading, see the “Reading” and
“Discussion” questions for this reading by clicking on the “Homework Questions”
icon on our Blackboard page.]
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A: Answer one (1) “Discussion Question” for this (Questions on Blackboard under
“Homework Questions”).

Z: Answer three (3) non-consecutive “Reading Questions” for this (Questions on

Blackboard under “Homework Questions”).

NOTE: The Homework Questions for the online reading on Buddhism will count as
your “Electronic Assignment” grade, not as a homework grade. It is important to get
this done and do it well, as it is worth a whole 5% of your course grade!

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20>> Tues. (11/16)
Buddhism concluded (see above).

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Study: for a quiz on Buddha’s ideas (ON BLACKBOARD—SEE ACESS WINDOW
BELOW). This quiz has no study guide, but is based on our visitor’s talk/your class
notes, and the Homework Questions for the online Buddhism reading above, with the
PowerPoint on Buddha as a possible further resource.)

ESSAY II due. The TOPIC CHOICES will be POSTED under “Essay Topic
Choices” icon on Blackboard. You must write on a topic for this essay, and for your
group according to last name. (Essays should be around 2-3 pages, double-spaced).
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[Tuesday (11/16, noon)—Saturday (11/20, 10:00 p.m.)]:

BUDDHA QUIZ ACCESS WINDOW

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(Quiz due by 10:00 p.m. on 11/20)

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21>> Thurs. (11/18)

Read: Tolstoy’s “My Confession” (selection)

A: Do three (3) non-consecutive “Reading Questions” for this.

Z: Do one (1) “Discussion Question” for this.

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22>> Tues. (11/23)

Tolstoy concluded.

Read: Sartre’s “Existentialism Is Humanism” (selection)

A: Do one (1) “Discussion Question” for this.

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Z: Do three (3) non-consecutive “Reading Questions” for this.

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---Thanksgiving Recess---

23>> Tues. (11/30)

Sartre continued.
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Read: Tolstoy’s novel The Death of Ivan Ilyich (At least Chapters 1-5 of)
[Note: Use the Reading Guide for the novel (On our Blackboard homepage or
you can e-mail me for it) to help reveal important themes. You do not have to turn in
these questions, but answering them for yourself is in your interest. Besides the
physical book, you may want to use a website with explanatory links in the text:
http:// www.sparknotes.com/lit/ivanilych/section1.html. Note: using summaries is no
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substitute for reading the chapters in full, and that reading the novel and using the
reading guide that goes with it are essential to success on the final exam, as well as on
quizzes! The thirty-odd page “Introduction” in the physical book is not required, but
may be helpful.

[Keep in mind these two overall questions: How does Ivan Ilyich, for most of his
existence, embody a non-philosophical, unexamined life? How might the
philosophers and approaches we studied throughout the course have helped Ivan to
live more meaningfully?]

Use: (reflect and perhaps take notes on) the Reading Guide for the novel (On our
Blackboard homepage) to help reveal important themes in the novel as you read.
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24>> Thurs. (12/2)

Quiz on novel (Ch. 1-5) possible (such quizzes cannot be made up).

Sartre concluded.

Reading: Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich (Chapters 6-12)

[Review “Note” after the first part of the novel (above)!]

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Use: (Continue reflecting and perhaps taking notes on) the Reading Guide for the
novel (found on Blackboard homepage) to help reveal important themes.

REMEMBER: the novel is essential to the final.

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Come with any questions related to the Test III study guide!

25>> Tues. (12/7)

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TEST III (in class) (Please note that this is NOT the final exam!)
[As usual, there will be a study guide for this multiple-choice test. Studying for Test
III will help you on the final exam as well! This exam (Exam III) covers the third and
final part of the course, including Buddha, Sartre, and Tolstoy (both Tolstoy’s essay
and the FIRST SIX CHAPTERS of his novel). The last six chapters of the novel
(along with all course readings) will be on the final.]
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We choose TBA reading (look over ones we have not done in our reader so you can
ask for a favorite for us to do as a class), and assign questions.

26>> Thurs. (12/9) [Our last class]

Reading: (one of the ones in our Reader that we have not done) TBA (to be
announced).
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Group A/Z Questions assigned TBA.

Bring any questions you have related to the Final Exam Study Guide so we can
most productively review for the final, as time allows.

TUESDAY (12/14): FINAL EXAM

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~REVIEW/STUDY for the multiple-choice part of the final exam using the STUDY
GUIDE on our Blackboard course website! The essay topic will be posted on
Blackboard under “Study Guides” so you can prepare for it. The essay must be
word-processed from scratch during the exam.

and 2:00 p.m. PL

Take: FINAL EXAM… in MTC 200 between 12 noon

------------------------------------- End of Schedule -------------------------------------

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS STATEMENT:

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In the event of a flu epidemic or other emergency that results in the suspension of classes, faculty will
be communicating with students about their courses and course requirements, such as assignments, quiz
and exam dates, and class and grading policies, via faculty websites or Blackboard. Students will be
responsible for completing all these assignments in accordance with class policies. Information about
the resumption of classes will be communicated via the College's website and email system.
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Academic Honesty Policy (GEO 8)

Academic honesty is expected of all students. Cheating and plagiarism are violations of academic
honesty. Any student who has violated the academic honesty policy will be denied credit for the
assignment, and then the matter will be turned over to the Student-Faculty Disciplinary Committee.
Documented evidence of the offense will be kept in the Arts and Humanities Department office.
Plagiarism: In both oral and written communication, the following guidelines for avoiding
plagiarism must be followed:
1. Any words quoted directly from a source must be in quotation marks (for a written communication)
and cited.
2. Any paraphrasing or rephrasing of the words and\or ideas of a source must be cited.
3. Any ideas or examples derived from a source that are not in the public domain or of general
knowledge must be cited.
4. All papers and presentations must be the student's own work.
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Students who are confused about what constitutes plagiarism should meet with their instructor.

Cheating: Cheating is the act of obtaining information or data improperly or by dishonest or

deceitful means. Examples of cheating include copying from another student's test paper, obtaining
information illegally on tests, and using unauthorized electronic devices.

MLA Handbook Research Guidelines:

This course follows the research guidelines of the Modern Language Association (MLA), most recently
revised in 2009 in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th ed.).

Note: See “General Handouts” on Blackboard for my additional note on plagiarism.

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