Syllabus

Philosophy 1 -- Introduction to Philosophy

Fall 2021

Section 16240

Oct. 4 through Nov. 5

Professor Kerrin McMahan

Contact information:

1. Use the message tool on the Canvas site.
2. Or use my email, mcmahakm@elac.edu

In lieu of scheduled office hours, which few students take advantage of, I will be glad to answer your written message or talk to you via Zoom at a mutually convenient time. Or use the “Ask the Instructor” discussion topic.

About this class:

• Catalog description: In this course, students are provided with an understanding of the major topics in philosophy with an emphasis on primary philosophical texts, including metaphysics,
  epistemology and axiology. Students experience philosophy as an activity characterized by asking questions and answering them through persistent, critical analysis. The study of philosophy helps satisfy higher-level human needs, increases personal awareness, deepens tolerance, refines analytical powers, and equips us to deal with life’s uncertainties.
• Official course learning outcomes: PHILOS001 - INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
• Differentiate between a philosophical question and a non-philosophical question.
• Select between an epistemological, metaphysical and ethical concern.
• Length of this class: THIS IS A FIVE-WEEK CLASS. I encourage you not to fall behind.
• Are there any in-person meetings? No. This is a 100% online class. It is asynchronous, which means there is no set time when you must be online. However, this is NOT a work-at-your-own-pace class. There are deadlines for all assignments. 
• If you are registered with the DSPS office and need an accommodation, please have them notify me.

Textbook information: Our textbook is available at no cost to you on the course Canvas site. It is titled “Introduction to Philosophy Reader.”

Class schedule:

Oct. 4-10        Unit One: Knowledge and Skepticism

Oct. 11-17     Unit Two: Personal Identity and the Mind-Body Problem

Oct. 18-24     Unit Three: Philosophy of Religion

Oct. 25-31     Unit Four: Free Will, Determinism, and Responsibility

Nov. 1-7         Unit Five: Ethics

How this class is graded:

Each unit has a graded discussion and a graded quiz. Each discussion is worth up to 15 points. Each quiz is worth up to 10 points. That’s 5 discussions and 5 quizzes. Total points available = 125.

A         112+

B         100-111

C         87-99

D         75-86

F          0-74

It’s very straightforward. You can check your points on the course site at your convenience. Don’t miss deadlines.