Course Information
Description
Philosophy involves the critical examination of our fundamental beliefs, values and practices. This course introduces the fields, methods and history of philosophy, and gives students the opportunity to explore some issues (e.g., the possibility of knowledge, the existence of God, free will, the nature of morality) in depth and to develop the ability to think, speak and write critically about complex questions.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
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Explain the main areas of philosophy, a variety of central philosophical problems, and solutions proposed by a number of major philosophers and schools of thoughtAssessment StrategiesOral or written product and/or examCriteriaName the main ideas of philosophy and summarize the questions that fall under themSummarize the main ideas of philosophers discussedDistinguish the main ideas of philosophical schools of thought discussed
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Apply philosophical methods: develop analytical reading skillsAssessment StrategiesOral or written product and/or examCriteriaDefine key terms and conceptsIdentify premises and conclusions of arguments in readings and reconstruct the argumentsArticulate arguments in support of your own views
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Apply philosophical methods: clarifying concepts and reconstructing argumentsAssessment StrategiesOral or written product and/or examCriteriaDefine key terms and conceptsIdentify premises and conclusions of arguments in readings and reconstruct the argumentsArticulate arguments in support of your own views
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Apply philosophical methods: evaluating arguments and developing counterexamples; and using thought experimentsAssessment StrategiesOral or written product and/or examCriteriaDefine key terms and conceptsIdentify premises and conclusions of arguments in readings and evaluate the strength of argumentsArticulate arguments in support of your own viewsGenerate/offer counterexamples
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Develop arguments for verbal presentationAssessment StrategiesOral productCriteriaPresentation includes content from readingsCommunicate ideas clearly to othersFormulate your own views on issues being discussed and generate supporting reasons
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Develop arguments for written presentationAssessment StrategiesOral or written productCriteriaState thesis clearlyProvide one or more arguments in support of thesisCreate response to the most important criticisms and objections
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Demonstrate respect for different points of viewAssessment StrategiesOral or written product and/or examCriteriaSummarize different views discussed in readingsState views of others in class which disagree with your view(s)Arguments are well-structured with clear premises and conclusions
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Evaluate different points of view and use them to develop your own ideasAssessment StrategiesOral or written product and/or examCriteriaAssess the strengths and weaknesses of different philosophical positionsExplain why your views are stronger than alternativesArguments are well-structured with clear premises and conclusions