20809260Introduction to Philosophy
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
  1. Explain the main areas of philosophy, a variety of central philosophical problems, and solutions proposed by a number of major philosophers and schools of thought.
    Assessment Strategies
    Completing quizzes, homework assignments, journal/blog entries and/or objective exams
    Participating in class discussions on assigned readings
    Writing one or more papers discussing assigned readings
    Criteria
    learner can name the main ideas of philosophy and summarize the questions that fall under them
    learner can accurately summarize the main ideas of philosophers discussed in the class
    learner can distinguish and accurately summarize the main ideas of philosophical schools of thought discussed in the class

  2. Apply philosophical methods, including: clarifying concepts; analyzing, evaluating and constructing arguments; developing counterexamples; and using thought experiments
    Assessment Strategies
    Completing quizzes, homework assignments, journal/blog entries and/or objective exams
    Participating in class discussions on assigned readings
    Writing one or more papers discussing assigned readings
    Criteria
    learner is able to define key terms and concepts
    learner is able to identify premises and conclusions of arguments in assigned readings, and evaluate the strength of arguments
    learner is able to articulate arguments in support of his or her own views
    learner is able to offer counterexamples

  3. Develop arguments for verbal presentation.
    Assessment Strategies
    participating in class discussions
    participating in group activities in class and/or making a class presentation
    Criteria
    learner demonstrates knowledge of assigned readings
    learner communicates ideas clearly to others
    learner formulates his or her own views on issues being discussed and gives supporting reasons

  4. Develop arguments for written presentation.
    Assessment Strategies
    writing one or more argumentative papers defending a philosophical thesis
    Criteria
    learner states thesis clearly
    learner provides one or more arguments in support of thesis
    learner replies to the most important criticisms and objections

  5. Demonstrate respect for different points of view.
    Assessment Strategies
    Completing quizzes, homework assignments, journal/blog entries and/or objective exams
    Participating in class discussions and group activities
    Listening actively in class
    Criteria
    learner correctly summarizes different views discussed in assigned readings
    learner accurately states views of others in class with whom he or she disagrees

  6. Evaluate different points of view and use them to develop your own ideas.
    Assessment Strategies
    participating in class discussions
    writing one or more argumentative papers defending a philosophical thesis and/or making a class presentation
    Criteria
    learner assesses the strengths and weaknesses of different philosophical positions
    learner explains why his or her views are stronger than alternatives