Religion Department
Course Code: HZT 4U1
Course Name: Grade 12 University Preparation Philosophy
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Prerequisite: Any University/University Course in English, and HRE 3M1 (World Religions)
Course Overview:
This course addresses three (or more) of the main areas of philosophy: research and inquiry skills (logic),
metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Students will learn critical thinking skills, the main ideas expressed by
philosophers from a variety of the world’s traditions, especially Catholic philosophers, how to develop and explain
their own philosophical ideas, and how to apply those ideas to contemporary social issues and personal experiences.
The course will also help students refine skills used in researching and investigating topics in philosophy.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
Unit 1: Introduction and Logic
Correctly use the terminology of philosophy
Identify the main areas of philosophy, and analyse philosophical arguments within them
Demonstrate an understanding of the unique character of philosophical questions
Effectively use a variety of print and electronic sources and telecommunications tools in research
Effectively communicate the results of their inquiries
Unit 2: Metaphysics
Summarize the main questions, concepts, and theories of metaphysics
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of responses to some of the main questions of metaphysics defended by some major
philosophers and schools of philosophy, and defend their own responses
Demonstrate the relevance of metaphysical questions and theories to everyday life
Illustrate how metaphysical theories are presupposed in other subjects.
Unit 3: Epistemology
Identify the main questions, concepts, and theories of epistemology
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of responses to some of the main questions of epistemology defended by some major
philosophers and schools of philosophy, and defend their own responses
Demonstrate the relevance of philosophical theories of epistemology to concrete problems in everyday life
Explain how different epistemological theories apply to subject areas such as psychology.
Unit 4: Ethics
Demonstrate an understanding of the main questions, concepts, and theories of ethics
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of responses to ethical questions and moral problems defended by some major
philosophers and schools of philosophy, and defend their own responses
Illustrate the relevance of philosophical theories of ethics to concrete moral problems in everyday life
Demonstrate an understanding of how philosophical theories of ethics are implicit in other subjects.
EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO MEET THE INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS OF STUDENTS IN ORDER TO
ENSURE THESE EXPECTATIONS ARE BEING MET.
Course Breakdown / Evaluation Structure
Resources:
Your Term Mark (70%) consists of the following mark
breakdown:
TEXTBOOK – Philosophy – A Text with Readings
– This text will be signed out to each student for the
duration of the semester. Any damage or loss incurred
will result in payment for replacement. The replacement
cost of the textbook will be $105.00. Students may also
have use of the Bible and the Cathechism of the
Catholic Church (CCC).
Knowledge & Understanding
(25%)
Thinking & Inquiry
(25%)
Communication
(25%)
Evaluation Policy
Making Connections
(25%)
Your summative work (30%) at the end of the course consists of:
Culminating Activity
Final Examination
(10%)
(20%)
Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the
work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing
feedback will include assessing work in process &
evaluating completed assignments, tests, activities,
simulations and presentations. Peer and self-evaluations
may also be used.
Students marks will be determined using the 4 categories and the 4 levels/percentage grade. Please see the chart below for specific skills
and key words used to determine student competency in the different categories.
Level
Category
Knowledge/Understanding
Knowledge of facts & terms
Understanding of concepts & relationships
Thinking/Inquiry
Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Inquiry Skills
Level 1:
50-59%
Level 2:
60-69%
Level 3:
70-79%
Level 4:
80-100%
-Limited display
of knowledge,
skills and ability
to apply
concepts
-Some success
in displaying
knowledge,
skills and
application of
concepts
-Considerable
display of
knowledge skills
and ability to
apply concepts
-Thorough
understanding of
concepts and
ability to
communicate,
think creatively
and apply
concepts
Communication
Communication of ideas and information
Use of symbols & visuals
Oral & written communication
Application
Applications in familiar contexts
Transfer of concepts to new contexts
Making logical conclusions and predictions
Use of technology
Making connections
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like working independently, team work, organization, work habits and
homework, and initiative are assessed independently. Student achievement will be conducted through the use of a rubric indicating specific
criteria to be achieved to receive each of the following letter grades:
E –Excellent
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
Other Evaluation Issues:
i.e. summative assessment, late assignments, missed tests/quizzes, plagarism
See agenda or school website (Assessment and Evaluation Policy of DPCDSB)
Rules and Expectations:
i.e. Course materials, Attendance (absences/lates), uniforms, homework,
classroom behaviour
See agenda or school website for guidelines
If you have any questions regarding any of the above information, please do not hesitate to
contact me at the school at (905) 846-7124, ext. 72157
Student Signature: __________________________
Parent Signature: ______________________________