Course Syllabus
Introduction to Philosophy
Houston Community College (Central Campus)
Summer II 2013
M-F 12-2pm
EDC a202
G. A. Meadows, Adjunct Instructor
Email: geoffrey.meadows@hccs.edu
Office Hours: By appointment.
Required texts:
Plato, Five Dialogues, trans. G. M. A. Grube (rev. John M. Cooper), 2 nd edition (Indianapolis: Hackett, 2002).
Plato, Republic, trans. G. M. A. Grube (rev. C.D.C. Reeve), 2 nd edition (Indianapolis: Hackett, 1992).
Rene Descartes, Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy, trans. Donald A. Cress, 4th edition
(Indianapolis: Hackett, 1998).
Additional reading materials will be provided via printouts.
The aim of the course:
In this course, we will attempt to become familiar with the philosophical tradition through the writings of some of its
greatest figures. Given the limitations of the course, we will carefully examine the Greeks in their own right and in
light of their permanent influence upon western philosophy generally.
Philosophy is better actively discussed than passively received. We will endeavor to make the classroom an occasion
for discussion and friendly disputation. I expect that you will treat one another with respect especially when you
find yourself in a disagreement.
Reading schedule:
TBD
Assignments and Grading:
You will be assigned to write commentaries on a selection from each text.. These commentaries will constitute 40%
of your grade for the course. Class participation will constitute 20% and one final essay will constitute another 30%.
This leaves the final at 10%. A = 100-93%, A- = 90-92, B+ = 87-89, B = 83-86, B- = 80-82, C+ = 77-79, C = 73-76,
C- = 70-72, D = 60-69, F = 59 and below. Due to time constraints in summer sections, I cannot accept late work
except in the most exigent of circumstances (i.e., your excuse better be really, really good).
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Attendance/Participation:
HCC commands that you attend class; this is deemed especially important in summer sections. To earn participation
you must be present and provide thoughtful comments and questions. If you do not show up, just know that I am a
professor who will improvise and alter the course as it goes along; anything I say in class will count as promulgated.
Hence, if you are not there to hear it and are unaware of the alterations, your grade might be negatively affected.
Those in college to learn something worth knowing, I suspect, will do so in this class. It is generally speaking a good
idea to notify me when you are going to be absent and the reason for it.
Disclaimer:
This syllabus is subject to change at the professor’s discretion.
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