HONORS PHILOSOPHY
MR. WRIGHT – ROOM 260W
dwright@crsd.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION
“The primary purpose of an introductory course in philosophy for seniors is to train students in the
comprehension and manipulation of abstract ideas and to provide them with a means of dealing with
varying points of view in an orderly, logical, and rational fashion.”
Classroom Goals
1. Feel intellectual discomfort in the classroom
2. Incorporate a “challenge by choice” attitude - find intrinsic motivation in at least
one activity every day in class.
3. Actively participate in class more than 90% of the time.
COURSE OUTLINE (Subject to change)
Marking Period 1 – “Thinking like a Philosopher”, “Metaphysics –The study of
reality and existence”
 Summer Reading - Ishmael, Lord of the Flies, Fahrenheit 451
 The Republic, Plato
Marking Period 2 – “Epistemology –The study of knowledge”/ “Theology – The
study of the existence of God?”
 Einstein’s Dreams, Alan Lightman
 Candide, Voltaire
Marking Period 3 – “Political Theory – The study of the relationship between human
behavior and government”
 Anthem, Ayn Rand
 Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx
 The Social Contract, Jean – Jacques Rousseau
Marking Period 4 – “Ethics – “How should humans behave?”
 Supplemental materials from The Fundamentals of Philosophy, 2nd Edition –
Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Nietszche
 Ethics Case Studies through the Applied Ethics Institute, University of
California, San Diego.
Non – negotiable Expectations
1. Be Punctual and Present
2. Agree to Disagree
3. Respect Confidentiality - DO NOT use individuals names when discussing
issues outside of the classroom
4. This is a “Safe Zone”
 Regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, religion, age, ability, and gender identity/expression you
will be treated and respected as a human being. BULLYING AND
HARRASSMENT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
SKILL OBJECTIVES
“To Promote the Growth of the 21st Century Global Citizen”
Throughout the course, students should be able to:
1. Build oral communication, presentation, and research skills.
2. Increase the validity of arguments dealing with abstract ideas through reading,
research, and discussion (Proving/Disproving vs. Approving/Disapproving)
3. Collaborate with peers of diverse perspectives and use problem solving
techniques in addressing philosophical dilemmas.
4. Gain empathy with the different philosophical ideas of others (A–ha’s! not
ouches).
5. Utilize one’s creativity, imagination, and insight in order to express a specific
work’s influence on one’s own life (Use your talents!).
GRADES
Each Marking Period will be based on a total of 100 points. The following percentages are as follows
 Journal Responses
 Mid – MP Quiz
 Reflective Assignment
 Formative In Class Assessments
 Unit Presentations
 Active Participation
 Unit Exams
_________________________________________________________________
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
15 pts.
20 pts.
25 pts.
100 pts.
 Returning of Assessments – All summative assignments will be sent home with students for
review except for the Final Exam.
 Seniors who have an A average entering the Final Exam are excused from the final
 Extra Credit opportunities are available. All proposals must be made within three weeks of
the end of each marking period and ALL mandatory assignments should be complete at the
time of proposal
CLASSROOM MATERIALS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pen/Pencil
Highlighter
Class Binder (1 inch minimum)
One Subject Notebook
WORK OUTSIDE OF CLASS
The purpose of work outside of class is to build skills such as time management, discipline, interpersonal
thought, and following directions.
 Assessments (Reflections) handed in late are penalized a letter grade each day. It
is your responsibility to hand in the assignment on the due date. This can be
done through email, the teacher’s mailbox, or another student handing it in for
you. See Mr. Wright if you have any extenuating circumstances.
 Students are responsible for 3 - 5 multiple – day journal assignments each
marking period. To receive full credit, the student’s work should follow
directions, be fully complete, and be on time in the classroom.
 If you are absent the day of a Presentation, you must notify me by 7:15 a.m. the
day of the presentation via email or department phone (215-944-1333). If you do
not do this, your presentation grade will be penalized two letter grades.
Supplemental Materials Used to Support the
Curriculum
Scenes from the following movies/films (if time allows):
The Incredibles
Roshoman
The Matrix*
Quiz Show
The Cider House Rules
* Rated R – official School Board Policy followed. Visit CRSD Intranet to view paperwork
Textbooks / Literature:
Albom, Mitch. Tuesdays with Morrie, 1997.
Barth, Roland S. Learning By Heart, 2001.
Blackburn, Simon. Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, 1996.
Blocker, H. Gene and Stewart, David. The Fundamentals of Philosophy, 2nd
Edition, 1987.
Miller, Ed. L. Questions That Matter: An Invitation to Philosophy, 1984.
Stokes, Philip. Philosophy: 100 Essential Thinkers, 2001.
Various websites pertaining to current events and philosophy (visit our
webpage for working list)
MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES
1. HALL PASS PRIVELEGE: Please sign in/out and use the class hall pass. The
Hall Pass is a privilege, therefore; it can be taken away if abused.
2. FOOD IN CLASS: Water and small snacks are allowed in class.
3. CELL PHONE POLICY: This class will follow school policy on cell phones.
Phones/IPods are only allowed with teacher discretion. Consistent violation
of cell phone policy can lead to referrals and/or loss of active participation
points.
ANY STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS, PLEASE SEE MR. WRIGHT