HONORS PHILOSOPHY
MR. WRIGHT – ROOM 260W
dwright@crsd.org
@CRN_Hoops
215-944-1333
Classroom Culture
1. We will feel intellectual discomfort in the classroom - acknowledge it,
and learn from the experience at least once this year. “If we’re ALL thinking
alike; someone isn’t thinking.” - GP
2. We will incorporate a “challenge by choice” attitude - find intrinsic
motivation in at least one activity every day in class. “There is nothing noble in
being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your
former self.” - EH
3. We will “be punctual and present” – Be on time, bring the necessary
materials, and focus on our lesson
4. We will “agree to disagree” – If we are ALL thinking the same
way, someone isn’t thinking!
5. This class will be 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
harassment will not be tolerated.
COURSE CONTENT (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
 Concepts in Metaphysics
Marking Period 2 – “Epistemology –The study of knowledge”/ “Theology – The
study of the existence of God?”
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Einstein’s Dreams, Alan Lightman
Concepts in Epistemology
Candide, Voltaire
Logical/Non – logical Approaches to the Existence of God
Marking Period 3 – “Political Theory – The study of the relationship between human
behavior and government”
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Anthem, Ayn Rand
Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx
The Social Contract, Jean – Jacques Rousseau
Applications in Political Theory
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.
 Personal Philosophy Presentations
CLASSROOM MATERIALS
 Highlighter, Class Binder (1 inch minimum) with folder and notebook paper
Supplemental Materials Used to Support the
Curriculum (subject to change)
Scenes from the following movies/films (if time allows):
The Matrix*
Roshoman
The Incredibles
Quiz Show
The Cider House Rules
* Rated R – official School Board Policy followed. Visit CRSD Intranet to view paperwork
Textbooks / Literature:
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)
SKILL OBJECTIVES
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.”
Throughout the course, students should be able to advance
their critical thinking skills through:
1. Showing improvement/progress in at least one specified skill identified by your
GIEP.
2. Increasing the validity of their thoughts with at least one philosophical topic
through reading, research, and/or discussion (Proving/Disproving vs.
Approving/Disapproving)
3. Using the ‘Socratic method’ of critical thinking in addressing a philosophical
concept.
4. Thinking open – mindedly (Empathetic intelligence) with at least one
philosophical issue with which you’re not comfortable (A–ha’s! not ouches).
5. Reflecting on how a wide variety of philosophical topics can help one gain
greater understanding of one’s identity (What makes ‘you’, ‘you’!)
GRADING
Each Marking Period will be based on a total of 100 points. The following grade categories are:
 Quiz
10 pts.
 Reflective Assignment*
10 pts.
 Formative In Class Assessments
10 pts.
 Journal Responses*
15 pts.
 Unit Presentations*
15 pts.
 Active Participation
20 pts.
 Unit Exams
20 pts.
100 pts.
*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.
 Journals - Students are responsible for 3 - 5 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. (See Rubric)
 You are responsible to hand in assignments on the due date even if you are
absent. You may email your work to dwright@crsd.org before the start of 1st
period in order to receive full credit. Mr. Wright will be flexible with
extenuating circumstance. Please see Mr. Wright if you have any questions.
 Reflections handed in late are penalized a letter grade each day.
 Presentations - 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 (215-9441333). If you do not do this, your presentation grade will be penalized two letter
grades.
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. Please leave
other food/drinks in your bag or leave on the counter as you enter the room.
3. CELL PHONE POLICY: This class will follow school policy on cell phones.
Electronic Devices are only allowed with teacher discretion - RED LIGHT
(NOT ALLOWED) / GREEN LIGHT (ALLOWED). Consistent violation of
cell phone policy can lead to referral, loss of privileges, and/or loss of active
participation points.
4. Returning of Assessments – All assignments will be sent home with students
for review except for the Final Exam.
5. Senior Privilege – If you have an A average entering the Final Exam you are
excused from the final
6. Extra Credit – EC opportunities are available. All proposals should be made
in the first three weeks of each marking period and ALL mandatory
assignments should be complete before asking for EC.
ANY STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS, PLEASE SEE MR.
WRIGHT