HONORS PHILOSOPHY
MR. WRIGHT – ROOM 260W
dwright@crsd.org
215-944-1333
Classroom Goals
1. 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. 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. Actively participate in class more than 90% of the time – ‘You get out
what you put in.’
Expectations to Meet Goals
1. “Be Punctual and Present” – Be on time, bring the necessary materials, and
focus on our lesson
2. “Agree to disagree”
3. “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
 Presentations – Concepts of Metaphysics
Marking Period 2 – “Epistemology –The study of knowledge”/ “Theology – The
study of the existence of God?”




Einstein’s Dreams, Alan Lightman
Presentations – Concepts of 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”




Anthem, Ayn Rand
Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx
The Social Contract, Jean – Jacques Rousseau
Presentations – Political Theories
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
Highlighter
Class Binder (1 inch minimum)
One Subject Notebook
Mini – White Board & Marker
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:
Albom, Mitch. Tuesdays with Morrie, 1997.
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. Developing at least one effective presentation and / or debate skill.
2. Showing improvement/progress in at least one specified skill identified by your
GIEP.
3. Increasing the validity of their thoughts with at least one philosophical topic
through reading, research, and/or discussion (Proving/Disproving vs.
Approving/Disapproving)
4. Using the ‘Socratic method’ of critical thinking in addressing a philosophical
concept.
5. Thinking open – mindedly with at least one philosophical issue with which
you’re not comfortable (A–ha’s! not ouches).
GRADING
Each Marking Period will be based on a total of 100 points. The following grade categories are:
 Journal Responses*
10 pts.
 Mid – MP Summative Assessment (Quiz)
10 pts.
 Reflective Assignment*
10 pts.
 Formative In Class Assessments
10 pts.
 Unit Presentations*
15 pts.
 Active Participation
20 pts.
 Unit Exams
25 pts.
_________________________________________________________________
100 pts.
 Returning of Assessments – All summative assignments will be sent home with students
for review except for the Final Exam.
 Seniors – If you have an A average entering the Final Exam you are excused from the final
 Extra Credit – EC opportunities are available. All proposals should be made within three
weeks of the end of each marking period and ALL mandatory assignments should be
complete before asking for EC.
*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 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.
 Reflections – Reflections handed in late are penalized a letter grade each day. It
is your responsibility to hand in the assignment on the due date even if you are
absent. See Mr. Wright if you have any extenuating circumstances.
 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.
2.
3.
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.
FOOD IN CLASS: Water and small snacks are allowed in class.
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.
4. ANY STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, PLEASE SEE MR. WRIGHT