EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE CODE
PHIL104
COURSE LEVEL First Year
COURSE TITLE
Philosophical Issues
COURSE TYPE
Faculty Core
LECTURER(S)
Mehmet M. Erginel
Office: AS 317 Office phone: 2416
Office Hours: Tues. 13:30-14:20, Thurs. 10:30-12:20
E-mail: mehmet.erginel@emu.edu.tr
CREDIT VALUE
3
PREREQUISITES
None
ECTS VALUE
SEMESTER
OFFERED
2013-2014
Spring
Semester
6
COREQUISITES
None
DURATION OF COURSE One Semester
WEB LINK
My website: http://brahms.emu.edu.tr/merginel/
Facebook for my students: http://www.facebook.com/phil.emu
EMU Open Courseware: http://opencourses.emu.edu.tr/
AIMS
The aim of this course is to introduce students to Philosophy through the study of some basic issues that have
been important in the history of Western Philosophy. We will examine issues in different fields of philosophy,
such as political philosophy, philosophy of mind, epistemology, and moral philosophy (ethics). Students will be
expected to develop the ability to think critically about these issues, to develop and to communicate their own
views.
GENERAL LEARNING OUTCOMES (COMPETENCES)
On successful completion of this course, all students will be able to:
 Explain what philosophy is about, and what the main issues in philosophy are
 Explain some of the main issues in philosophy, and what the most influential views on those issues
are
 Show the ability to offer and evaluate arguments for, or against, a view
 Apply critical thinking, by showing that they can respond critically to issues, form and articulate
opinions as well as justify them in both the written and spoken medium
 Exhibit academic honesty and avoid plagiarism of all sorts
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER COURSES
This course is meant to provide the students with philosophical and theoretical tools that can be applied in their
other courses as well. The ability to argue for their views in a clear way will also benefit them throughout their
undergraduate education.
LEARNING / TEACHING METHOD
This course will be conducted primarily through a combination of lectures and classroom discussion. Students
will also be expected to engage in self-directed learning through homework requiring research.
ASSIGNMENTS
None
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Quizzes: 30%
Midterm: 30%
Final: 40%
There will also be 5 points of extra credit for classroom participation.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required. Students who attend less than 50% of classes and/or whose submission of required
work and attendance at examinations is unsatisfactory, may receive an NG grade.
TEXTBOOK/S
Warburton, N. 1992. Philosophy: The Basics (fifth edition). Routledge (London).
EXTENDED READING LIST
Further reading materials may be assigned during the semester.
TENTATIVE CONTENT & SCHEDULE
Group 1: Tues. 10:30-12:20, Thurs. 14:30-15:20
1
WEEK
DATE
TOPICS
1
Feb. 24-28
Introduction and Orientation
2
Mar. 3-7
God
3
Mar.10-14
God
4
Mar. 17-21
God / Right and Wrong
5
Mar. 24-28
Right and Wrong
6
Mar 31-Apr 4
Right and Wrong
7
Apr 7-10
Right and Wrong
7-8-9
Apr 11-22
Mid-Term Exam Period
9
Apr 23
Holiday
9
Apr 24-25
Politics
10
Apr 28-May 2
Politics
10
May 1
Holiday
11
May 5-9
Politics
12
May 12-16
Mind
13
May 19
Holiday
13
May 20-23
Mind
14
May 26-30
Mind
15
June 2-5
June 9-24
Wrap-up and Review
16-18
Final Exam Period
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty refers to any form of misrepresentation of student abilities, including, but not limited to,
cheating on exams, plagiarism, and submitting work that has been composed, translated and/or substantially
edited by someone else. Please refer to the Eastern Mediterranean University web site for a complete
description of the Regulations for Student Discipline (http://mevzuat.emu.edu.tr/).
MAKE-UP POLICY
 There will be no make-up options for the in-class assignments.
 There will be no make-up options for the quizzes.
 After the final exam there will be a make-up exam, for people who missed either the midterm exam or
the final exam with legitimate and documented excuses. In order to be able to take the cumulative
make-up exam, valid documentation should be provided to the Psychology Department Administration
within 3 days of the scheduled exam that is missed. It is students’ responsibility to check with the
Psychology department for the make-up schedule.
ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
No extensions will be granted on assignment deadlines. Late work will not be accepted.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
Students must come to class on time – coming in late is disruptive and will not be tolerated. All requests for
grade re-evaluations on exams, quizzes and class assignments must be made within three days after grades
are announced. No grade changes will be made based on personal reasons. Please refer to the Psychology
Department web site for a complete description of classroom policies.
2