Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division name: HUMANITIES & FINE ARTS
COURSE PREFIX & NUMBER: PHIL 296
COURSE TITLE: Studies in Philosophy
DATE PREPARED:
September 12, 1994
DATE REVISED: January 20, 2006
PCS/CIP/ID NO: 11 240101 01
IAI NO. (if available):
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: January, 1995
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS:
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (Include specific prerequisites):
An introductory philosophy course with variable content that focuses on an area of
philosophy such as Philosophy of Religion, Feminist Philosophy, non-Western Philosophy,
or Existentialism. Students will critically interpret and analyze philosophical texts that are
representative of a particular sub-field of philosophy. Because the subjects and texts will vary
each semester, PHIL 296 may be repeated for a total of six credit hours toward graduation.
TEXTBOOKS:
Books for the course will change semester to semester depending on course content.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
PHIL 211 fulfills 3 hours of elective credit for the A.A. and A.S. degrees. It should
transfer to most colleges and universities as an elective course. However, since PHIL
211 is not part of either the General Education Core Curriculum or a baccalaureate
major program described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative, students should check
with an academic advisor for information about its transferability to other institutions.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes)
After completing this course, a student should be able to:
1.
Characterize a particular sub-field of philosophy by stating its boundaries or
parameters.
2.
Outline the historical development of the appropriate sub-field of philosophy.
3.
State the historically dominant philosophical "problems" of the specific subfield of philosophy, what philosopher dealt with each of them, and why they
have become viewed as "problems.”
4.
Analyze critically the extent that a philosopher's identity and assumptions
influence his or her perspectives or beliefs.
5.
Communicate philosophical concepts and dialogue creatively and critically
about philosophical issues.
6.
Write critically and analytically about philosophical issues.
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
The topic outline for the course will change semester to semester depending on course
content.
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
Students will be evaluated by examinations, quizzes, papers, and on the basis of their
participation in class discussions.
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
There will be 1 or 2 papers assigned, at least one of which will be a paper that enables
students to do independent research. Some examinations and quizzes may require
answering essay questions.
Students will read philosophical books and essays that are centered on the topic of the
course.