HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
PHIL 101-01, Introduction to Philosophy
Summer 2011
GENERAL INFORMATION
Instructor: Michelle Catalano
Class : MW 1:00-3:50PM
Class Location: ICB 2810
Personal : 618-655-0712
Office Location: ICB 2025
Office Hours: MW 12:00-1:00pm
Office : michelle.catalano@heartland.edu
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
An introduction to philosphical questioning and to the rediments of philosophical ways of reasoning. This
course will examine some key notions of the history of philosophy, espcecially in the areas of metaphysics,
expistemology, ethics, and social/political philosohpy.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TRANSFERABILITY
PHIL 101 fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Humanities/Fine Arts required for the A.A. or A.S.
degree. It satisfies the Humanities component of this requirement. PHIL 101 should transfer to other
Illinois colleges and universities as the equivalent of the General Education Core Curriculum course H4
900, described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative. However, students should consult an academic advisor
for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for information as well
at www.itransfer.org
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S)
Nils Ch. Rauhut. Ultimate Questions: Thinking About Philosophy. Third Edition. Prentice
Hall. 2011.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of this course is to inform you about the main branches of philosophy. Emphasis will be
placed on both traditional and current issues. Within each main branch of philosophy, foundational
concepts, theories and problems will be discussed. This course will 1) test your comprehension of
philosophical theories from primary and/or secondary sources 2) test your ability to write about and
verbalize specific philosophical theories.
GRADING SYSTEM
The grading scale is as follows:
A= 90-100%
B= 80-89%
C= 70-79%
D= 60-69%
F= 59% and below
Grades will be available throughout the semester. Total points for the course consist of the following:
Quizzes= Five at 10 points each (50 points)
Exams= Two at 100 points each (200 points)
Paper Assignment= 100 points
Short Presentation= 50 points
Total course points= 400 points
Quizzes
Five at 10 points each (50 points)
There will be five quizzes throughout the semester on material covered in the prior class lecture(s) or
chapter(s). There are NO make-ups for missed quizzes. The quizzes will consist of ten questions. Each
question is worth 1 point for a total of 10 points. SCANTRON IS REQUIRED!!
Exams
Two at 100 points each (200 points)
The exam format will be short essay. You will choose four questions from a list of six. Each question is
worth 25 points for a total of 100 points.
Paper Assignment
100 points
The paper assignment should be 6-8 pages in length. The paper must be typed. The paper topic will be to
summarize and explain a philosopher or philosophical theory, movement, or area of interest. You will be
able to choose your own paper topic; however, you should consult with me about your topic before you
start writing. More details will be forthcoming in class. Late papers will NOT be accepted.
Short Presentation
50 points
Short presentations will consist of a synopsis of the paper assignment in which a philosopher or
philosophical theory, movement, or area of interest is summarized and explained. Presentation dates will
be pre-assigned. Presentations may be given informally or formally. Short presentations should be
approximately 5 minutes in length. Other presentation details will be discussed in class.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty, which includes plagiarism, is a serious academic offense and will not be tolerated.
Policies on academic dishonesty, plagiarism and other codes of conduct can be found at the college
website. It is your responsibility to be aware of these policies and the penalties for breaking them!
COURSE OUTLINE
Week/Day
Topic
Required Readings
Week 1
Day One
Day Two
Introduction
What Is Philosophy?
Chapter 1
Week 2
Day One
Day Two
Philosophical Tools/Logic
Philosophical Tools/Logic
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Quiz #1 on Monday, 6/13
Week 3
Day One
Day Two
Knowledge
Free Will
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Quiz #2 on Monday, 6/20
Quiz #3 on Wednesday, 6/22
Free Will
Chapter 4
Week 4
Day One
Day Two
Assignment, Quiz, Exam Dates
Exam #1 on Wednesday, 6/29
Week 5
Day One
Day Two
CAMPUS CLOSED- INDEPENDENCE DAY
Personal Identity
Chapter 5
Week 6
Day One
Day Two
Mind/Body Problem
Does God Exist?
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Quiz #4 on Monday, 7/11
Week 7
Day One
Day Two
Ethics
Ethics
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Quiz #5 on Monday, 7/18
Week 8
Day One
Day Two
Exam #2 on Monday, 7/25
Short Presentations & Paper Assignments
due on Wednesday, 7/27
This syllabus is subject to change.
Please consider the environment before printing this document