MASTER COURSE OUTLINE
Big Bend Community College
Date: March 2008
DEPT: PHIL&
NO: 101
(Formerly: PHL 200)
COURSE TITLE: Intro to Philosophy
CIP Code:
Intent Code:
Program Code:N/A
38.0101
11
Distribution Desig.:
Humanities
PREPARED BY:
Dennis Knepp, Ph.D.
CREDITS:
5
Total Contact Hours Per Qtr: 55
Lecture Hours Per Qtr:
55
Lab Hours Per Qtr:
Other Hours Per Qtr:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to philosophy for students who have no previous background in the
subject. The course presents a broad overview of philosophical topics of interest and importance.
PREREQUISITE(S):None
TEXT:
Appropriate college level text(s) as chosen by instructor
COURSE GOALS:
This course will
1. introduce the student to some major movements in the history of philosophy
2. introduce the student to several major philosophical issues
3. introduce the student to the art of discussing philosophy
4. introduce the student to writing about philosophical issues
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be familiar with several of these
themes:
 the major philosophical movements of the ancient world
 the major philosophical movements of the modern world (Descartes to Nietzsche)
 epistemological issues such as
 the derivation and reliability of knowledge
 knowledge of the world
 knowledge of God’s existence
 philosophy of language
 philosophy of science
 metaphysical issues such as
 ontology: the nature and structure of reality
 the status of universals
 the mind / body problem
 ethical issues such as
 the nature of ethical principles
 the relativism / absolutism debate
 major ethical theories
 contemporary ethical issues (abortion, euthanasia, etc.)
 contemporary philosophical issues deemed relevant by the instructor
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COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE:
At his/her discretion, the instructor will organize the course using one or more of the following
areas or topics:
1. Epistemology
2. Metaphysics
3. Ethics
4. Political Theory
5. Aesthetics
Each area / topic will include one or more of the following sub-fields:
 Major philosopher
 Major school of thought
 Historical development
EVALUATION METHODS/GRADING PROCEDURES:
A writing component and a minimum of two exams over the material is required. Other grading
instruments will be based on a number of different assessment tools selected by the instructor and
designed to meet the needs of the coursework. This may include short essays, quizzes, in-class
discussion, attendance, research paper on a major philosopher, philosophical issue or movement,
etc.
PLANNED TEACHING METHODS/LEARNING STRATEGIES:
X Lecture
Small Group Discussion
Special Project
Laboratory
_ Audiovisual
X Other (List)
Supervised Clinical
Individualized Instruction
Discussion
Division Chair Approval
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