Philosophy 101
Introduction to Philosophy
Spring 2011
Daily 9:30 – 10:20 AM, Room 109
Text: Classic Philosophical Questions, ed. Mulvaney
Instructor: Jon Stratton
Office #4, Academic Office Area
527.4222
jon.stratton@wwcc.edu
Philosophy is a reasonable discussion about the meaning of life.
This course is an introduction to some of the great philosophical questions. The learning
goal of the course is a demonstrated written understanding of the diverse philosophical
views of classic western philosophers in regard to God, morality, government, and human
nature.
How this course works
Each class session focuses either on a lecture or class discussion. The lectures are
introductions to the philosophers the class is currently reading in the textbook. The class
discussions are centered on assigned reading study questions. All reading assignments in
the course are from primary sources in the textbook. The reading is very challenging;
you will need to read, and reread in order to complete the study question assignments.
Give yourself several hours to complete the reading study questions, which are due at
least two or three times each week.
Assignments and Exams
The study question responses are an essential part of the class discussions. As such, they
are an integral part of the course. Each study question can be adequately answered in one
or two paragraphs. There are about 20 study question assignments in the course, and
each assignment has several (2-5) questions each. You can skip 2 study question
assignments during the quarter with no penalty. If you do not respond to every question
on a study question assignment, you will earn a lower grade than if you respond to all of
them.
Study questions on the assigned reading count for 40% of your final grade. An A quality
assignment is completed on a word processor, double-spaced. It is a complete, coherent
response that thoroughly addresses the question. Study question assignments that are not
completed on a word processor and double-spaced, or that are incomplete or lack
coherence cannot earn a grade higher than B. Study questions not handed in within a
week of the due date automatically earn a grade of F (but only if you have exceeded the
allowed two skips). Study questions handed in late but within three days of the due date
will be graded no higher than C.
Three page philosophical essays are due three times during the quarter. The essays count
for 25% of your final grade. The essays consist of your explanation of one of the
philosophical ideas you agree or disagree with. In your essay, you are required to cite
two quotations from the assigned reading (by page number) and one quotation from the
lectures (by date). The first two pages of your essay is an explanation of the idea and the
last page explains why you agree or disagree with it. The essays are required to be
completed on a word processor, double-spaced. They are graded on your explanation’s
accuracy, detail, and quality of thought, as well as how well your agreement or
disagreement reflects an informed and philosophically thoughtful reading of the text.
The mid-term and final examinations require you to respond to questions similar to those
you have already written about in your study question response assignments, usually in
an objective format (true-false, multiple choice, identify, and so on) and short essay
questions. Exams are graded on accuracy, detail, and quality of thought. The mid-term
exam, which takes up one regular class session, counts 10% of your final grade. The
final exam, which is comprehensive and lasts two hours during the final exam period,
counts as 15% of your final grade.
Participation in class discussion and lectures counts as 10% of your final grade. It is
given at the end of the course.
An Honors Module is available to WWCC Honors Program members only. See the
instructor for details.
Important things for your success
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Attend every class session. Do not cut this class, ever. If you are planning on not
coming to class every day, you should drop early and get your money back from
the business office. If you are ill during the quarter, it is your responsibility to
contact other students for lecture notes or other material you missed.
If you know that you will be absent on a particular day, make an arrangement
with the instructor to turn in your work in a timely manner, before it is due.
Do not request “extensions” for any written assignments; turn in written work on
time.
Class sessions are work sessions. Arrive on time, be prepared to discuss the study
questions, take notes during the lectures, and focus.
Turn off cell phones. You may use a laptop for notes only if you have
documentation from Disability Support Services.
Avoid distracting behavior (for example, leaving the room once class has started,
whispering, eating, or making rude comments). The instructor may lower your
grade considerably for any distracting behavior on your part.
Turning in any work that is not your own will result in either failing or dropping
the entire course.
For assistance with concerns about disability support, contact Claudia Angus
Coordinator of Disability Support Services, Office 133D (509) 527-4543
Informal, general schedule for Spring 2011
March 28-April 1: Introduction
April 4-8: Plato
April 11-15: Ruth Benedict – cultural relativism
April 11: Paper #1 due – Plato – an idea I agree or disagree with
April 18-22: W.T. Stace - universalism
April 25-29: Jane English - abortion
May 2-3: Review for midterm
May 2: Paper #2 due – Benedict, Stace, English – an idea I agree or disagree with
May 3: Midterm Exam
May 5-6: Epicurus - hedonism
May 9-13: Epicurus and Epictetus – hedonism and stoicism
May 16-20: Jean Paul Sartre - existentialism
May 23-27: Peter Singer – utilitarianism
May 30-June 3: Peter Singer and review
June 2: Paper #3 due – Epicurus, Epictetus, Sartre, Singer: an idea I agree or
disagree with.
June 6: review
Wednesday, June 8 Final Exam