Heartland Community College
Humanities & Fine Arts
Course Syllabus for Students
Course Prefix and Number: PHIL 101
Course Title: Introduction to Philosophy
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours:
0
Days and times the course meets: Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30-1:45 in ICB 1707
Catalog Description
An introduction to philosophical questioning and to the rudiments of philosophical ways
of reasoning. This course will examine some key notions of the history of philosophy,
especially in the areas of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and social/political
philosophy.
Instructor Information
Name: Todd Kukla
Phone: (309) 268-8620 (Humanities Office)
E-mail address: todd.kukla@heartland.edu
Office: 2000 ICB Humanities Office
Office Hours: Please send an email anytime to arrange an appointment. I have availability
M,T,W,TH
Textbook
Questions for the Soul, by Keith Krasemann, 4th edition. The text should be purchased
from the book store, or any cheaper online source, by the end of the first week of class.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
(Indicate if course is General Education/IAI)
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
1
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Course Outcomes and General Education Outcomes:
After successfully completing the course students should be able to
1. Define the prominent sub-disciplines of philosophy and distinguish the main questions
of those particular sub-disciplines (CT1).
2. Identify the perennial problems of philosophy and the various solutions philosophers
have proposed to solve those problems (PS2).
3. Summarize and appraise the solutions that have been proposed to solve the perennial
philosophical problems (PS3).
4. Analyze critically the assumptions that underpin a particular philosopher’s perspective
or beliefs.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of and appreciation for a diversity of philosophical problems
and viewpoints from various cultures and perspectives (DI2).
6. Improve the ability to aptly comprehend difficult philosophical texts and support those
interpretations with reasons and textual evidence (CT1).
7. Exhibit responsibility for learning by participating in critical and creative dialogues
about philosophical issues and concepts (C01, C02).
8. Demonstrate the ability to speak and write analytically and critically about
philosophical issues, supporting opinions with arguments, evidence, and reasoning (C01,
C02, CT2, CT3).
Course/Lab Outlines
1. Metaphysics
2. Epistemology
3. Ethics
4. Continental Philosophy
5. Eastern Philosophy
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System)
There will be 2 exams, each consisting of identification questions (for example,
true-false, multiple choice, definitions, or matching) and essay questions.
Required Writing and Reading
In addition to 1-2 page written essays on exams, the required writing will take the
form of one 5-6 page philosophy paper, as well as some in-class writing exercises.
The total amount of writing is approximately 10 pages. Required reading will be
from the textbook, although occasionally handouts may be distributed.
Assignments
First exam
Second exam
25%
25%
2
Philosophy paper
Worksheets and quizzes
Attendance/participation
30%
15%
5%
Exams
The exams will consist of short answer questions, such as multiple choice,
true/false, fill in the blank or matching, as well as essay questions. The exams are
non-cumulative. The first exam will cover (a) the value of philosophy, (b)
knowledge, and (c) God’s existence. The second exam will cover (a) friendship
and love, (b) Eastern philosophy, and (c) ethics.
Philosophy paper (5-6) pages
The philosophy paper will be due on 10/7. I will supply some questions to choose
from, and the question bank will be distributed on 10/23. The questions will be
based on (a) God’s existence and the problem of evil, and (b) death and meaning.
You will write on one question.
Exercise sheets and quizzes
Exercise sheets. On various days, I will distribute an exercise sheet involving
philosophical questions related to the reading. We will organize into small groups,
and each group will complete the exercise sheet. The groups will be assigned
based on who is in attendance that day. Your ability to complete the worksheet
successfully will depend upon having read the assignment for that day and being
generally prepared and up to date on the class material. Each group will submit a
joint worksheet at the end of the class, and your submission will be assessed
points. The worksheets function to promote class discussion and active student
participation with the material. Each worksheet is worth a total of 10 possible
points.
Quizzes. There will be also be pop quizzes given throughout the course. These
quizzes for the most part will cover the reading assigned for the day. The purpose
of reading quizzes is to encourage regular, attentive reading. In addition, I also
have quizzes that involve reviewing material that has already been covered. The
purpose of review quizzes is to help me assess how well important issues are
being understood. Each quiz is worth 10 possible points.
The worksheet and quiz portion of the student’s grade will involve a total of 13
assignments. Each assignment is worth 10 points. Three quizzes and/or
worksheets will be dropped (the three lowest scores). (See below for make up
policy.) Consequently, a total of 100 points are earnable for this portion of the
student’s grade. For example, if you earn 85 points out of 100, it calculates to a
final score of 85%, which is worth 10% percent of your final grade.
Attendance/Participation
Heartland community college requires that all instructors take attendance on a
daily basis. Accordingly I will take daily attendance. You are allowed a total of
3
three absences. You do not need to contact me about them. However, you cannot
make-up any further absences. For every class you miss beyond the allotted three,
there will be point deductions be deducted from your attendance/participation
score. In particular, if you miss four classes you will receive a 75% for
attendance/participation; if you miss five classes you will receive a 50% for
attendance/participation; if you miss six classes, you will receive a 25%; if you
miss seven of more classes, you will receive a zero. Additional points can be
awarded to your participation/attendance score for regular and helpful
participation.
Grading Scale
Grades will be determined by the following scale:
A=90%
B=80%
C=70%
D=60%
F=less than 60%
Blackboard Learning System
You can access the Blackboard website for this course through the Heartland Website.
Log in to My Heartland, and you will find a Blackboard tab on the upper left portion of
the webpage. By clicking the tab, you will be able to gain access to the course website.
On the website, you will find the course handouts, PowerPoint presentations,
assignments, additional links and information, and grade postings. I use Blackboard for
the purpose of administrating the course and providing a centralized place for posting
course documents and grade records. If you miss a class, you can acquire the handout
used for that period on Blackboard. However, worksheets are intended to be completed in
class as part of discussion, and you will not be able to make up a worksheet outside of
class. But you will be able to view any worksheet that you have missed.
Course Policies
Make-up of tests and assignments
Under no condition will make up quizzes and worksheets be provided. As stated
above, three quizzes and/or worksheets will be dropped in compensation. Exams
should not be missed. Late exams will be taken at a significant point penalty and
require a significant reason for the absence.
Student Conduct: Cell phone policy
Do not text during class or use your cell phone for any purpose. You must turn off
your phones and store them away in your bag. Even if you cell phone is off, it
should not be on your desk or your lap. Repeated infractions may be subject to
disciplinary action. Cell phone use is distracting to me and others, and it
contributes to a poor classroom and learning environment.
4
Incompletes
The official college policy, as found in the College Catalog, states the following
information regarding the conditions for giving incompletes: “An incomplete
grade may be given to a student who, by the withdrawal date, can reasonably be
expected to pass the course. Incompletes may be granted only when justified by
extreme circumstances (e.g. serious illness, accident, death or serious illness in
the immediate family).”
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community
College and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs.
Moreover, because grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their
academic work violate the right of their fellow students. The College, therefore, views
any act of academic dishonest as a serious offense requiring disciplinary measures,
including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the College. In addition, an
act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far beyond any officially
imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or
suborning cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of
data, falsification of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to
computerized academic or administrative records or systems. Definitions of these
violations may be found in the college catalog.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a
paper, create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all
the work, except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own.
Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms:
1
Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source
credit.
2
Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
3
Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
4
Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
5
Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a
topic as if it were your own.
6
Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another
project as if it were your own.
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism.
The penalties for plagiarism may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular
piece of work, failure in the course or expulsion from school in extreme cases.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers
of Research Papers. New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
5
Support Services:
Heartland Library Information
The Library, located in the Students Commons Buildings at the Raab Road campus,
provides Heartland students with a full range of resources including books, online journal
databases, videos, newspapers, periodicals, reserves, and interlibrary loan. Librarians are
available to assist in locating information. For more information please call the Library
(309) 268-8200 or (309) 268-8292
Tutoring Center
Heartland Community College offers tutoring in various forms at no cost to
Heartland students at the Academic Support Center (ASC) in Normal and at the
Pontiac and Lincoln Centers. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout
the week. Study groups, group tutoring facilitated by a specially-trained tutor, are
also available by request. For more information about services available at each
location, please call the ASC in Normal (309) 268-8231; the Pontiac Center (815)
842-6777; the Lincoln Center (217) 735-1731.
Testing Center
The Testing Center provides a quiet environment for students to complete makeup exams, online exams, and exams for students with special accommodations.
Students may be able to complete exams in the Testing Center if arrangements are
made with their instructor. For more information, contact the Testing Center at
(309) 268-8231.
Course Calendar and Disclaimer:
The class schedule is subject to change based on class response and instructor discretion.
In the case of modifications (which may happen), I will supply an updated schedule.
Readings should be completed in their entirety by the date on which they are assigned.
For example, a reading assignment is scheduled for 8/21. The reading should be
completed and ready to be discussed by the beginning of class that day.
SCHEDULE
Value of Philosophy
“The unexamined life is not worth living” – Socrates in Plato’s Apology
8/19
Distribute syllabus; requirements and expectations
8/21
Topic: Introducing philosophy
Reading: Questions, The Allegory of the Cave (Plato), pp. 175-177
8/26
Topic: Socrates’ Trial
6
Reading: Questions, The Apology (Plato), pp. 26-43
8/28
Topic: Socrates’ Trial
Reading: Questions, The Apology (Plato), pp. 43-48
Knowledge
“Several years have now passed since I first realized how numerous were the false opinions that
in my youth I had taken to be true, and thus how doubtful were all those that I had subsequently
built upon them” – Descartes in Meditations on First Philosophy
9/2
Topic: What can we know?
Reading: Questions, Meditations on First Philosophy (Descartes), pp. 181-185
9/4
Topic: What can we know?
Reading: Questions, Meditations on First Philosophy (Descartes), pp. 185-193
9/9
Topic: What can we know?
Reading: Questions, What is Indubitable? (Descartes), pp. 194-199
God’s Existence
9/11
Topic: Proving God’s existence
Reading: Questions, The Teleological Argument (Paley), pp. 467-470
9/16
Topic: Should we bet on God?
Reading: Questions, The Wager, pp. 474-479
9/18
Topic: Review for first exam
9/23
First Exam
The Problem of Evil
“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is God able, but not
willing? Then he is not omnibenevolent. He is both able and willing? Then whence comes evil? Is
he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?” – Epicurus
9/25
Topic: The problem of evil
Reading: Questions, The Problem of Evil (Hick), pp. 500-507.
9/30
Topic: The problem of evil
Reading: Same as above
10/2
Topic: The problem of excessive evil
Reading: No assignment; discussion day
7
Death and Meaning
“I could not ascribe any sensible meaning to my life…Sooner or later there would come disease
and death, and there would be nothing left but stench and worms. All my affairs, no matter what
they might be, would sooner or later be forgotten, and I myself should not exist…How could a
person fail to see that and live?” – Tolstoy, My Confession
10/7
Topic Fearing death
Reading: Questions, Letter to Menoeceus, pp. 618-619. Paper Questions Distributed.
10/9
Topic: Death, the absurd, and religion
Reading: Questions, My Confession (Tolstoy), pp. 644-653.
10/14 Topic: Death, the absurd, and religion
Reading: Same as above.
10/16 Topic: Films on the theme of death and meaning
Reading: No assignment
Friendship and Love
“Man is by nature a social animal.” – Aristotle, Politics
10/21 Topic: Friendship
Reading: Questions, Friendship (Aristotle), pp. 367-372.
10/23 Topic: Erotic love
Reading: Questions, The Form of Beauty (Plato), pp. 418-426. Philosophy Paper Due.
10/28 Topic: Erotic love
Reading: Same reading as above
Eastern Philosophy
“Hui Tzu said to Chuang Tzu, ‘Your teachings are of no practical use.’ Chuang Tzu said, ‘Only
those who already know the value of the useless can be talked to about the useful’” – Chuang Tzu
in Chuang Tzu
10/30 Topic: Buddhism
Reading: The World’s Religions, by Huston Smith (Handout)
11/4
Topic: Buddhism
Reading: The World’s Religions, by Huston Smith (Handout)
11/6
Topic: Buddhism
Film: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…Spring
11/11 Topic: Buddhism
Film: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…Spring
8
Ethics
11/13 Topic: Famine relief
Reading: Peter Singer, “Famine, Affluence, and Morality” (Handout)
11/18 Topic: Topic: Factory Farming
Reading: Peter Singer, “The Place of Non-Humans in Environmental Issues” (Handout)
11/20 Topic: Feminism and care ethics
Reading: “Feminism and the Ethics of Care” (Chapter 11 of the Elements of Moral
Philosophy), by James Rachels (Handout)
11/25 Thanksgiving break
11/27 Thanksgiving break
12/2
Topic: Free Will
Reading: Questions, Choice and Human Dignity (Viktor Frankl), pp. 570-578
12/4
Topic: Review for second exam
FINALS WEEK
The second exam will be held during our scheduled final exam period.
9