Philosophy 100: “Introduction to Liberal Arts Study”
Shepherd University
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ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER IN 103 SCARBOROUGH LIBRARY
www.shepherd.edu/ascweb; 876-5221
Rationale:
We are committed to your success as a student here at Shepherd University. Research indicates
nationwide that university courses such as Philosophy 100 can be a key component in helping
you reach your personal and academic goals. In addition to three hours of elective credit, this
course will provide you with lifelong skills that provide a gateway to university success.
Aims:

You will be prepared for a successful academic career through the cultivation of valued
skills in the liberal arts such as critical reading and analysis, writing and discussion,
argument and debate. You will be exposed to a series of critical thinking reading
excerpts, compiled by the course faculty and your instructor, dealing with a range of
diverse creative, intellectual and ethical ideas.

You will be introduced to many helpful campus resources as well as university transition
strategies such as time-management, study skills, information literacy, note-taking,
utilizing technology, wellness, and coping with test anxiety.
Class disruptions will not be tolerated. Absolutely no cell phones are allowed in class.
Course Objectives and Learner Outcomes
Course Objectives –
This course is designed for you:
Learner Outcomes –
After taking Philosophy 100, you will be
able to:
 identify ways to improve academic skills
such as time management, study & test
taking skills, etc.
 explore various learning styles
 demonstrate an understanding of inquiry
and creative processes from disciplinary
and/or interdisciplinary perspectives
 develop individual learning goals in the
context of a liberal arts education and
identify means for achieving these goals
1. to develop and enhance your academic skills.
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2. to gain experiences in which you can relate to
and value people of diverse cultural
backgrounds.
3. to understand how to balance the freedoms
and responsibilities that are a part of
University life.
4. to understand your financial responsibilities in
college
5. to understand the academic advising process
6. to consider the options available when making
decisions.
7. to explore campus and community issues,
resources, culture and history.
8. to gain knowledge and understanding of and
experience in service learning programs.
9. to help promote self-care (wellness) decisions
that will improve the quality of life
10. to be able to identify, locate, and evaluate
information
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 enhance competency in academic skills
including: framing questions/posing
problems, evaluating information
sources, writing, oral communication,
and collaboration
 recognize the benefits of diversity
 know the freedoms and responsibilities
that are a part of life at a liberal arts
university
 recognize the responsibilities of credit
 select a major or identify several areas
of interest
 know how to register for classes and
whom to go to for advisement
 synthesize information when decision
making and problem solving
 understand the decision making process
 identify important offices and resources
on campus and in the community
 identify important issues affecting
students on campus and in the
community
 recognize the difference between service
learning and community service
 apply in volunteer environments the
concepts of leadership and civic
responsibility as discussed in course
 identify and practice health-enhancing
behaviors and reduce health risks to live
safer, healthier lives;
 access, analyze, and evaluate health
information, products and services in
order to become health-literate
consumers
 demonstrate awareness of environmental
and safety hazards.
 effectively and responsibly use and
share information for the problem at
hand
Required Materials
 Critical Thinking Readings. Available on Sakai [courses.shepherd.edu]
 Calendar. We require each student to have some type of a calendar or planner so you can
more effectively manage your time and schedule. This may be electronic in form (cell phone,
PDA, etc.). Calendars are also available in the Shepherd University Bookstore and on your
Sakai website.
 Shepherd Email Account: All students are required to use their Shepherd email accounts.
 Copy of 2011-2012 Common Reading
Course Requirements
Class Attendance/Participation: Expected and Required.
Service Learning and Common Reading Events: You are required to attend one Service
Learning Event and one Common Reading Event during the fall 2011 semester.
Reflective Writing

Service Learning Event (due two weeks after service learning event attended)
Assignments: Complete all homework as assigned. All assignments are explained in
detail on the Sakai website.
Grading
Your final grade will be determined by the following scale:
Assignment
1. Class Attendance/Participation
2. Assignments
3. Wellness Activity
4. Service Learning Experience
Total Points
100
400
100
100
5. Information Literacy Activity
100
6. Exams
100
Late assignments will not be accepted. Missed class work cannot be made up.
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Disability Services
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order
to participate in this class, please advise the instructor and make appropriate arrangements with
Disability Services (876-5453). Requests for academic accommodations are to be made during
the first three weeks of the semester, except for unusual circumstances, so arrangements can be
made. Students are encouraged to register with Disability Support Services to verify their
eligibility for appropriate accommodations. More information can be found at:
http://www.shepherd.edu/mcssweb/disabilities/index.htm.
The Academic Support Center
Get a personal trainer for your mind – for free! Located in Scarborough Library 103, the center
offers free tutoring and more! Call for more information: 304-876-5221; e-mail: Missy Welsh at
mwelsh@shepherd.edu; http://www.shepherd.edu/ascweb/
Tentative Topic Calendar – Instructor reserves the right to change the schedule if needed
Critical Thinking Reading excerpts for in-class academic exercises will vary by instructor.
Examples provided below:
Week 1
Introductions, Syllabus, Sakai Setup, Calendar Scheduling
Weingartner, Practicality of Liberal Education: Writing exercise
Week 2
Enhancing your Personal Health
Plato, Euthyphro: Discussion exercise
Week 3
Active Study Strategies: Learning How to Learn
Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature: Writing exercise
Week 4
Stress Management and Test Taking Strategies
Baier, The Need for More than Justice: Debate exercise
Week 5
Positive Attitudes and Learning Goals
Rorty, Philosophy and Social Hope: Discussion exercise
Week 6
Managing your Resources: Time and Money
Godin, “Contempt of Customer: It’s a Real Crime”: Debate exercise
Week 7
Information Literacy Activity
Schrag, Is the Common Good still Possible?: Debate exercise
Week 8
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Creative Thinking and Decision-Making Skills
Hackworth, The Case of the Million-Dollar Decision: writing exercise
Week 9
Multiculturalism and Diversity
Musalo, When Rights and Cultures Collide: debate exercise
Week 10
Academic Advising and Schedule Preparation
Week 11
Job Seeking and Career Development
Week 12
Experiential Learning Activity
Week 13
Experiential Learning Activity cont.
Week 14
Wellness Activity
Week 15
Final Exam Week
Final Exam is on ___________________
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