THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
Course Syllabus
Ancient Philosophy – PHIL 3301-001
Instructor: Gregory L. Bock, Ph.D.
Office: BUS 245
E-Mail: gbock@uttyler.edu
Phone: 903.566.7456
Secretary Phone: 903.566.7373
Office Hours: M 12:30-3:30; W 8:00-10:00; or by appointment
Required Textbooks:
1. Republic, Plato, Hackett, ISBN: 978-0-87220-136-1
2. Nicomachean Ethics 2nd edition, Aristotle, Hackett, ISBN: 9780872204645
3. The Upanishads, Eknath Easwaran, Nilgiri Press, ISBN: 978-1586380212
4. The Bhagavad Gita, Eknath Easwaran, Nilgiri Press, ISBN: 978-1586380199
5. Trying Not to Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity, Edward Slingerland, Crown
Publishers: ISBN: 978-0-7704-3761-9
Course Description:
This course covers Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics through Plato and Aristotle and the
Eastern traditions of India and China.
Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to…
1. articulate a basic understanding of the questions and importance of philosophy
2. explain early Greek theories of reality and human nature
3. summarize Plato’s idea of an ordered society
4. discuss Aristotle’s theory of virtue (arete)
5. discuss Aristotle’s theory of happiness (eudaimonia)
6. explain the Hindu teaching of “Atman is Brahman”
7. summarize the Hindu creation story
8. describe the different forms of yoga in Hinduism
9. compare and contrast Eastern and Western notions of the self
10. critically evaluate philosophical arguments
Grading:
Paper 1 (Greek philosophy):
Paper 2 (Hindu philosophy):
Paper 3 (Chinese philosophy):
Presentation 1 (Greek philosophy):
Presentation 2 (Hindu philosophy):
Participation:
TOTAL:
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
500 points (lowest paper score dropped)
A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F=less than 60%
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Assignments:
Purpose of the Assignments: Together we will be exploring the pages of these philosophical
works in search of wisdom (philosophy is the love of wisdom). To me, this is not just an
academic endeavor, but also a passion. If you read these great philosophers with even the smallest
amount of curiosity and openness, it could be a life-changing experience for you. As we explore
the text, I will be your guide, helping to answer your questions about the author, text, and context.
The assignments below have been carefully selected to help you engage the readings and get the
most out of them and to make the most of our time together in class. We will spend most of the
time interpreting the text, but we will also ask questions of evaluation and application,
considering whether the ideas espoused in these pages are worth believing and putting into action.
Papers: There are three paper assignments, one for each unit of the course. In consultation with
the instructor, students will choose topics to explore such as “Plato’s concept of the soul.” Each
paper will be a 1500-2000 word essay exploring the topic more deeply, asking questions of
interpretation, application, and evaluation. At least three library sources (e.g. books,
commentaries, databases, etc.) and three Internet sources (e.g. Google Scholar, Stanford
Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, etc.) are required. The paper
should follow a standard writing style like APA or MLA and include a list of references.
ESSAY RUBRIC
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90100%
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80-89%
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
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
70-79%
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Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the text
Demonstrates an excellent awareness and treatment of various
interpretations
Plentiful and relevant citations and sources
Grammar and style are polished
Logical argumentation is employed in defense of the student’s point of
view
Demonstrates a good understanding of the text
Demonstrates a good awareness and treatment of various
interpretations
Good citations and sources
Grammar and style are good
Logical argumentation is employed in defense of the student’s point of
view
Demonstrates an adequate understanding of the text
Demonstrates an adequate awareness and treatment of various
interpretations
Some citations and sources
Grammar and style are adequate
Logical argumentation is employed in defense of the student’s point of
view
2
1-69%
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Understanding may not be demonstrated
Awareness of other interpretations may not be demonstrated
Citations and sources may be missing
Grammar and style may obstruct reading
Paper may lack logical coherence
Possibly over or under required word count
0%

Plagiarism or no submission
Presentations: Students will give 20 minute presentations in class based on their essays. The first
half of the presentation will be a summary of their topic and research. The second half of the
presentation will be dedicated to discussion with the class. The presenter will be responsible for
asking questions to stimulate discussion and answering questions from classmates. The presenter
will be graded on content and the ability to facilitate discussion and answer questions.
PRESENTATION RUBRIC
90100%
80-89%
70-79%
1-69%
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

Demonstrates excellent understanding of the topic and text
Asks insightful questions to stimulate class discussion
Provides excellent responses to questions from the class
Speaking style is polished
Logical argumentation is employed in defense of the student’s point of
view





Demonstrates good understanding of the topic and text
Asks good questions to stimulate class discussion
Provides good responses to questions from the class
Speaking style is sufficient
Logical argumentation is employed in defense of the student’s point of
view
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Demonstrates an adequate understanding of the topic and text
Asks some good questions to stimulate class discussion
Provides acceptable responses to questions from the class
Speaking style is sufficient
Logical argumentation is employed in defense of the student’s point of
view
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Understanding of the text may be deficient
Discussion may fall flat
Responses to questions may be inadequate
Speaking may distract from the content
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0%

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Presentation may not be argumentative or may lack logical coherence
Possibly short of allotted time limit

No presentation
Participation:
Because this is a small upper-division class, it will be run like a seminar with the expectation that
students will play an active role in the class.
Students will be graded on the quality and quantity of in-class participation. In class, students
should be contributing to a positive classroom environment and engaged with the topic. This
means students should pay attention, ask questions, and offer their own opinions on a daily basis,
which should, in the process, demonstrate that the student has read and thought about the material
before coming to class (this is partly a I-have-demonstrated-that-I-have-done-the-reading grade).
Students who sleep, text, or just chat with their neighbors about other things will be penalized.
Students who sit quietly, contributing nothing to discussions, will also be penalized. Disrespectful
behavior will not be tolerated, but this does not preclude disagreement. Disagreement must be
civil. See classroom conduct notes in the addendum below.
CLASS PARTICIPATION RUBRIC

90100%
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80-89%
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



70-79%
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In-class contributions are informed by an excellent understanding of the
reading
The student's opinion is well reasoned and supported
Contributions are made in every class meeting
Makes connections with other readings in the course
Conveys open-mindedness and respect for classmates (does not
preclude disagreement)
In-class contributions are informed by a good understanding of the
reading
The student's opinion is adequately supported
Contributions are made at least once a week
May not make connections with other material in the course
Conveys open-mindedness and respect for classmates (does not
preclude disagreement)
Understanding of the reading may be deficient in some way or not
demonstrated
The student's opinion may not be supported well
Critical thinking may not be demonstrated
Contributions to class discussions may be rare (less than once per
week)
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1-69%

Comments may be construed as insensitive to some members of
society
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Students who simply remain silent in class earn a 60%.
Verbal contributions fail to demonstrate understanding of the reading
Comments may include some disrespectful language
Critical thinking may not be demonstrated
Student may be disruptive
Student may be regularly late to class
Student may engage in distracting behavior like surfing the Internet or
texting
Student may talk too much (to her neighbor about things unrelated to
the class)
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0%

No participation
Tentative Reading Schedule
Unit: Plato
Week 1: Introduction to philosophy
Week 2: Pre-Socratics
Week 3: Republic Books I-IV
Week 4: Republic Books V-VIII
Week 5: Republic Books IX-X, Nicomachean Ethics Books I-II
Unit: Aristotle
Week 6: Books III-VI
Week 7: Books VII-X
Unit: The Upanishads and the Bhagavad-Gita
Week 8: Introduction | Isha | Katha | Brihadaranyaka
Week 9: Chandogya | Shvetashvatara
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Week 10: Mundaka | Mandukya | Kena
Week 11: Prashna | Taittiriya | Aitareya | Minor Upanishads
Week 12: Gita (first half)
Week 13: Gita (second half)
Unit: Chinese Philosophy
Week 14: Trying Not to Try: chapters 1-4
Week 15: Trying Not to Try: chapters 5-8
Important Information:
Disability Statement: If you have a disability, including a learning disability, for which you
request an accommodation, please contact Ida MacDonald in the Disability Support Services
office so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, student
requesting accommodation must provide documentation of his/her disability to the Disability
Support Services counselor. For more information, call or visit the Student Services Center
located in the University Center, Room 282. The telephone number is 903-566-7079.
Social Security Statement: It is the policy of The University of Texas at Tyler to protect the
confidential nature of social security numbers. The University has changed its computer
programming so that all students have an identification number.
Note regarding Student Absence due to Religious Observance: Students who anticipate being
absent from class due to a religious observance are requested to inform the instructor by the
second class meeting of such absences.
Course Ground Rules:
Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. Students are allowed two
unexcused absences. Unexcused absences after this are penalized 5 points per day against the
participation grade.
Late work: Papers must be uploaded to Blackboard by the deadline. Late papers are penalized
half a letter grade a day.
Communication with the instructor: The best way to communicate with the instructor outside
of class is through e-mail (ws.edu e-mail) or during office hours. Students can expect replies
within 48 hours excluding weekends and holidays.
Class conduct: This is an interactive classroom environment. Students who sleep, text, or just
chat with their neighbors about other things will be penalized. Students who sit quietly,
contributing nothing to discussions, will also be penalized. The subject matter of this class can
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make some people hot under the collar. This said, all comments must be respectful to others who
hold different views or come from different backgrounds. This does not preclude verbal
disagreement; it only requires learning the skills of civil disagreement. Disrespect can manifest in
what is said, in the tone of voice, and in the way someone rolls her eyes. Insults, snide remarks,
name-calling, talking over one another, and demeaning tones will not be tolerated. If there is any
confusion about what counts as disrespectful, consult the instructor or the Golden Rule. Violators
of these class conduct rules may be given warnings or ejected from the class.
Extra credit: Extra credit may be offered by the instructor from time to time, but extra credit is
not given on demand or by request. And students do not have a right to it, for example, the
instructor is not obligated to provide extra credit opportunities that work with the student’s
schedule.
Final grades: Grades are final once the final grade percentage has been posted in Blackboard at
the end of the semester. No changes will be made unless the instructor has made a mistake.
Grades are not bumped up unless the student is within .5% of the next letter grade. For example,
an 89.5% is an A. An 89.4% is a B. No extra credit will be offered after grades have been posted
in Blackboard. A request for an “incomplete” may be approved only if (1) the request is made
before final grades are issued, (2) the student has a valid reason, e.g. a verifiable medical
condition, and (3) the student has a C or higher at the time the request for an “incomplete” is
made. The terms of an “incomplete” will be set by the instructor.
Expectations of the student:
 Students will check e-mail regularly.
 Students will e-mail the instructor with questions.
 Students will not wait until the end of the semester to discuss lower than expected grades
on assignments; instead, the student will take the initiative early in the semester to meet
with the instructor to discuss ways of improving.
 Students will meet with the instructor during office hours or by appointment if extra help
is needed on assignments.
 Students will complete assignments on time.
 Students will participate in class discussions in a civil and respectful way.
 Students will not cheat on tests.
 Students will not plagiarize. Plagiarism is cheating, taking credit for material that is not
your own whether it is copied from a classmate, textbook, or online source. Plagiarism is
still plagiarism even if it is unintentional. It will result in an F on the assignment and a
possible F in the course. It could also result in suspension from the college. So, students
should be sure to use proper citation style and do their own work. If students are not sure
whether something constitutes plagiarism, they should contact the instructor to ask about
it before submitting the assignment.
 If the instructor feels that an essay or other assignment is not the student’s original work,
the instructor reserves the right to require the student to rewrite the assignment. This is
not to be understood as a student’s right to rewrite an assignment, nor does it change the
plagiarism policy above.
 Students will declare that they have read and understood this syllabus by including a
statement to this effect in a self-introduction post that will be posted to the discussion
board “Meet Your Classmates” during the first week of class.
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