Course Outline of Record
Coastline Community College
Original
X
Revision
9/25/09
1.
DISCIPLINE: Philosophy
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COURSE ID NUMBER: Philosophy C100
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COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Philosophy
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ABBREVIATED TITLE (26 Characters Max): Intro to Philosophy
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COURSE UNITS: 3.0
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TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS: __ 54__ Lecture _______Non-Lecture
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GRADING METHOD: (Check only one)
X Student Option ____ Letter Grade ____ Pass/No Pass ____ Non-Credit
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PREREQUISITE:
None
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CO-REQUISITE:
None
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ADVISORY:
None
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MATERIAL FEE:
None
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CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Date
Date
This course provides an introduction to the main ideas, methods, and problems of philosophy.
Topics include the nature of philosophy and reality, questions of human nature and free will,
relationship between mind and body, the question of God, sources of knowledge, and personal
and social ethics. Multicultural and feminist issues are woven into traditional Western material,
including contributions from India (Hinduism and Buddhism), China (Confucianism), Japan (Zen
Buddhism), and Native American philosophy, among others.
13.
SCHEDULE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an introduction to the main ideas, methods, and problems of philosophy.
Topics include the nature of philosophy and reality, questions of human nature and free will,
relationship between mind and body, the question of God, sources of knowledge, and personal
and social ethics. Multicultural and feminist issues are woven into traditional Western material,
including contributions from India (Hinduism and Buddhism), China (Confucianism), Japan (Zen
Buddhism), and Native American philosophy, among others.
14.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Course-Level Outcomes:
1. Analyze the substance of others' beliefs and conceptual frameworks using the Socratic method
and philosophical dialog.
2. Explain, analyze, and critique philosophical thought about the central topics of philosophy.
3. Apply philosophical skills in order to a) be able to see a problem or challenge in a wider context, b)
create complex analogies between new and old contexts, c) be able to bring philosophical
resources to bear on solutions to conceptual problems.
4. Analyze and evaluate philosophical arguments for reasonability, soundness, and fallacious and
factual content and conclusions.
Lesson or Unit-Level Outcomes:
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15.
Recognize and describe the main branches of philosophy.
Rationally attempt to formulate, explain, and answer fundamental philosophical questions.
Distinguish between the major schools of philosophical thought.
Analyze and explain basic philosophical points of view, which may include those of India, Japan,
China, Africa, Native America, and various feminist perspectives.
Compare and contrast the methods and focuses of philosophy with those of psychology, theology,
and religion.
Discuss similarities and dissimilarities between western and non-Western approaches to
philosophy.
Critique and personally evaluate ethical and philosophical statements from whatever source they
might come.
Engage in philosophical discussion knowledgeably, utilizing the Socratic Method.
COURSE CONTENT: (Instructional topics or units)
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WHY PHILOSOPHY?
REALITY AND BEING
HUMAN NATURE
PHILOSOPHY AND GOD
KNOWLEDGE SOURCES
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
ETHICS
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REPEATABILITY: This course is not repeatable.
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CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION: Instructor-initiated learning strategies activities.
Teaching strategies will include lecture-discussion, group discussions and activities, multimedia
presentations, and possible guest speakers.
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Activities and homework that will be completed outside of the classroom.
Students will complete homework assignments, conduct research, and participate in Discussion
Forum assignments as required. They may work with their peers to prepare group presentations.
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ASSESSMENT METHODS: (Measurements of learning outcomes.)
Assessment Method
Quizzes
Written Assignments
Midterm Examination
Essay Examination
Objective
Examination
Reports
Projects
Mathematical and
Problem-Solving
Describe the style and content of each assessment
method to be used in measuring SLOs.
Multiple-choice and true-false assessments
Discussion Forum threads and short-answer assignments may
be assigned
Multiple-choice, true-false, and short essay
Argument paper on philosophical logic
May include group presentations using PowerPoint or other
media
Assessment Method
Exercises
Non-Mathematical
Problem-Solving
Exercises
Skills Demonstration
Final Examination
Other
20.
Describe the style and content of each assessment
method to be used in measuring SLOs.
Argument-inference identification exercises may be assigned
Multiple-choice, true-false, fill-in, and short essay
E-journals for recording personal reflections may be assigned
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
Birch, Douglas. Philosophical Issues: A Brief Introduction with Free Philosophy PowerWeb,
1st ed. Shippensburg, PA: University of Pennsylvania, 2003.
ISBN-13 9780072833508
Doepke, Frederick. Philosophy: Confronting the Unavoidable, 1st ed. 2003.
ISBN-10: 0534534767, ISBN-13: 9780534534769
Hallman, Max O. Traversing Philosophical Boundaries, 3rd ed. 2007
ISBN-10: 0495007064, ISBN-13: 9780495007067
Kelsey, David, ed. Phil. 100 Introduction to Philosophy: Readings and Analysis. Custom book:
2008.
Rachels, James. The Truth About the World: Basic Readings in Philosophy with PowerWeb:
Philosophy, 1st ed. 2005.
ISBN-13 9780072980813 (Soft-cover with access card, 320 pages).
Wall, Thomas F. On Human Nature: An Introduction to Philosophy, 1st ed. 2004.
ISBN-10: 0534624782, ISBN-13: 9780534624781
Weston, Anthony. A Rulebook for Arguments, 4th ed. Hackett Publishing Co. 2009
ISBN: 9780872209541
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SUPPLEMENTAL READING: Coastline College’s Virtual Library: http://library.coastline.edu
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OTHER REQUIRED SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS: None.
Baseline Enrollment: _45____
CIP CODE: _______
Division # _311___
Department # _PHIL__
Originating Faculty: Bob Covert and David Kelsey
Department Chair: Marilyn M. Fry
Discipline Dean: Vinicio Lopez
Distance Learning Dean: Vince Rodriguez
Date of Curriculum Committee Meeting: October 23, 2009
Approved __X__ Disapproved _____ Tabled:_____
New or Revised? Revised