INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
About the course:
In this course, we will talk about what philosophy is and explore the major problems philosophers attempt to address, including what we can know, whether there is a God, and how we should act. Students will be introduced to critical thinking and careful reading of texts. Together we will tackle some of the problems people have been worried about for thousands of years.Both doing the assigned reading and coming to class are absolute necessities in this course. Below I have listed each class period and the required reading for that day. You are required to do the reading indicated for that class period before coming to class. Readings from Philosophy Through Fiction and Film by Burton Porter are indicated by (Porter). Readings from Ultimate Questions by Nils Rauhut are indicated by (Rauhut). Reading philosophy is not like reading fiction for fun. You may find you have to read something more than once and think about it before you understand it fully. This is especially true of the selections from the Porter book. Try reading the assignment and then writing in your own words what you think the author is saying and don't be afraid to read something more than once or even a few times!
I do not use Blackboard since there have been problems with it in the past. You are responsible for checking my website at www.geocities.com/cogburn83 for updates to the syllabus and important information throughout the semester. You also must access the web site to complete assignments.
You are responsible for coming to class to receive grades on all tests. I will not post the grades to my web site (a violation of privacy) or email them to you. Final and midterm grades are available through Banner (the same way you registered for the class) or by mail. I cannot email midterm or final grades.
Policies:
Talking (except during class discussion), reading, cell phone usage, and electronic games are distracting to both instructor and students and will not be allowed during class time.
Academic dishonesty (cheating and plagiarism) may take various forms, including copying other students' work, and using cheat sheets during exams. None of them will be tolerated in this course. Cheating on any assignments or tests will result in an F in the course.
You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the rules and regulations of this College. You may find these in the Student Handbook on BRCC's website.
You are required to attend every class. Attendance will be taken at the end of class. If you do not sign the roll, you will be marked absent. You must present a doctor's excuse (or similar documentation) in order to have an absence excused.
Make-ups on exams will only be given in the case of excused absences (doctor's note etc.) For exams, one make-up time may be scheduled with the instructor (at her discretion). If you fail to keep this appointment, another will not be scheduled.
Baton Rouge Community College and I are dedicated to making reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify the Office of Special Programs of any special needs. You should notify me as soon as possible that you are working with the Office of Special Programs. The telephone number there is 216-8503.
Required texts: