Text: The Big Questions: A Short Introduction to Philosophy 5th ed., by Robert C. Solomon

GE: Three hours of HT (Intellectual Traditions)

Objective: To help students better understand themselves and their relationship to the world they live in through readings of varying points of view relating to such questions as morality, politics, religion, and approaches to truth.

Participation: Participation in class discussions is very important; in fact, it is the main activity we will engage in during class time. You are encouraged to visit me during my posted office hours (M-F 11:30­12:20,) and at other times by appointment. Please expect to spend two hours outside of class for every hour in class. Also subscribe to the class e-mail list (LS-Purple); you are responsible for information disseminated there.

Schedule: We will cover about one chapter each week. There may be extra assigned readings on occasion in addition to the textbook.

Final Exam: The final is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, during class.

Grading: Please select the grade you wish to receive and conduct yourself accordingly.

For a D (1.0) do the following:
* Come to class with reading and assignments done. (No fewer than two unexcused absences or make-ups without prior approval.)
* Actively participate in discussions in class.
* Take and pass all quizzes and tests with 60% or better overall.

For a C (2.0) do the following in addition to the above:
* Participate in class discussions on the class e-mail list (LS-Purple).
* Share two web sites about philosophy with the class (via the class e-mail list). Annotate and give URLs.
* Take and pass all quizzes and tests with 65% or better overall.

For a B (3.0) do the following in addition to the above:
* Keep a regular learning journal totaling at least 30 pages (this is not notes taken in class).
* Bring in five clippings annotated to the textbook and dealing with philosophical topics (annotation should include source, theme, reference quotation from class or the text and your commentary).
* Take and pass all quizzes and tests with 70% or better overall.

For an A (4.0) do the following in addition to all of the above:
* Write a research paper or do an approved book review as a term paper.
* Make a short visual and spoken presentation to the class of your paper topic.
* Take and pass all quizzes and tests with 75% or better overall.

Please see my web site for details on these tasks.
Pluses and minuses may be awarded at the discretion of the instructor.