Eva Maria Räpple, Ph.D. Office: M 123 c College of DuPage Tel. 630 942 3983 e-mail: mailto:raepple@cod.edu Website: http://www.cod.edu/PEOPLE/FACULTY/raepple/raepple/

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Description

Are you curious about ideas, and thoughts which have shaped the world that you and I live in today? Are you interested in seriously acquiring skills to think, detect ambiguities, become aware of differing perspectives, and create reliable arguments? Studying works of Western thinkers from Antiquity to the Middle Ages will provide you with a thorough foundation for a comprehensive understanding of Western history and civilization. Between the sixth and fourth century BCE in places around the globe, curious thinkers began to challenge traditional beliefs, wisdom, and stories. They were seeking answers for questions about gods, the world, human nature, society, rejecting popular common sense notions in favor of critical investigations about what might be considered “true reality” versus mere appearance. The thinkers became known as “philosophers,” or lovers of wisdom. Discover these interesting thinkers trough their writings and learn about Western philosophy from its beginnings in ancient Greece to the Middle Ages.

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Objectives

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•  Demonstrate a facility with philosophical analysis and argumentation

•  Identify and describe the major philosophical figures and movements of the periods studied

•  Locate cultural and historical influences in the development of philosophy

•  Describe the relationships between philosophical figures and schools, and draw informed comparisons between them

•  Critically assess philosophical arguments for both content and structure

•  Demonstrate an understanding of the influence of key philosophical figures and movements on society and culture

Topical Outline

1. Ancient Figures and Movements: Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Hellenistic and Roman philosophy (e.g., Epicurus, Lucretius, Chrysippus, Seneca, Epictetus)

2. Medieval Figures and Movements: Augustine, Anselm, Islamic philosophy (e.g., Averroes, Avicenna), Thomas Aquinas

3. Renaissance Figures and Movements (e.g., Erasmus, Montaigne, Machiavelli) 4. Early Advocates of Scientific Method (e.g., Bacon, Hobbes)

At the discretion of the instructor, the above topics may be supplemented or replaced by any topic that is relevant to the Course Description and meets the Course Objectives.

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Requirements

• Assignments - 20% of your accumulative grade will be determined by a number of assignments. In these assignments, you will write an analysis of certain philosophical arguments and give a critical response.  Please check the instructions on Arguments and Their Evaluation (http://www.unco.edu/philosophy/arg.html) in preparation for these assignments. The assignments will enhance your ability to work on analyses, interpretations, and philosophical arguments. These assignments are written in a computer-lab during class sessions (1-2 pages; double spaced 12 point font). The grading criteria will particularly focus on clarity, creativity, and depth of presentation in your interpretation and critical analysis of your sources.

• Reading Questions – Each assigned reading includes questions (see tentative reading list in Blackboard).You will be required to answer these questions in preparation for class discussions. I will collect these readings with the mid-term and final paper. The responses must be submitted in print and cannot include your notes from class.

  Mid-Term: Students also have to submit a draft analysis (mid-term) of a philosophical argument of their choice based on a selection from the various readings in class. The analysis must include the following: a) Title b) Source for the philosophical argument (primary text) c) Brief introduction to the topic in which the proposition is identified d) Analysis of the argument selected for the paper which offers a fair representation of the problem e) Premises f) Conclusion • g) Bibliography including primary and secondary sources • Term Paper: You will be required to use the text and analysis that you chose for your mid-term. Please extend your research in order to write your own critical response. For this purpose, you should plan to spend time in the library. You are required to read at least three academic sources, in addition to your primary philosophical text. The goal of the research is that you enhance your understanding and your ability to critically analyze your chosen philosophical argument. Check more comprehensive instructions and a list of specific requirements for the term paper in Blackboard. Please do not hesitate to visit me in the office to discuss your research project and keep in mind that it takes time to develop critical thought. Therefore, choose your philosopher early on during the course and begin your research.

  Please do not plagiarize. Keep in mind that this class follows the Academic Honesty Philosophy Statement of the College of DuPage. The assignments must be your own work. The following website offers advice and examples how to acknowledge your sources: Sources and Citations . Please think about your choices seriously and remember, what you find as a source, your teacher can detect as well! Again, proven plagiarism will earn you an F for the class, possibly a meeting with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, including a formal report and/or an appearance before a Judicial Board.

  Participation – While I will offer overviews in some lectures on the general development of philosophical ideas, we will especially focus on a number of philosophers in extensive class discussions. Practicing your argumentative skills is vital in philosophy. Lively discussions do not only make this a much more interesting class but participation accounts for 20% of the accumulative grade. Please keep a list of questions or comments regarding each of the readings in preparation for each class session.

  Attendance – You are responsible to keep up with materials missed including the computer sessions and assignments.  If you must miss a class, please let me know in advance when possible. Please, also avoid coming late to class. Respect for others will make this class a much more enjoyable and conducive place for exploring, thinking, and learning. Therefore, be considerate of your student companions.

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•   Grading

• Class Discussion	20%
  Reading Responses	20%
  2 Assignments	20%
  Mid-Term	15%
  Final Paper	25
  Extra Credit	5%

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• Faculty/Student Commitments:

  I promise to give every effort and knowledge to awaken your interest in and curiosity for ideas and thoughts that, although written down long ago, are much less antiquated than one might assume. I am particularly interested to meet with you, to discuss certain topics, or to give guidance how to be successful in this class.  I always try to respond to your work as promptly and honestly as possible. Talk to me after class or visit me in my office, ask questions, provide suggestions or inquire about any other matters that seem of importance to you. If you participate in the course, I expect you to attend classes regularly, be prepared with your readings to make discussions profitable, and deliver your written essays on time. In case you cannot participate in the course any longer, you are responsible to withdraw from the course.

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Textbooks

• Ancient Philosophy. Ed. Nicholas Smith et al. Oxford: Blackwell, 2008.

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Additional Resources

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