Eva Maria Räpple, Ph.D. Office: IC 2039 b College of DuPage Tel. 630 942 3983 e-mail: raepple@cdnet.cod.edu Website: http://www.cod.edu/PEOPLE/FACULTY/raepple/

Description

Who are we? “A thinking thing," as the philosopher René Descartes famously claims in his meditation on the nature of the human mind? Is our mind a mirror made rough and uneven by human passions and traditional learning as Francis Bacon argues? What can be known and understood apart from experience? Are human beings free beings or slaves? Are we all engaged in what Michel Foucault calls "games of truth and error" that constitute human existence? Philosophers critically investigate and ponder those questions paving a path for ideas that influence and frequently shape human thought and action. Discover these interesting thinkers trough their writings and learn about Western philosophy from René Descartes (1596-1650) to Jean-Francois Loytard (1924-1998). The course will feature lectures and discussions.

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Objectives

• 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

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• Essays - 40% of the accumulative grade will be determined by a number of assignments. In these assignments, students will write an analysis of a philosophical argument followed by a critical response. Please check carefully the instructions how to write a critical analysis . The assignments will enhance your ability to work on analyses, interpretations, and philosophical arguments (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.

• Term Paper: You will be required to choose one text from the reading list that will become the center of your research and critical analysis for a term paper. 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 of your chosen philosophical argument. Here is a short introduction: How to write your term paper . Use MLA style citation. You will find useful information at:

• MLA Documentation http://www.cod.edu/library/research/citenet.htm

• Sources: their se and acknowledgment http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sources/

• Do not hesitate to visit me in the office to discuss your research project and keep in mind, 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 College of DuPage's Student Code of Conduct. All assignments and the term paper must be your own work. Please think about your choices seriously. Proven plagiarism will earn 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 30% of the accumulative grade. You are required to keep a notebook with at least two questions for each reading. The questions will be part of class discussions. They will be an important part of your participation grade at the end of the semester. Please always include the topic of the reading and the date for each set of questions.

• Attendance - You are allowed two unexcused classes. Yet, you are responsible to keep up with material missed including the computer sessions and assignments. Please avoid coming late to class. Respect for others will make this class a much more enjoyable and conductive place for exploring, thinking, and learning. Therefore, be considerate of your student companions.

    Grading

  Class Discussion	30%
  Graded Essays	40%
  Term Paper, Presentation & Research	30%
  Extra Credit	5%

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Faculty/Student Commitments:

I promise to give every effort and knowledge to stimulate your interest in and curiosity about the topics. I will meet with you to give guidance and will respond to your work as promptly and honestly as possible. Do not hesitate to 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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Tentative Readings