Eva Maria Räpple, Ph.D. Office: IC 20011 D College of DuPage Tel. 630 942 3983 e-mail: mailto:raepple@cdnet.cod.edu Website: http://www.cod.edu/PEOPLE/FACULTY/raepple/raepple/

Description

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, lovers of wisdom. Discover these interesting thinkers trough their writings and learn about Western philosophy from its beginnings in ancient Greece until the Middle Ages. This IAI approved course provides an excellent introduction to the study of philosophy for all interested students. It provides a thorough foundation for a comprehensive understanding of Western history and civilization.

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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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Requirements

• Essays - 40% of your accumulative grade will be determined by a number of essays. In these essays, you need to write a summary of certain philosophical arguments and discuss philosophical topics critically. We will spend a few class periods in a computer-lab ( SRC 3607 ). This will give you time to work on summaries, interpretations, and philosophical arguments (1-2 pages; double spaced 12 point font). I will give you a grade for three of these essays. You decide, which essays you want to have graded (please indicate clearly on the top of your paper). You also need to turn in your essays that are not submitted as a specific response and will receive points for them. They account for 10% of your accumulative grade. 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 also be required to choose one text passage from the reading list that will become the center of your research for the term paper. This project includes two steps:

  a) You need to engage in research about the historical context and your chosen philosopher. Please prepare a very short (5 minute) presentation of your work to your fellow students in October. The topic of presentation should discuss one aspect that warrants interest in the philosopher's life or work for a modern person living in the 20th century Western hemisphere. You might for example describe a highly significant idea and explain the relevance for today. Yet you are also invited to think about ways in which the impact of philosophical ideas has been quite limiting to certain ways of life. You choose what you consider might be of interest for your fellow students. Please plan to have ample time to visit a library for your research. Overall, you are required to read at least four academic sources about the artwork and the philosophical theory.

  b) The research about the text, historical context, and philosopher is meant to prepare you for the task of the term paper (5-7 pages double spaced). In this paper you should critically discuss a philosophical argument. Here is a short introduction: How to write your term paper . Please do not hesitate to visit me in the office to discuss your research project. Keep in mind, it takes time to develop critical thought. If you present your term paper before the class you may receive up to 5% extra credit.
  

• Please do not plagiarize. Keep in mind that this class follows the Academic Honesty Philosophy Statement of the College of DuPage : http://www.cod.edu/grayke/honesty.htm. The assignments must be your own work. The following website offer advice and examples how to acknowledge your sources: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sources/. 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 - Practicing your argumentative skills in class discussions is vital in philosophy. Lively discussions make this a much more interesting class. Your participation accounts for 20% of your accumulative grade. This means you need to come prepared, having read the assignments, willing to share your insights with others, and ask questions about the topics (there are no ridiculous questions in this class!). Remember, you need to participate in order to achieve a grade A or B. It is, of course, impossible to participate if you miss many classes.
• Attendance - You are allowed two unexcused classes. Yet, you are responsible to keep up with what you missed in particular the computer sessions and assignments. I also take for granted that you are not one of those students coming late into class. Respect for others will make this class a much more enjoyable and conductive place for exploring, thinking, and learning. Therefore, please be considerate of your student companions. Please be aware that I do not drop students from this class in case of non attendance.

    Grading

  Class Discussion	20%
  Graded Essays	30%
  Response Essays	10%
  Term Paper & Research	40%
  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. Please 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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Textbook

• Required: Medieval Philosophy. eds. R. Bosley & M. M. Tweedale. 2nd. ed. Peterborough: Broadview Press, 2006.

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Resources

Tentative Readings

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