Philosophy 102A: Knowledge and Reality

Fall 2018

CRN 90497    TR 9:35-11:00    Location: SB-212

Instructor Information  

Dr. Ian M. Duckles
Email: iduckles@sdccd.edu
Office Hours: MTWR 9:00-9:30 and 12:30-1:00; Tuesday 5:00-6:00
Office: SB 311-H
Phone: 619-388-2294

Course Description: This course is an introductory study of the aims, methods, types and problems of philosophy and philosophical inquiry. Emphasis is placed on the nature of reality and knowledge. Materials for this survey of philosophy may draw from classical and contemporary thinkers. Students are encouraged to articulate, analyze, and evaluate their own beliefs/positions in the context of meaningful philosophical inquiry. This course is intended for anyone concerned with human existence and humanity's place in the universe. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU. CSU General Education. IGETC. UC Transfer Course List. 

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the aims, methods, issues and problems associated with philosophy, and distinguish philosophy from other areas of inquiry. 
2. Identify, define, and/or describe the philosophical terminology commonly used to classify positions associated with theories of reality and knowledge. 
3. Analyze, compare, and contrast basic concepts, principles, and theories related to reality and knowledge. 
4. Critically evaluate the arguments for theoretical positions related to knowledge and reality. 
5. Trace the theoretical and practical consequences of concepts, principles, and theories related to knowledge and reality.
6. Critically evaluate their own beliefs in light of philosophical investigation into theories regarding the nature of knowledge and reality.

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to: 

1. Think critically in reading, writing, and/or speaking about the aims, methods, types, and problems of philosophy and philosophical inquiry at an introductory level, with an emphasis on the nature of reality and knowledge, thereby identifying problems, theses, arguments, evidence and conclusions.
2. Write or speak about the aims, methods, types, and problems of philosophy and philosophical inquiry at an introductory level, with an emphasis on the nature of reality and knowledge, thereby addressing problems, formulating theses, making arguments, analyzing and weighing evidence, and deriving conclusions.
3. Demonstrate an ability to analyze one’s own beliefs/positions in the context of meaningful philosophical inquiry.

Textbooks: There is one text for this course:

Reading assignments can be found below on the schedule.

ACADEMIC POLICIES:
Student Responsibility to Drop/Withdraw: It is the student’s responsibility to drop all classes in which he/she is no longer attending. It is the instructor’s discretion to withdraw a student after the add/drop deadline (August 31) due to excessive absences. Students who remain enrolled in a class beyond the withdrawal deadline, as stated in the class schedule (October 26), will receive an evaluative letter grade in the class.

Attendance: During the first two weeks of class, students will be dropped for any absence. Starting during the third week, students may be dropped for missing two classes. In addition, students who arrive unreasonably late or leave unreasonably early will be marked absent.

Professionalism: It is assumed that students will conduct themselves in a professional manner with a positive attitude. An open mind is one of the most important tools required for success in academia. If a student is negative and feels as is there is nothing of value to be gained by the college experience or this course, he or she will not do well in this course.

Academic Integrity and Conduct: Mesa College students are bound by the Student Code of Conduct, Policy 3100.  In this course, cheating, plagiarism, disruptions of instructional activity, fraud and/or lying will result in, at a minimum, a grade of “F” for the assignment/test with no make up permitted.  Any of these infractions may result in formal disciplinary action by the Dean of Student Affairs as described in the code (as published in the catalog or online).

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with their professors during the first two weeks of class. You should also contact DSPS. DSPS can be found at http://www.sdmesa.edu/dsps/ or they can be contacted by phone at 619-388-2780.

1. Be optimistic about your ability to learn from the textbook, the instructor, and each other.
2. Do all homework and all the readings. The homework will be collected every time, and spot-checked, and the readings will help you understand the course material.
3. Be prepared to spend time outside of class working on class material, doing readings, homework, preparing for quizzes and exams, etc.
4. Ask questions if you don't understand something.
5. Remember that you are gifted with more education and intelligence than many persons on this planet. If you try, you are sure to get it, or at least most of it!