For each of the theories we have studied, you should be able to answer the following four questions about it:
- What is the background metaphysical understanding of the nature of the universe and our place in it?
- What distinguishes humans? What is the nature of the human condition?
- What is the defect or problem with the human condition? What is the source of human suffering?
- What is the solution to this problem?
In addition, you should be familiar with the following features of the individual theories we have studied:
Old Testament
Be able to identify major similarities and differences between the two origin stories presented in Genesis.
Hinduism
Be able to describe Atman and Brahman.
Be able to explain the source of the diversity we see in the world.
Confucius
Explain why Confucius did not concern himself with metaphysical matters.
Explain the difference between the Decree of Heaven and Destiny. Explain the sages and their role.
Explain Mencius' argument that human nature is fundamentally good.
Explain Hsun-tzu's argument that human nature is fundamentally evil.
Plato
Explain Platonic Dualism and the difference between the noumenal and phenomenal realms.
Describe and explain the Allegory of the Cave.
Articulate the major conclusions Plato wants us to draw from this allegory. Describe Plato's Tripartite Division of the Soul
The Passion of Joan of Arc
Be able to explain what an essentialist view of gender is and how this view is manifested in the film.
Be able to explain how the film address the conflict between personal versus organized religion.
Grading Criteria for Exam Essays: The
goal for the student is to provide evidence that s/he has read and
considered the course material and is able to write intelligibly about
the concepts covered therein. You want to identify the prompt to which
you are responding and provide evidence that you have understood the
material.
To earn an A, your responses provide evidence
of the ‘B’ standards below, plus that you have really thought about the
concepts covered in the reading and lectures: - You use very original examples to illustrate the concepts of the reading.
- You apply very specific events or discussions from the reading to some new situation.
- Your writing is excellent and/or your style is very interesting
To earn a B
or higher, your responses provide evidence of your having read and
comprehended the material. In addition to the ‘C’ standards below:
- You apply ideas from the reading to correspondent ideas presented in the classroom.
- You use examples from the lectures to illustrate the concepts in the reading.
To earn a C or higher, your responses provide evidence of your having read and comprehended the material.
- You answer correctly all basic questions about the main ideas and characters.
- You show recognition of all main ideas or characters’ names and their respective associations.
- You correctly identify all concepts introduced or reviewed in the reading.
- You correctly identify and apply all terms from the reading and lectures.
- Your writing is relatively free from spelling and grammatical errors.
- You use examples from the reading or lectures to illustrate your answers.
To earn a D or higher, your responses provide some evidence of your having read, thought about, and comprehended the material:
- You answer correctly some but not all basic questions about the main ideas.
- You show some recognition of main ideas or characters’ names.
- You correctly identify some but not all concepts introduced or reviewed in the reading and lectures.
- You correctly identify and apply some but not all terms introduced or reviewed in the reading and lectures.
To earn an F, you provide hardly any or no evidence of having read, considered, and comprehended the material. | 