Philosophy 205: Critical Thinking and Writing in Philosophy Spring 2015 CRN 97451 TH 6:35-9:45 PM Location: H-104 Instructor Information Dr. Ian M. Duckles Course Description: This critical thinking and writing seminar in Philosophy is designed to enhance the student's critical thinking, writing, and research skills in preparation for upper division academic activity. Issues addressed in this class may involve various areas of human experience and aspiration: metaphysical, cosmological, scientific, political, ethical, aesthetic, and religious. Together with the application of basic principles of deduction and induction, special attention is given to identifying and avoiding fallacies in reasoning, and to techniques and aids to research, reasoning, and writing. Texts: This course has two required texts. These texts should be brought to class every day. They are: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Bioethical Issues 15th Edition. Ed. Gregory E. Kaebnick, McGraw-Hill, 2014. Writing Philosophy. Lewis Vaughn, Oxford, 2006. Schedule: This schedule is subject to change. Changes will be announced in class and online on this website. All Reading assignments come from the texts above. The syllabus uses the following abbreviations:
Week 1 Thursday, January 29: Introduction, Reading Philosophy (WP Chapter 1) Week 2 February 5: Arguments and Fallacies (WP Chapters 2 and 5) Week 3 February 12: Arguments and Fallacies Continued Week 4 February 19: Review for Exam, Exam 1 Week 5 February 26: Writing Papers and Defending a Thesis in an Argumentative Essay (WP Chapters 3 and 4) Week 6 March 5: Read Issue 6, "Should Physicians be Allowed to Assist in Patient Suicide?" (TS 113-133); Citing Sources (WP Chapter 6); First Short Paper Due; Pick an op/ed for Essay #2, and bring a copy to class. Week 7 March 12: Read Issue 13, "Should Performance-Enhancing Drugs Be Banned from Sports?" (TS 267-279); Bring a copy of your thesis for Short Essay #2. Week 8 Homework: Write 1-2 pages on the following question: What qualities or characteristics make an entity worthy of the same moral consideration we give to humans? Week 9 Week 10 April 2: Spring Break; NO CLASS!! Week 11 Homework: Pick a topic for essay 4; write a 1-2 page paper articulating and defending your view of moral status. Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 Week 17 STUDENT EVALUATION:
≥ 90 = A ACADEMIC POLICIES: Student Responsibility to Drop/Withdraw: It is the student’s responsibility to officially add, drop, or withdraw from the course stated in the class schedule. Failure to do so can result in a failing grade. Attendance: During the first two weeks of class, students will be dropped for any unexcused 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: Miramar 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 an “F” for the course as well and 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 accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and DSPS. DSPS can be found at http://www.sdmiramar.edu/stu_svcs/dsps/index.asp or they can be contacted by phone at 619-388-7312. Voting: If you are not registered to vote, please register online today:tinyurl.com/reg2voteonline. Please choose the vote-by-mail option.TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE (Thanks to Professor June Yang):
|
Ian Duckles' Home Page > This is the page for students of Dr. Duckles > Philosophy 205: Spring 2015 >