PHIL& 101: Intro to Philosophy

Download as PDF
Class Program
Philosophy
Distribution
Humanities Lecture
Credits 5 Lecture Hours 55
This course is an introduction to philosophy for students who have no previous background in the subject. The course presents a broad overview of philosophical topics of interest and importance such as the nature of knowledge and the contents of reality.
Quarters Offered
Winter,
Spring
Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:

  1. Describe some major movements in the history of philosophy
  2. Describe several major philosophical issues
  3. Distinguish among several different philosophical viewpoints on a given topic
  4. Discuss important topics in a philosophical manner
  5. Explain in writing several philosophical issues
Institutional Outcomes
IO1 Communication: Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
Course Content Outline
  1. A major philosophical movement of the ancient world.
  2. A major philosophical movement of the modern world (Descartes to Nietzsche)
  3. Epistemological issues such as
    1. The derivation and reliability of knowledge
    2. Knowledge of the world
    3. Knowledge of God’s existence
    4. Philosophy of language
    5. Philosophy of science
  4. Metaphysical issues such as
    1. Ontology: the nature and structure of reality
    2. The status of universals
    3. The mind / body problem
  5. Ethical issues such as
    1. the nature of ethical principles
    2. the relativism / absolutism debate
    3. major ethical theories
    4. contemporary ethical issues (abortion, euthanasia, etc.)
  6. Contemporary philosophical issues deemed relevant by the instructor
Department Guidelines

A writing component and a minimum of two exams over the material is required. Other grading instruments will be based on a number of different assessment tools selected by the instructor and designed to meet the needs of the coursework. This may include short essays, quizzes, in-class discussion, attendance, research paper on a major philosopher, philosophical issue or movement, etc.

PO5 should be assessed: Students will be able to solve problems by gathering, interpreting, combining and/or applying information from multiple sources.