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EN-208 Introduction to Philosophy

Course Description: 
This course introduces students to the nature of philosophy and philosophical thinking.  Major areas of philosophical inquiry developed in the western tradition are considered.

  • Prerequisite Courses: EN110 Advanced Reading and EN120a Expository Writing 1

A.  PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs): 
The student will be able to:

  1. Enrich and deepen self-knowledge by exploring different academic experiences.
  2. Articulate and understand their experiences through effective writing, reading, speaking, and various modes of artistic expression.
  3. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and basic skills appropriate to their personal and
    professional goals in their chosen area of specialization.

B.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) - GENERAL:
The student will be able to:

  1. Read philosophical literature and extract the information essential to the author’s position and method of argumentation.
  2. Explain how the philosophical ideas and concepts discussed are interrelated to one another.
  3. Employ philosophical techniques and methodologies in providing justification for the student’s own views and beliefs.

SLO

PLO 1

PLO 2

PLO 3

1

ID

ID

 

2

ID

ID

I

3

 

 

ID

C.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) - SPECIFIC: 
The student will be able to: 

General SLO 1.  Read philosophical literature and extract the information essential to the author’s position and method of argumentation.


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

1.1 Describe the philosophical position of major philosophers.  

Complete worksheets, take quizzes, and participate in group discussions and activities, which deals with the philosophical position of major philosophers.  

1.2 Distinguish between key philosophical terms

 Complete worksheets, take quizzes, and participate in group discussions and activities

1.3 Describe the method of argument that major philosophers use to emphasize their position.

Complete worksheets, take quizzes, and participate in group discussions and activities.

1.4 Identify the major questions that philosophy tries to answer.

Complete worksheets, take quizzes, and participate in group discussions and activities.

General SLO 2.  Explain how the philosophical ideas and concepts discussed are interrelated to one another.


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

2.1 Compare and contrast the philosophical arguments between different philosophers.

Complete worksheets, take quizzes, and participate in group discussions and activities.

2.2 Critique philosophical ideas, concepts, and arguments using reason and logical analysis

Complete worksheets, take quizzes, and participate in group discussions and activities.

General SLO 3.  Employ philosophical techniques and methodologies in providing justification for the student’s own views and beliefs.


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

3.1 Apply accurate terminology to construct a cogent and comprehensive personal philosophy

Complete worksheets, take quizzes, and participate in group discussions and activities.

3.2 Respond to discrepancies between his/her personal philosophy and those held by other individuals.

Complete worksheets, take quizzes, and participate in group discussions and activities.

D.  COURSE CONTENT

  1. Creative thinking.
  2. Logic, argument. and reason
  3. Hume – Dialogues concerning natural religion.
  4. Descartes – Meditations.
  5. Aristotle – Nichomachean ethics.
  6. Spinoza – Ethics.
  7. Kant – Metaphysics.
  8. Mill – Utilitarianism.
  9. Plato – The Republic.
  10. Locke – Human understanding.
  11. Neitszche – Morals.
  12. Sarte – Being and nothingness.

E.  METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
The instructor may use but is not limited to lecture, discussion, group discussion, group presentations, projects, quizzes, tests, videos, computer software and exercises in order to achieve the stated objectives of the course.
F.  REQUIRED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS
Warburton, Nigel. Philosophy: The Classics. New York, NY: Routledge, 2006 (or most recent edition).
Supplemental supporting materials will provided by instructor.

G.  REFERENCE MATERIALS
None

H.  INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
None

I.   EVALUATION
None

J.   CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None

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