PHIL 1 - God, Nature, Human Nature
Instructor: Abrol Fairweather
Email Instructor
Course Description
Nature and range of philosophical inquiry in relation to everyday problems of humans as individuals, as citizens, as existing in nature, and as creators of works of the arts and of the spirit. Analysis of primary philosophical documents that concentrate on these broad areas of human concerns.
Introduction to Philosophy by the Philosophers' own works, their methods of procedure and inquiry. NOTE: Philosophy 2, 4 and 25 are also introductory courses and may be taken before Philosophy 1 if a more detailed examination of ethical problems, the theory of knowledge, or political philosophy is desired.
To take this class, you must have daily access to a computer with an Internet connection, an email account, and experience using a web browser. You will also need to update your email address in CLASS-Web when you register.
Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.
This class begins Jan 22 and ends May 30.
On-Campus Meetings
There are no on-campus meetings..
How This Class Operates
This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class.
This class is divided into four modules, and each module contains various activities. You will only be able to access the current module. Each module lasts approximately four weeks.
Modules will consist of discussion assignments, exams and an essay assignment.
In addition to the course text, we will make use of the web site Philosophypages.com. This is an excellent site with explanations of virtually all philosophical topics and figures, as well as direct links to original sources. This will be a valuable supplement to the course.
The goals of the course are to:
- Learn to read and analyze philosophical writing
- Learn methods of evaluating logical arguments
- Gain greater clarity in written expression of philosophical ideas
- Gain a greater understanding of the philosophical complexities of being human
- To become more than you were before
Class Activities
For discussion assignments, the instructor is looking to see evidence that you have read the text which the question pertains to and have put some thought into the issues. That should be the primary emphasis in your postings; show me that you have read and analyzed the text. It is fine to relate your personal experiences, but be sure to do this within the boundaries of the discussion topic. Part of your discussion assignment is to respond to a post of one of your peers.
Each module contains a short/medium length essay question (3-5 pages). Here you will investigate a single topic in depth. Take out your magnifying glass and get into the details! In most cases, you can choose a topic from the discussion assignment to pursue in greater detail.
How Students are Graded
Your first module will be worth 55 points. Each of the three subsequent modules will be worth 100 points, for a total of 330 points possible for the course. If the total number of points available for the course changes for any reason, the following percentile scale will still apply (100-90% = A, 89-80% = B, 79-70% = C, 69-60%= D, 59% and below = F).
Essays are worth 60-70 points each, depending on the specific module. The instructor is looking to see that you can clearly and concisely explain the relevant portion of the text that you are discussing and that you provide an analysis of that portion of the text by asking additional questions, raising objections, making distinctions, suggesting changes or revisions, including points ommitted, etc. In order to get into the "A" range on an essay, you must make some analytical contribution to the material you are discussing. Explanation without analysis is not "A" work. But you should always preface your analysis with a thorough explanation of that which you are analyzing.
Succeeding in an Online Course
Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, can't use a computer too well, have taken less than 21 units of college credit in your lifetime, and/or have a grade-point-average under 2.0, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.
Also, don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.
LPC offers a tutorial called "Succeeding in an online course" that will not only tell you if you are a good fit for online learning, but it also offers many strategies -- among other pertinent information -- that will help you succeed online. Please complete the tutorial.
Blackboard
This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the Blackboard Login Procedures page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.