Syllabus PHL 1102 Spring 2011

PHL 1102.007 – COURSE SYLLABUS
Spring 2011

Values in the Modern World:
On the Philosophical Foundation of Human Values

Texts
Immanuel Kant, Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals
John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism
Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism

Course Description
Under the general title "Values and the Modern World," this course seeks to investigate and question the underlying first principles that support both our "modern world" and its "values." In so doing, we shall investigate the origin and source of our values in order to determine how these principles serve to shape both our respective views of the world and the values that we carry with us within this world. Toward this end, we shall seek to ask, but not limit ourselves, to the following questions: What is the nature and source of human values? What is the character and status of the will and human Freedom? What is the source and character of moral responsibility? What distinguishes the human from the non-human? Certainly, there can be no definitive answer given to any of the above questions. However, if what we seek in philosophy is an enrichment of our understanding of both ourselves and our world, then an investigation into the fundamental principle(s) of human values should serve as a decisive first step in this direction.

Course Requirements and Grading
There are three primary requirements for this course:
1) Attend class regularly
2) Come to class prepared every day
3) Be courageous in your thinking and respectful of your classmates

Your grade for the course will be determined in the following manner:
75% Four (4) Unit Tests
15% Weekly Writing Assignments
10% Class Participation

Grading Criteria
Unit Tests
At the conclusion of each unit, you will be assigned a take home test on material from that unit. The general aim of the tests will be to evaluate each student's comprehension of central concepts and issues relevant to the respective units. Each test will be made up of two sections: 1) a series of short answer questions; and 2) a short (~500pg) essay question. No outside resources or extra research will be necessary for the successful completion of either of the sections mentioned. While they will be accepted, tests handed in late will be penalized accordingly. Should you be unable to be in class on the day that the test is assigned, it will be your responsibility to acquire a copy of the test to complete either from the blog or from UMdrive. Any additional instructions for the unit tests will be given at the appropriate time.

Writing Assignments
Every Sunday I will assign a question for you answer in a short informal written paper. The aim of these assignments is to provide an informal platform for you to engage with and question the respective texts/issues/problems being addressed. In addition, students will be asked to address particular aspects of the text that they may have found difficult. In this way, I will be able to tailor subsequent lectures with the specific aim of addressing these difficulties and clarifying problematic areas. There are two formats that you may use for these assignments:

1) Course Blog – I have created a blog for the course for the purpose of having a centralized space online to continue our engagement with and discussion of the texts that we read and the issues that will arise in that context. One of the ways for you to participate on the blog is to post your weekly writing assignment there. Blog entries should be between 300 – 500 words in length and can be turned in at your convenience on the day due (or earlier).

2) Response Paper – Should you prefer, you may turn in a short paper 400-500 words in length. You may either email the assignment to me or print it out and turn it to me on the due date.

In order to fulfill the requirements for this portion of the course, students must turn in a minimum total of eight (8) writing assignments over the course of the semester, four (4) of these must be turned in my the completion of Unit II. Now, while the writings are informal, they will be evaluated for basic grammar, punctuation, and the author’s level of engagement with the text and/or question posed.

Class Participation
Your participation in class is crucial for you successful completion of the course. This is so because, unlike many other disciplines, philosophy requires us to engage reflectively with one another over the texts that we read. Because the content of the lectures given in class will serve as the basis for our interpretation of the readings, your attendance and participation in class are invaluable for the development of a general understanding of the respective texts covered. In addition, the blog will serve as a central online site where we may continue our in-class discussions. Again, you are not required to join the blog, however, if you’d like to see first hand what your fellow classmates are saying about the course and the issues we discuss, it is an excellent forum you all to engage with one another independent of the instructor. Lastly, poor attendance will result in a significant penalty to your class participation grade.