INTRO_MODULE_OVERVIEWS

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY MODULE OVERVIEWS Click on the module title for an overview of that module and what is expected of you.

MODULE 0 ORIENTATION

MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

MODULE 2 The Greeks

MODULE 3 Philosophy of Religion

MODULE 4 Metaphysics and Epistemology

MODULE : MID COURSE EVALUATIONS AND CHANGES

MODULE 5 The Mind-Body Problem and Freedom and Determinism

MODULE 6 Ethics

MODULE 7 Social and Political Philosophy

MODULE 8 What is Philosophy?

MODULE : CULMINATING ACTIVITY: BONUS EXERCISE

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MODULE 0 ORIENTATION

Module Overview:

This is a module in which you are to read over all the COURSE INFORMATION documents and gain an understanding of how the course is structured and what is expected of you.

Module Learning Objectives:

A. An understanding of the COURSE OUTLINE INFORMATION Materials

B. Knowledge of the Course Requirements

C. Practice with the course program for discussions

D. Practice with the course program with submitting an assignment.

Readings: COURSE OUTLINE INFORMATION Documents

Assignments: PRACTICE ONLY TEN STEPS BELOW !!!

Discussions: Concerning course requirements

ASSIGNMENTS: ORIENTATION WEEK
For this first week you are expected to do the following TEN things! Yes TEN (10):

1. Read all the documents in the COURSE OUTLINE INFORMATION Section of the Course.

2. Print out the Calendar - under COURSE OUTLINE INFORMATION ! Look for the Schedule!.

3. Introduce yourself to your classmates under the

DISCUSSION BOARD- INTRODUCTIONS

This is an area for you to introduce yourself to the class and where you can go to meet the others that are in this course.

Post an item to start a discussion, or read other students' responses if there are any, and make a response.

You will find my profile by clicking the Staff Information button in the Opening of the Course. Check this area to meet the others in this course. Since profiles will be posted as people join the course for the first time, you may have to return to this area several times to see the latest entries.

Your profile will help us get to know each other and begin to build a sense of class community, so please feel free to personalize your profile and add a link to your favorite web site, or attach a digital image of yourself.

STEP 6. COPY and PASTE PRACTICE. Create a question or answer in a word processor and copy and paste it into the DISCUSSION BOARD under SUGGESTIONS and QUESTIONS for the PROFESSOR HOW? Go to the button marked DISCUSSION BOARD or marked COMMUNICATION and then click on DISCUSSION BOARD. Select an item under SUGGESTIONS and QUESTIONS for the PROFESSOR to which you wish to reply. Then minimize the internet browser (IE) and open the word processor WORD or some other that you use. Keyboard your response or question for the discussion. Copy and paste all the material there into the space for discussion concerning the first discussion item that you selected and then submit it.

REMEMBER to SPELL CHECK FIRST!!

SUBSCRIBE to the Discussion Forum Titled SUGGESTIONS and QUESTIONS for the PROFESSOR by clicking on the word "subscribe" and then you will be notified whenever any one posts a question and when the professor responds to questions and suggestions.

STEP 7. MANDATORY Email PRACTICE re Academic Integrity Statement and Policy

****NO GRADES WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS WHO DO NOT AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY of the COLLEGE. ***********

Prepare a word processed document with a paraphrase of what you read about Academic Integrity Statement and Policy at your college and send it through Email to your instructor. You must use the CUNY email address supplied by this college!!!!!!

1. Paraphrase of the Academic Integrity Statement and Policy

2. the statement:

I, ____________,have read and understand the Academic Integrity Policy for this course and agree to abide by it.

Save your word processed file (document) as a WORD or a DOC or TXT file. Then send the EMAIL to ppecorino@qcc.cuny.edu Do not send attachments!!! Copy and paste your text from the word processor directly into the message window of the email.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EMAIL

As a CUNY student You must use the CUNY email address supplied by this college!!!!!! Each and every registered student has an email account.

If you do not have an address acceptable to this instructor you will have 10 days to get and use the college supplied email address and notify the instructor from the new address.

EMAIL PROTOCOLS

When sending email ALWAYS In the subject line put: first name , last name, class number PHI 101, section, ASSIGNMENT# or QUESTION or HELP

After an assignment has been received, it will be graded and the feedback shared with you either by E-mail or by the use of an on-line grade book WebPages found by clicking on GRADES.

STEP 8. READ the Student Reviews and Comments about this class.

STEP 9. ENTER the Blackboard (BB) class site and go to the STUDENT CAFE -CHAT ROOM-INTRODUCTIONS in the DISCUSSION BOARD area of the BB Course Site.

This is a discussion area for our class outside the context of a particular course module. Just as you have the opportunity to talk or chat with each other or with the instructor when taking a conventional classroom course, you should also have the opportunity to do the same in a web course. The STUDENT CAFÉ is available only to students enrolled in this class to post and/or read messages and respond. These can include questions or comments to other students about course material, assignments, readings, etc. It is also a place where you can go to socialize and have open discussion on subjects of your interests.

You will find the STUDENT CAFE in the DISCUSSION BOARD section of the Course. `

STEP 10. RELAX It looks like it is a lot but it is no more than any other class only just made more accessible and convenient and more is explained in text at the start.

Oh and what it comes down to is this: The following learning activities apply to each module:

Read the assigned textbook material.
Participate in the Discussions- post a minimum of 3 different days each week (Summer session 2days of every 3)
Participate in the Learning Community with classmates--Respond to discussion questions submitted by the instructor.
Create and submit a discussion Student Led Discussion question about the material. At least one in each module.
Respond publicly to some or all of the questions submitted by other students and any responses from the instructor.
Reply to students who respond to your question and responses--be polite!!!!.
Submit the written assignment each module.

Have a great semester and your efforts will be rewarded with a well earned good grade.

REMEMBER above all >>>SPECIAL NOTE: DO NOT PANIC !!!!!

If for some reason you can not get access to the Blackboard Program PLEASE understand that all materials for this course except for the DISCUSSION BOARD are located in in the class site outside of BlackBoard and you can access them directly at any time. That means that the online textbook is available at the two sites as well. There is no reason why you can not proceed with all work with this course should one course site not be available. There will be a second discussion board site as well should the first program not be accessible for any significant length of time. Remember DO NOT PANIC !!! You will not be penalized for the failures of the university's system.

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MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

Module Overview: Assignments include:

Reading the material

Participating in the discussions-that means reading what you fellow students have to say about the questions or posting a question

Sending a paper to the instructor-that means completing a written assignment and sending to the instructor in a manner that only the instructor shall see it.

Module Learning Objectives:

1. To become acquainted with the program

2. To learn about the process for interacting with the instructor and your fellow students

3. To learn a bit about what Philosophy is like and what to expect in the course

4. To learn about some of the major issues and why they are issues .

Readings:

You can begin reading in the Online Textbook READ Chapter One (1)

There is a copy of the online textbook for this course available at: Online textbook and Second copy of Online Textbook

Assignments: CALENDAR
The first informal paper is due quickly. Doing it is fairly easy as it does not require any reading or research on your part and the answers are all subjective. "turning it in" requires you to learn a bit more about this program and how to send things to the instructor.

Discussions: CALENDAR

Due Date: This module closes fairly quickly see >.CALENDAR

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MODULE 2 The Greeks

Module Overview:

In this module we shall be examining the rise of Philosophy in the West. We shall consider how Philosophy emerges out of and against a cultural milieu. The historical background for the contributions of Socrates and Plato is needed to appreciate the significance of their creations and the relevance of their thought for contemporary minds.

Module Learning Objectives:

1. To have an understanding of Greek Culture at the time of Socrates and Plato, in so far as the mode of thought concerning key issues.

2. To develop an appreciation for the conditions out of which Philosophy arises.

3. To understand the contribution made by Socrates to the human community

4. To understand the significance and value of the Platonic Invention and tradition of thought

5. To understand the nature of the Philosophical Process: rational thought in dialectical process of inquiry.

Readings: Online textbook : Chapter Two (2) Online textbook and another copy at Second copy of Online Textbook

and/or Textbook: Louis P. Pojman, Philosophical Traditions see Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6

Assignments: CALENDAR

Discussions: CALENDAR

Due Date: This module closes after several weeks. Do NOT FALL BEHIND

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MODULE 3 Philosophy of Religion

Module Overview:

Religion: its characteristics
Arguments for the Existence of God
The Problem of Evil
The Nature of Religious Language and Thought
The Definition of Religion

Module Learning Objectives:

Use of Reason in relation to Religion
Distinguishing and noting problems with Arguments for the Existence of God
Understanding the Argument against the Existence of God based on the Problem of Evil
Understanding the Nature of Religion

Readings: Online textbook : Chapter 3 Online textbook and another copy at Second copy of Online Textbook

and/or Textbook: Louis P. Pojman, Philosophical Traditions see

Chapter 7 , Chapter 8 , Chapter 9 , Chapter 10 , Chapter 11 , Chapter 12 , Optional

Assignments: CALENDAR The third written assignment requires you to begin doing a little philosophy. You will be challenged to understand the materials. Check out what is required and keep it in mind as you go through the readings .

Discussions: CALENDAR

Due Date: This module closes after one week. Do NOT FALL BEHIND

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MODULE 4 Metaphysics and Epistemology

Module Overview:

Module Learning Objectives:

What is Metaphysics?
What is reality?
What is the view of materialism?
What is the view of idealism?
What is the view of Dualism?
What is the view of Existentialism?
What is the view of Pragmatism?
What is the view of Post modernism?
What is epistemology?
What does it mean to know something?
What are the different theories of Knowledge?
What are the different theories of truth?
What is the post modern view of truth?

Readings: Online textbook : Chapter 4 and 5 Online textbook and another copy at Second copy of Online Textbook

and/or Textbook: Louis P. Pojman, Philosophical Traditions Chapter 13 , Chapter 14 , Chapter 15 , Chapter 16

Assignments: CALENDAR
The Fourth written assignment requires you to begin doing a little philosophy. You will be challenged to understand the materials. Check out what is required and keep it in mind as you go through the readings .

Discussions:CALENDAR

Due Date: This module closes after two weeks. Do NOT FALL BEHIND

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MODULE: MID COURSE EVALUATIONS AND CHANGES

Module Overview:

A week to take stock. A week for a small rest. A week to give you an opportunity to revise papers and to revise the approach to the course as well as an attempt to improve the learner's performance and final grade.

Evaluations of the course , the subject matter and student performance will take place during this module.

Module Learning Objective:

Students will discuss what problems they are encountering with the course and make suggestions as to how to improve the course and their performance in the course.

Students will become more aware of what is required to do well in the course.

Readings: None

Assignments: None

Discussions: Several.

They are the only feature of this module. BE SURE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSIONS!! We can help one another get more out of this course if we do.

Assignments: CALENDAR

Discussions: CALENDAR

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MODULE 5 The Mind-Body Problem & Freedom and Determinism

Module Overview:

Module Learning Objective:

Students will learn about two of the most troublesome issues in Philosophy

The basic elements of the Mind-Body Problem
The basic approaches to the Mind-Body Problem
The contemporary issues in the Mind-Body Problem
The basic elements of the Problem of Free Will
The basic approaches to the Problem of Free Will
The contemporary issues in the Problem of Free Will

Readings: Online textbook : Chapter 6 and 7 Online textbook and another copy at Second copy of Online Textbook

and/or Textbook: Louis P. Pojman, Philosophical Traditions see

MIND BODY PROBLEM : Chapter 17 , Chapter 18 , Chapter 19 , Chapter 20 ,

FREEDOM and DETERMINISM: Chapter 22 , Chapter 23 , Chapter 24 , Chapter 36 , Chapter 37

Assignments: CALENDAR The Fifth written assignment requires you to begin doing a little philosophy. You will be challenged to understand the materials. Check out what is required and keep it in mind as you go through the readings .

Discussions: CALENDAR

Due Date: This module closes in two weeks see >.CALENDAR

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MODULE 6 Ethics

Module Overview:

Units:

Overview
Mores Laws and Morality
Moral Development
Relativism
Post Modernism: Normative Ethical Relativism
Ethical Theories
Teleological Theories
Utilitarianism
Deontological Theories
Natural law
Categorical Imperative
Justice as Fairness
Post modernism
SUMMARY and Final Advice

Module Learning Objectives:

Student will learn about:

The differences amongst Law Morality and Ethics

Reasons to be Moral

How Morality develops

Problems with Relativism

Basic Approaches to ethics

Consequentialist Theories

Non-Consequentialist Theories

Post Modern Theories

Readings: Online textbook : Chapter 8 Online textbook and another copy at Second copy of Online Textbook

and/or Textbook: Louis P. Pojman, Philosophical Traditions Chapter 25 , Chapter 26 ,Chapter 27 , Chapter 28 , Chapter 29 , Chapter 30

Assignments: CALENDAR

Discussions: CALENDAR

Due Date: This module closes in two weeks see >.CALENDAR

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MODULE 7 Social and Political Philosophy

Module Overview:

An explanation of the nature of Social Philosophy, the key issues
A description of several of the most popular theories in Social Philosophy
An explanation of the nature of Political Philosophy, the key issues
A description of several of the most popular theories in Political Philosophy

Module Learning Objectives:

Students should be able to describe the basic theories in Social and Political Philosophy and apply them to practices and controversies in contemporary society.

Readings: Online textbook : Chapter 9 and 10 Online textbook and another copy at Second copy of Online Textbook

and/or Textbook: Louis P. Pojman, Philosophical Traditions Chapter 31 , Chapter 32 , Chapter 33 , Chapter 34 , Chapter 35

Assignments: CALENDAR

Discussions: CALENDAR

Due Date: This module closes fairly quickly see >.CALENDAR

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MODULE 8 What is Philosophy ?

Module Overview:

This is the concluding module. I shall offer some concluding remarks on the nature of Philosophy and I shall ask you to offer your thoughts on Philosophy and the course.

Module Learning Objectives:

The learner shall offer thoughts on the nature of the subject matter and its value.

The learner forms a critique of the learning experiences, which constitute the course. The learner offers constructive criticisms and suggestions for course improvement.

Readings: Online textbook : Chapter 12 Online textbook and another copy at Second copy of Online Textbook

Assignments: CALENDAR

Discussions: CALENDAR

Due Date: This module closes fairly quickly see >.CALENDAR

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MODULE : CULMINATING ACTIVITY: BONUS EXERCISE

Module Overview:

In this Culminating Activity module, you will complete a survey and enter into discussions that will provide feedback to the instructor to be used in the evaluation and revision of the course for the next time it is taught.

Module Learning Objectives:

The objective is to provide valuable feedback to the instructor.

Readings: none

Assignments: CALENDAR

Discussions: CALENDAR

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