The directed reading papers are designed to foster class discussion, to help you focus on key issues in the readings, and help you learn how to write critically for a philosophy class. You will be asked either to paraphrase some part of the reading or to answer a question (or questions) about it. I will announce the questions at the end of the class the class before they are due. In grading these papers I will be looking for the following: evidence that you have read and understood the material; an answer to the question asked; clear argumentation and, where appropriate, originality of thought. You should not use any outside sources to write these papers, I am interested in your understanding of the material. Papers should be 1-2 pages, (typewritten, double spaced, 12pt. font) no longer. Papers must be submitted at the beginning of class and must not be handwritten. Late papers will not be accepted.
The in class tests will be a combination of multiple choice/fill in the blank/identify and essay questions, and will be comparative in nature. The tests will draw on the readings and the material covered in class. Make up tests will not be given.
The final project will be a project/paper you work on throughout the course and is described in a separate handout. It involves journal entries (which we will do in class) and a final project. This is largely a creative project and the opportunity for you to begin to develop your own philosophical worldview and reflect on the development of your thought throughout the course.
The participation grade is based on quality of participation in class discussions, e-mail participation in the Blackboard site for the course, reading notes, attendance, etc.. You will each be responsible for contributing to the discussion forums in Blackboard regularly over the course of the semester. Often, if you are on the borderline of a higher final grade (.1-.2 points away on a 4.0 scale), excellent attendance and effort in these categories can help boost your grade to the next level.
* This course will make use of the university’s Blackboard website program. Each student has a Blackboard account for this course. Some readings may be posted on the Blackboard site.
T Jan. 20 Introduction
TH Jan. 22 PART ONE - Self and the Good Life
Republic : Book I, Book II
(Journal entry #1 in class)
T Jan. 27 Republic : Book V
TH Jan. 29 Republic : Book VI
T Feb. 3 Republic : Book VII
Directed Reading Paper#1 DUE
TH Feb. 5 Wrap Up Republic
Yoga Workshop in class (tentative)
T Feb. 10 Bhagavad Gita : Introduction; Chapters 1-3
(Journal entry #2 in class)
TH Feb. 12 Bhagavad Gita : Chapters 4-9
T Feb. 17 Bhagavad Gita : Chapters 10-14
TH Feb. 19 Bhagavad Gita : Chapters 14-18
(Journal Entry #2 in class)
T Feb. 24 TEST #1
TH Feb. 26 PART TWO: Self and Ethics
Kant: Preface; Film: “Can Rules Define Morality?”
(Journal entry #3 in class)
T March 2 Kant: First Section
TH March 4 Kant: Second Section
T March 9 Confucius: Introduction
Confucius: Passages concerning Li: 1.12, 1.13; 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.23; 3.3, 3.4, 3.15, 3.19, 3.26; 4.13; 5.27; 8.2, 8.8; 9.3, 9.11; 10.4; 12.1, 12.5, 12.15; 13.3, 13.4, 13.5; 14.12, 14.41; 15.18; 16.5, 16.13; 17.11; 20.3
TH March 11 Directed Reading Paper # 2 DUE at the beginning of class
Confucius: Passages concerning Ren: 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 4.6, 4.15; 5.19; 6.7, 6.22, 6.30; 7.6, 7.30, 7.34; 8.2, 8.7; 9.1; 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.22; 13.12, 13.19, 13.27; 14.1, 14.4, 14.6, 14.28; 15.9, 15.33, 15.35, 15.36; 17.6, 17.8; 19.6; 20.2
March 16 &18 Spring Break
T March 23 Confucius: Passages concerning junzi: 1.2; 4.5, 4.9, 4.10, 4.16; 6.18, 6.27; 7.33; 8.2, 8.7; 12.5, 12.15, 12.19; 13.3, 13.23, 13.25; 15.9, 15.18, 15.21, 15.32; 16.10; 17.4, 17.23; 18.7; 19.9; 20.3; Additional Selections, TBA
(Journal entry #4 in class)
TH March 25 TEST #2
T March 30 PART THREE - Epistemology and Self: How do we know? What can we know? How do I know who I am?
Descartes: Synopsis; Meditations One and Two (Journal entry #5 in class)
TH April 1 Descartes: Meditations Three and Four
T April 6 Descartes: Meditations Five and Six
**Mandatory attendance at Zen Lecture (Date TBA: either April 6 or 7 in the evening)**
TH April 8 Wrap Up Meditations
T April 13 Kasulis: Chapter 1; Film: “Is there an Enduring Self?”
(Directed Reading Paper #3 DUE at the beginning of class)
TH April 15 Kasulis: Chapter 3; Chapter 4
T April 20 Kasulis: Chapter 5; Chapter 7
(Journal entry #6 in class)
TH April 22 TEST # 3
T April 27 Kasulis: Chapter 9, 10
TH April 29 Wrap up; loose ends
FINAL PROJECT DUE DATE - TBA