Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy 1301, ITV,
Austin Community College
The Examined Life Video Series
Danney F. Ursery
Instructor
email: ursery@austincc.edu
On-line orientation for the Fall 2008 Semester will be open from Monday,
August 18 through Saturday August 30
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide an entry into philosophy by introducing you to specific problems and people who have
come to define our philosophical heritage as well as those who are presently defining our philosophical future.
This is a problem-based course where we look closely at some of the concerns and issues of modern life.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
a. to understand the nature of philosophy as both a thinking process and a subject matter.
b. to learn and practice critical reading, thinking, and writing skills.
c. to become familiar with major divisions and problems in philosophy.
SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES:
a. demonstrate knowledge of and terminology in the philosophical areas of Ethics, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Theology, and Social and Political philosophy.
b. identify and discuss particular philosophical themes that emerge in western philosophy and how these themes relate or connect to non-western philosophical views.
c. demonstrate knowledge of some of the major philosophical ideas found in our intellectual tradition: reality, truth, meaning, nature, god, value, human rights, and so forth.
d. demonstrate the ability to analyze philosophical material and to synthesize that material into a clear and understandable essay through the use of philosophical thinking and writing.
TEXTS: The Velasquez book is required and the study
guide is recommended. Both can be purchased at the ACC Rio Grande Bookstore
on 12th Street just east of Lamar Blvd.
Philosophy: A Text with Readings. Manuel Velasquez. Wadsworth Publishing
Company, 10th edition.
Telecourse Study Guide for The Examined Life, 4th edition. Wadsworth
Publishing Company, 2005.
Class Information. It is your responsibility to be
familiar with the information relevant to the course. I would recommend you
printing out the deadlines for the examination and your semester contacts.
If you do not log onto the web very often, I would recommend you printing everything.
Ignorance of course requirements is no excuse.
Course Orientation form for Intro. to Philosophy
If you do not wish to attend the on-campus orientation you may complete the
orientation on-line. On-line orientation for the Fall 2008 Semester will
be open from Monday August 18 through Saturday August 30, 2008. The last
day to complete your orientation, without penalty, for the Fall 2008 semester
is therefore August 30. Please make note, after this date, you may still take
the class, but your final grade will be penalized ten (10) points. Once I
receive your orientation information I will respond back usually within two
to three business days. Your orientation is not final until you have received
my reply. Please retain my reply for your records.
Weekly Class Reading Assignments.
Weekly Video Schedule,
Fall 2008. [requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader]
Exam Deadlines: Please review carefully and make note
Course Requirements - Please read closely
Blackboard Forum and Gradebook
Notices, Changes, etc.
This site contains information that is relevant for this class and is updated often. Throughout the course I would check this site since it is one of the easiest ways to notify you of any changes which may occur.
So, What is Philosophy
Please read this information before beginning the first set of assignments.
Tips for Understanding Philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
Professor Information and Office Hours
Testing
Center Information and Hours
ACC Miscellaneous Resources
Austin Community College
Philosophy Department
Learning Resource Center
Lots of links and information for the ACC student.
Student Services
Departments
Distance Learning
Site of the Open Campus of Distance Learning activities and resources including registration and
orientation information, web courses, and more. Check it out!
Philosophy Resources
American Philosophical Association
The American Philosophical Association is the main professional organization for philosophers in the United States. Founded in 1900, its mission is to promote the exchange of ideas among philosophers, to encourage creative and scholarly activity in philosophy, to facilitate the professional work and teaching of philosophers, and to represent philosophy as a discipline.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
In additional to this philosophy site, information can also be found by clicking on the philosophers name in the above Course Description.
Philosophy Web Sites.
A portal of sites put together by Danney Ursery which deal with philosophy and related issues.
Ethics Web Sites.
A portal of sites put together by Danney Ursery which deal with ethics and
related issues.
Tips on Writing a Philosophy
Paper.
Although you do not have to write a paper in this class this is a good overview for writing philosophy papers in particular and papers in general.
Updated 15 August 2008