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 Spring 2012 Semester will be open from Friday January 13 through Saturday January 21

The syllabus will be updated by Friday, January 13



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 highly 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, 11th edition, 2011

Telecourse Study Guide for The Examined Life, 4th or 5th edition. Wadsworth Publishing Company, .

  • Note: Some of the other bookstores often try to sell very old editions of these books at full-price. The official ACC Bookstore which carries to current edition is located at 817 W. 12th Street; the south side of 12th about a block east of Lamar. Their phone number is 512.474-2607.
    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. The last day to complete your orientation, without penalty is Saturday, January 21. 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, Spring 2012.
    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

    Study Sheet 1

    Study Sheet 2

    Study Sheet 3

    Professor Information and Office Hours
    Testing Center Information and Hours
    ACC Miscellaneous Resources
    Austin Community College
    Philosophy Department
    Library
    Course Schedule
    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 10 January 2012