Material Covered:
The lectures will introduce the student to the subject matter of philosophy and its interrelation with life. We will consider the basic problems and values of life as presented by leading philosophies. The problems given consideration are the nature of knowledge, the criteria of truth and the nature of reality illustrated in the various philosophical systems. Not all material presented in the lectures is found in the text. Therefore, the students are strongly encouraged to take GOOD NOTES. Attendance is a must.

Text:
Required Text: The Philosophical Journey  4th. edition                     William Lawhead
        Chaps: 1, 2, 3, (in their entirety) & sections 4.0, 5.0, 6.0

Students who have the 3rd edition of the text, may for the present use the 3rd. edition. However, please be aware that the professor will be using the new edition as the primary text. (There is no enourmous different between the two editions, except for some terms, assignments, and page number alignment).

Students are strongly recommended to login on the text online website. The 4th edition does not presently have on online student textbook support. However, student may still use the site for the 3rd edition. Click address to view site.          
                             http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072963557/student_view0/index.html
There they will find practice quizzes for each chapter, study aids, and website links that will enhance their study, and prepare students for ETUDES supported quizzes.

ETUDES Support Site:  The class is supported by the college’s online education division.   Here students will find helpful modules containing notes on each of the chapters we will be covering, plus required online quizzes. Since there are requiered quizzes on the ETUDES site students are to quickly familiarized themselves with the ETUDES site. To learn how to log onto ETUDES, go to http://online.elac.edueel free to read any section of the text; and to explore any material found on the textbook site.  Students  need not wait for instructions to study any particular section. You are strongly encouraged, however to study those sections which are related to the lecture topics. Suggestions will be made on sections to read, or to study seriously.

Class Requirements:

1. Participation:  10% of Semester Grade
a. Points will be given for active participation during scheduled class meeting.  Absences detract from such participation.
b.  Students are encouraged to participate in the online discussion found in the ETUDES portal.
c. Three tardies is equivalent to one absence. Thus, the participation points may be subtracted from participation grade.  If tardy, it is the student's responsibility to report his/her tardiness to the professor at the end of the lecture period.

2. Quizzes, Assignments and Test: 50% of Semester grade

a. There will be at least one announced test every two weeks. The test will be announced one class period before it is given. The students are expected to be prepared for such test even if they were absent on the day the test was announced.

b. Online Quizzes:  Online quizzes related to the textbook readings will be given via the ETUDES portal.  The results of the quizzes will contribute to the general tests scores.

c. Assignments will be given periodically according to the instructors' discretion for either credit, extra-credit or simply practice.

d. Make-ups on missed in class quizzes or tests will be permitted according to the following conditions.

1. The student notifies the instructor that s/he is going to be absent (for approved and legitimate reason) on the testing day. Such notification is to be given on the day quiz or test is announced not on the morning quiz/test is given.

2. The quiz/test has not been corrected and returned to the students who took it at the scheduled time.

3. Students will be penalized for taking a quiz/test late. (Not allowed to receive extra-credit points and/or 10% minus points).

4.  There is no make-up for missed online quizzes.

e. There are no make-ups for in-class assignments. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to find out if any quiz/test or assignment was announced during his/her absence.

3. Final Examination: 25% of Semester Grade
The final exam will be comprehensive (covering all the material discussed in classed or previously tested), and it will be worth 1/4 of the semester grade. The exam cannot be made-up.

4. Research Project: 15% of Semester Grade

On Descartes’ Dualism

Using both your textbook and at least two other sources, please address the following.

One of the primary questions in metaphysics deals with what constitutes a human being.  Rene Descartes attempted to explore the questions and determined that man is primarily a mind in a body.  Please present Descartes’ position and arguments.   Do you agree or disagree with Descartes?  Please clearly state your position and provide reasons for it.

Please note that this is a research essay, a mini research paper.  It is not merely a stating of your opinion.  Use examples to demonstrate the points you make, and footnotes to support your views.  Be organized in your presentation using complete and proper sentences. Use at least three sources.

Please follow the guidelines below

Doubled spaced                                   Regular sized black font (12 Times New Roman)

1 inch margins                                     3 – 4 typed pages

Footnotes                                            Bibliography page (In addition to the 3-5 pages)