Material Covered:
In this class 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, the nature or reality and the ethical/political theories of various philosophical systems.  This is an asynchronous online class.  There is no set time of day or period of time during which you must be online.  Rather, there are deadlines for completion of a set amount of work, and as long as you complete the work before the deadline, it doesn’t matter when and how long you are online.
        
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

Recommended Reading:
From Socrates to Sartre                        T. Z. Lavine

Class Requirements:
            1. Participation:   60 points
                        Each student is expected to make a brief contribution on the Focus Topic of the Week.  The topic will be posted by the instructor on the Monday of each week.  The student is expected to comment on the topic (four to five sentences) by 11:59 PM on the Wednesday of each week.  No make-ups or late assignments permitted.

            2. Research Project:  30 points

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 3-4 pages)

            3. Tests:  230 points

1. There will be at least one mayor test for every assigned chapter of the text.  The student will have approximately two weeks to complete reading and studying each chapter.  The test will be given at the end of the two week period.  See the schedule below for the dates the test will be made available.
2. The student will have an hour to complete each of the test.  Each test can only be taken ones.  Ones you have logged on to take the test, you will not be permitted to logon again.  No make-ups are permitted.

4. Final Examination: 100 points                                           
The final exam will be comprehensive (covering all the material previously covered and tested).  The exam cannot be made-up.  2 ½ hours will be allotted for the final exam.   Like the chapter test, you can only logon ones to take the exam.     
        
Grading:
                                              Final Exam: 100 points
                                                         Test:  230 points
                                            Participation:   60 points
                                        Research Paper:  30 points