PHIL 3800—Contemporary Philosophy

Course Syllabus

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact 
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Number and Title: PHIL 3800  CRN 24479 (

Credit Hours: 3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3)

Catalog Description:  An examination fo works of major thinkers of the 20th century. Philosophers to be studied include Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simon De Beauvoir, from Germany and France, and C. S. Peirce and John Dewey, from the U.S.

Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites:

Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirements before they can enroll in this course

Computer Requirement:  Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

Able to use the Windows^TM operating system

Able to use Microsoft Word^TM word processing

Able to send and receive e-mail using Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM

Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email

Able to use a Web browser

Able to use WebCT

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:                                                  Computers will be required to access course materials, communicate with your instructor, and participate in classroom research activities.

Program Learning Outcomes:

General education outcomes:  The following links provide tabular descriptions of the communications outcome and      the critical thinking outcome components  (see PHIL 2401 in the tables):

Communications outcomes components

Critical thinking outcomes components

Course Learning Outcomes:

·        To familiarize students with aesthetics

·        To enhance communication skills, oral and written

·        To teach analysis of complex concepts, ideas, definitions, and arguments

Instructor Information:

Dr. Todd D. Janke
phone: (678) 466-4718
e-mail: ToddJanke@clayton.edu

internet: http://a-s.clayton.edu/tjanke

Office: Arts and Sciences Building, Room 105 G

Office hours:  T/R  12 to 3

Classrooms and Meeting Times

T/R  3.35 to 4.50 T 217

CLASS LISTSERV:  PHIL3800-01Spring09@lists.clayton.edu

Texts:

1.      The Phenomenology Reader, Moran ed.

2.      Pragmatism:  The Classic Writings, Thayer ed.

Text Coverage: Selected Readings (see below)

Evaluation:

Grading:

Requirements Explained:

1.  Homework Journal:You will be writing a 1 to 1 ½  page paper on each of the assigned readings.  These journal entries must be posted (emailed to the class listserv) PRIOR TO the class meeting at which they will be discussed.  You must keep a hard copy of all your submissions and organize them for collection and review on two occasions, on the day of the first exam and on the day of the final exam. Add a cover page containing a table of contents and a paragraph assessing the overall quality of your journal/discussion list contribution, giving primary consideration to such factors as number of postings, timeliness of postings, length of papers, quality of the writings themselves, and the extent to which you read and commented on other students’ submissions.  Assign a rating to your assessment, based on a ten-point scale.  Do not put the journal in a binder of any sort; just staple the pages together.

Your paper should be a response to some aspect of the reading that you found particularly engaging, interesting, or troublesome.  In any case, you must stay focused on the issue you choose or pose and take care not to ramble over multiple issues or topics.   Whatever you say must be in your own words.  As you engage what are challenging and difficult readings, keep in mind that Understanding is the objective and that your writings are important efforts toward that end:

2.  Exams:  All three exams will be in class blue-book essay exams. You will be given a set of questions to study beforehand, from which a selection will be made for the exam.

Mid-term Progress Report:

The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued on March 3rd, reflects approximately 3o% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on March 6th.  The last day to withdraw without academic accountability is March 6^th.

Course Schedule:

Course Policies:

               General Policy:  Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

               University Attendance Policy:     Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses.  The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

               Course Attendance Policy:  Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for examination periods.   More than five late (unexcused) arrivals to class will result in a 5% reduction of your course grade. An excused late arrival or absence is one due to: (1) official Clayton State University functions (such as athletic events), (2) required official military duty, or (3) accompanied by documentation from a doctor or other competent authority. 

               Missed Work:  Without excuse, missed work cannot be submitted. An excuse for missed work must be                accompanied with documentation from a doctor or other competent authority that explains               why the student was unable to submit the assignment on time. With a valid excuse:

·        The final examination must be taken. If you know you cannot make the scheduled time, consult at least two weeks in advance with the instructor and a new exam date may be arranged, if the instructor believes conditions warrant rescheduling. To reschedule an exam, you must submit a change of final examination date form to the instructor several days prior to the examination. It is your responsibility to submit this form and, if you do not, then you will not be allowed to reschedule your exam. Forms may be obtained from the secretary in the College of Arts and Sciences. Note, should you reschedule, the exam you take may be different from the regularly scheduled examination.

Academic Dishonesty
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

 

Disruption of the Learning Environment :  Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF. A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at:   http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm.