Fall 2023 Course Syllabus Course: PHIL-1301 (Section: 2E, CRN: 92837) Introduction to Philosophy

Instructor Information
Instructor	Nicholas Mires
Email	miresnb@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6337
Office	Madison Monroe Educational - Room: 228
Office Hours	None
Additional Contact Information	nbmires@lit.edu
Course Information
Description	A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value, and their practical applications.
Required Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. 1.       An Introduction to Philosophy by Russ Payne https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/an-introduction-to-philosophy   2.       Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics edited by George Matthews https://press.rebus.community/intro-to-phil-ethics/   3.       Introduction to Philosophy: Philosophy of Religion edited by Beau Branson https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/942
Additional Materials/Resources	Use of the library, Internet, and current information sources such as newspapers, TV and journals.
Corequisites/Prerequisites	None
Learning Outcomes	Upon successful completion of this course, students will: Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts. Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, major arguments, problems, and terminology in philosophy. Present logically persuasive arguments both orally and in writing. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation and application of philosophical concepts to various aspects of life. Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world.
Core Objectives	Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication. * Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. * Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.   * Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Lecture Topics Outline	Course Introduction and Policies Discussion of Syllabus What is Philosophy How to do Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Plato’s allegory of the cave Rationalism Empiricism Philosophy of Science Philosophy of Mind Love and Happiness Meta Ethics Right Action Social Justice Aren’t Right and Wrong Just Matters of Opinion? Can We Have Ethics without Religion? How Can I Be a Better Person? What’s in it for Me? On Egoism and Social Contract Theory Utilitarianism Kantian Deontology Feminism and Feminist Ethics Evolutionary Ethics Freedom of the Will The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion in the Western Tradition Reasons to Believe – Theoretical Arguments Non-Standard Arguments for God’s Existence Reasons Not to Believe Debunking Arguments against Theistic Belief From Philosophy of (Mono)theism to Philosophy of Religions
Major Assignments Schedule	Syllabus Quiz Module 1 Discussion 9/10/2023 Module 2 Journal 9/10/2023 Module 3 Discussion Board Logic Assignment   Quiz over "What is Philosophy.” "How to do Philosophy" and “Ancient Philosophy" 9/17/2023 Quiz over Rationalism, Empiricism, and Philosophy of Science 9/24/2023   Module 6 Discussion Quiz over "Philosophy of Mind,” " Love and Happiness," and "Meta Ethics" 10/8/2023 Module 7 Journal 10/15/2023 Module 8 Discussion Quiz over the "Right Actions,” "Social Justice", and "Aren’t Right and Wrong Just Matters of Opinion?" 10/22/2023 Common Assignment Due 11/19/2023   Module 9 Discussion 10/29/2023 Quiz over “Can We Have Ethics without Religion?”, “How Can I Be a Better Person?” and “What’s in it for Me? On Egoism and Social Contract Theory” 11/05/2023 Module 11 Journal Quiz over "Utilitarianism," "Kantian Deontology," and "Feminist Ethics" 11/12/2023 Quiz over " Evolutionary Ethics," "Freedom of the Will," and " The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion in the Western Tradition" 11/19/2023 Module 13 Journal Quiz over "Reasons to Believe," "Non-Standard Arguments for God’s Existence," and "Reasons Not to Believe" 11/26/2023 Module 14 Journal 12/03/2023 Final Exam 12/14/23 Extra credit quiz over "Debunking Arguments Against Theistic Belief" 12/10/2023
Final Exam Date	December 14, 2023 - 8:40 AM   Through  December 14, 2023 - 10:40 PM
Grading Scale	90-100     A 80-89       B 70-79       C 60-69       D 0-59         F
Determination of Final Grade	Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria: Tests and Quizzes                                                            45% Assignments                                                                    40% Common Assignment                                                      15%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	All assignments must be submitted through Blackboard. All homework must be typed and use MLA format for citations: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_general_format.html Use MLA formatting for the Common Assignment All homework, papers, and tests must be the work of the student only. The first offense of plagiarism will result minimally in a zero on the assignment. A second offense will result in dismissal from the course. (Student not dropped from the course.) Pen/pencil and paper are required for face-to-face classes Mature behavior is expected at all times. Access to Blackboard and your LIT email is required. Frequently check for any new announcements. Late work will not be accepted except in the case of a documentable emergency beyond the student’s control. Complete assignments and submit them by the due date. You may turn them in early but not after the due date. Technical difficulties and any other issues must be resolved before the due date, and they will not result in a time extension. If you have issues with Blackboard, use the Technical Support link. Any emails requesting assistance with an assignment must be sent to me on a weekday 48 hours before the assignment is due. You must include your name, course, and class section in your email. Example of course and section: PHIL 1301 3A1 I drop the lowest discussion, journal, and quiz grades. You may turn assignments in early, but not after the due date.
Attendance Policy	None
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect	As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct	LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting	For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern	If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information	Inmate Instruction Chair: Steven Zani Email: zanisj@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6431