Spring 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: PHIL-1301 (Section: 1C, CRN: 10089)
Introduction to Philosophy 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Steven Zani
Email zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6431
Office Educational I - Room: 133
Office Hours

M-F 9-5  (department chair - available by appointment)
Additional Contact Information
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.

None
Additional Materials/Resources None
Corequisites/Prerequisites
Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, students will be able to
1. read, analyze and critique philosophical texts;
2. demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, major arguments, problems, and terminology in philosophy.
3. present logically persuasive arguments in writing;
4. demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation and application of philosophical concepts to various aspects of life;
5. 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.
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 Introduction (The World Riddle / The Spirit of Inquiry) Pages 3-29
Predicament / Self   Pages 77-105
Knowledge / Senses  Pages 163-185
“99 Problems” Essay
Laws/Conscience / Ethics   Pages 318-327 and 374-391
Lifestyles / Freedom   Pages 333-345 and 257-265
Psyche     Pages 221-229
Midterm Exam
Freud/Marx   TWO HAND OUTS
Life   Pages 401-423
History  Pages 291-311
Hagakure selections   HAND OUT
Death/Immortality   Pages 621-635
Final Exam
Major Assignments Schedule Week
1 Introduction (The World Riddle / The Spirit of Inquiry) Pages 3-29
2 Predicament / Self   Pages 77-105
3 Knowledge / Senses  Pages 163-185
4 “99 Problems” Essay
5Laws/Conscience / Ethics   Pages 318-327 and 374-391
6 Lifestyles / Freedom   Pages 333-345 and 257-265
7 Psyche     Pages 221-229
8 Midterm Exam
9 Freud/Marx   TWO HAND OUTS
10 Life   Pages 401-423
11 History  Pages 291-311
12Hagakure selections   HAND OUT
13Death/Immortality   Pages 621-635
14 Final Exam
Final Exam Date May 7, 2025 - 5:0 PM   Through  May 7, 2025 - 7:0 PM
Grading Scale
Determination of
Final Grade		 60% Response Papers
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
Attendance Policy
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 Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. 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
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Dr. Steven Zani
Email:zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6431