INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (PHIL 201)

Course Requirements

How to Succeed in this Class

First, be sure to show up for class. Second, show up prepared to talk and ask questions. The best way to be prepared is to set aside about two hours of your time in order to do the following:

(a) Read through the list of “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DO” listed with each day (on this page).

(b) Work through the assigned readings, making notes in the margins as you go.

(c) Re-read that list of “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DO” and consider whether you know how to do those things yet; if you don't, then return to the assigned “Readings” and study them some more until you do. Repeat steps (a) through (c) as needed.

(d) When you have a little extra time, take a look at some of the “Other Resources” (I’m still developing these resources for this class...). They are usually pretty interesting, and they will often give you a different angle on the topic being considered. If you want, write up an Extra Credit Journal on one of these items.

If you follow this procedure consistently during the term — and if you put your best effort into the writing assignments — then you should do well on the daily quizzes, be well equipped to write your Tuesday essays, be ready for the exams, you will do well in the course, and you will learn quite a lot of philosophy.

Attendance. If you do not plan to attend class and participate constructively, then you should withdraw from this class. A course on philosophy is by its nature aimed at self-examination and discussion; consequently, doing well in this class requires being there. Missing class does not directly affect your grade, although students with poor attendance typically do quite poorly in the class. On the average, students missing more than two classes during a semester receive grades below the class average.

Cell Phones. No Cell Phones! I used to place a polite little notice about this at the bottom of the page, but it’s time for a big impolite notice, right up at the top of the page so you can’t miss it. Do not bring your cell phone to class!

Wait, that’s impossible, since you have to have your cell phone on your person at all times! OK, I get that, so go ahead, bring your phone; but while in class, it needs to be turned off and stowed away.

Why a “No Damn Cell Phone” policy? Primarily out of respect for others, but also because you — and I suspect this really does include nearly everyone reading these words — need help! This class involves listening closely to, and thinking carefully about, what others say; a focused discussion is supposed to take place in this classroom — and none of that is possible if you are staring at your cell phone screen.

Most people are now quite literally addicted to their phones. If the phone is within reach it will be reached, and checked, and used, every five minutes or so on average (and that’s just averaging over a 17 hour waking day; peak usage can involve checking the phone every few seconds).

And don’t think you’re able to pay attention to the classroom discussion AND your emails and Facebook and Reddit and Instagram and Snapchat and Twitter posts when you’ve got those phones out. You’re actually just wasting your time, as ample research shows. This so-called “multi-tasking” doesn’t work.

I understand that sometimes you are looking up important information with your phone; that’s admirable, but probably not necessary. Just write down the question or topic, and look it up later. That’s what we all used to do “in the old days,” and it worked pretty well.

If you are going to attend class, then attend class. And that means: Turn off the phone.

Laptops and iPads. Some students take notes best with a keyboard and computer, but many students are unable to use their computers without compulsively checking Facebook, email, and otherwise surfing the web. This is bad for the student, of course, but it is especially unfair to those sitting nearby, who can be distracted by the unrelated material glowing from your screen. Unless you have a documented disability that requires the use of a laptop or tablet, prepare to take notes the old fashioned way, with paper and pencil.

Why the "No Laptop" policy? Research indicates that taking notes on a laptop (i.e., typing your notes) generally results in notes inferior to those written by hand, and you are also less likely to retain the information. If you don't believe me, read this item from the Scientific American (June 3, 2014) or this from the Association for Psychological Science (April 24, 2014).

In other words, even if you don't let the computer distract you from the classroom discussion, you'll still be taking notes that are worth less than if you wrote them by hand.

Tuesday Essays. These brief essays (300-400 words) are due before class every Tuesday, to be submitted on Canvas. The prompt can be found on Canvas as well as on the Schedule for that day, and the essay should be written only after you have studied and reflected upon the readings. The grading on Canvas is set up so that the lowest grade from this group will be dropped (resulting in ten grades in total).

[Makeup: Because these essays are to be written and submitted ahead of class, no late essays will be accepted without an appropriate and prior request for an extension.]

Quizzes. There will be a quiz about once a week over the readings for that day and material discussed the previous day. The quizzes will normally involve five multiple-choice questions, of which you need to answer only four correctly for a perfect score (thus, a well-prepared student can easily receive extra credit points in this manner).

These quizzes help keep each of us informed of your grasp of the material, and should provide additional motivation to stay current with the readings, and to work through the day’s material each evening. You may use your reading notes while taking the quizzes.

Preparing for these quizzes: (1) Go to the schedule for that day and read through the list of “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DO”; (2) Work through the “READINGS”, taking notes, or at least marking in the margin those passages that seem relevant to the things you need to know how to do; (3) Go back to that list and make sure you can do what you need to do. Repeat as needed.

[Makeup: Missed quizzes can be made up in my office, but this has to occur before the next class meeting. It is entirely your responsibility to make this arrangement.]

Exams. There will be three in-class exams, with the third exam taking place during Finals Week. These are all non-cumulative, covering just the material since the previous exam. They will be a combination of short answer and multiple choice. You will be allowed to use one 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of handwritten notes (you may use both sides) while writing the exam.

Preparing for these exams: Don't think that you can cram for a philosophy exam. To do well in philosophy, you need to understand the material, and understanding takes time — it's not going to come to you at 3 a.m. on the morning of the exam. So, to do well, you just need to keep up with the class readings and discussions. For each class, answer as best you can each item on the “WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DO” list, fit that all onto your page of notes, review it the night before the exam, and you should do fine.

[Makeup: Exams missed due to an excused absence are to be taken as soon as possible or else will be forfeited. It is your responsibility to see me about this.]

Discussion Forums. There will be five discussion forums, and you will need to post one entry per forum (500 word minimum per post) as well as comment on two posts per forum (100 word minimum per comment) for full credit here. These posts and comments will be evaluated using these rubrics. Please consult these rubrics closely before writing your posts and comments. See the Writing page for more information.

Extra Credit. You may write, for extra credit, journal entries on various additional materials — essays, films, videos, audio recordings — that are listed on the Schedule and marked with an [EC]. See the Writing page for more information.

Grading. The set of three exams is worth 45%; the set of quizzes is worth 5%; the set of discussion forum postings and comments is worth 25%; and the set of Tuesday essays is worth 25%.

I use the following letter grade conversion scale: A (94-100), A- (90-93), B+ (87-89), B (83-86), B- (80-82), C+ (77-79), C (73-76), C- (70-72), D+ (67-69), D (63-66), D-(60-62), F (0-59).

Cheating and Plagiarism. No Stealing! Plagiarism consists of submitting the statements, ideas, opinions, or findings of another as if they were your own. It is not plagiarism to copy from or paraphrase a source as long as this is acknowledged and the source is cited. Cheating and deliberate plagiarism will result in automatically failing the class. For more information, see the college policy, as reprinted on the Writing page.

Academic Support. Manchester University has a commitment to the success of its students; therefore, the Success Center services will serve you well! Whether you are in the honors program, need a little help getting started with an essay, or need some extensive tutoring for a math class, familiarize yourself with the Success Center on the second floor of the Switzer Center!

Student Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy. Manchester University, in compliance with federal guidelines, is committed to assuring students with disabilities equal access to programs and activities however, it is the student’s responsibility to self-disclose the disability. Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Mia Miller, the Disability Support Coordinator, to establish eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations. Students whose accommodation requests are approved will be provided with confidential letters to deliver to their professors. Each letter verifies the disability and documents the need for auxiliary aids and services and/or academic adjustments/accommodations. Students are encouraged to meet with each professor early in the semester to discuss academic implications as they relate to each specific course and to request appropriate accommodation. The Disability Support Services office is in the Success Center (second floor of the Jo Young Switzer Center) and can be reached by phone at 260-982-5888 or 260-982-5499 to schedule an appointment.

Medical Emergency/Evacuation Assistance Statement. Students should speak to the instructor immediately if (1) they may require medical attention during class, or (2) they have a disability, chronic condition, or a temporary injury that may limit or affect their ability to evacuate the classroom/building in an emergency. The student and the instructor should discuss the student’s specific needs and the types of precautions that should be made in advance of such an event. In the event of a fire or other situation requiring emergency evacuation, students with ambulatory disabilities are to go with or without assistance to the nearest stairwell area. Faculty and staff will assist with evacuation management efforts until such time as the Campus Safety and/or Police and Fire Departments arrive on the scene to assist in student evacuation from the building. Elevators are not to be used for evacuation by any persons.

Students who need special arrangements in the event of an evacuation should also register with Mia Miller in the Success Center as early as possible in the semester to help facilitate the provision of needed emergency assistance.

Title IX Student Conduct Reporting Requirement. Manchester University is committed to fostering a safe community where the infinite worth of all individuals is respected. Title IX and institutional policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity. Consequently, sexual misconduct— including harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking — is also prohibited at Manchester. Faculty, staff and administrators encourage anyone experiencing sexual misconduct, dating/domestic violence, or stalking to talk to someone about what happened, so they can get the support they need and Manchester University can respond appropriately.

If you wish to speak confidentially with a Manchester employee/on-campus representative about an incident of sexual misconduct, please contact:

MU Counseling Services (260-982-5306)

MU Health Services (260-982-5306)

MU Campus Pastor (260-982-5243)

North Manchester Campus Victim Advocate (260-563-4407)

Off-campus resources include the following:

Hands of Hope (Service to North Manchester Campus-24/7 Hotline 260-563-4407)

Fort Wayne Sexual Violence Treatment Center (Service to both Fort Wayne & North Manchester Campuses-24/7 Hotline 260-423-2222)

YWCA of Northeast Indiana (Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence: 260-447-7233)

If you wish to file a report of sexual misconduct, please contact: Dean of Student Experience/Title IX Coordinator Allen Michaelson at 260-982-5052 or/and Manchester University Campus Safety (260-982-5999)

If you have questions about institutional policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct, please contact the Title IX Coordinator. If you would like to make a police report contact the North Manchester Police Department (260-983-8555) or Fort Wayne Police Department (260-472-1222).

You can learn more about Title IX and survivor support here and here.

**Manchester University strives to uphold privacy and confidentiality as much as possible and only shares information received with those who have a need to know in order to respond. Individuals who desire anonymity in discussing and seeking assistance about sexual misconduct should contact and/or be referred to a confidential employee.**

When life happens… If circumstances in your life occur that affect your performance in class (e.g., childcare issues, unreliable transportation, a sick grandparent, expected recurring absences for any reason), you should talk to me and to your other professors immediately. We can figure something out.

Manchester University // Registrar // Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies // Last updated: 17 Dec 2017