Ancient and Medieval Western Philosophy (PHIL 316)
Course Requirements
Readings. Read the assignments closely prior to class (see the Schedule), and always bring the text. Class discussions and your success in this class depend upon this. If you are not willing to commit yourself to this, then it would be best to withdraw from the course.
Attendance and Participation. A course in philosophy is by its nature aimed at self-examination and discussion; consequently, taking the class requires being there. Being there is only the first step, however. Uninformed talk is often worse than silence, so you need to arrive at class having worked through and reflected on the readings for the day. To this end, part of your participation grade will be based on brief, one-paragraph reflections on some passage in the reading (it can be any passage, so long as it doesn’t overlap with the topic of the daily essay). These pre-class paragraphs are due by noon, and are to be posted on D2L in the appropriate "Discussion" for that day, and late is the same as never. See the Writing page for more directions.
Almost Daily Essays. About every other day, at the beginning of class, a one to two page essay on the day’s reading will be due. An essay topic is provided for nearly every day, but you need to complete only fifteen of these for full credit. This choice allows you to better fit the requirements of this class to your particular interests and your fluctuating workload during the semester.
These essays will be graded following a 4 pt. rubric. See the Writing page for more directions.
Exams. There will be three non-cumulative in-class essay exams over the readings. [Makeup: Exams missed due to an excused absence are to be taken as near as possible to the original exam date or else will be forfeited. It is your responsibility to see me about this.]
Grading. The set of three exams is worth 45% (15% per exam); the set of daily essays is worth 45%; and participation is worth 10%.
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).
Cell Phones. 
Please do not bring these to class. If you do bring a cell phone, it needs to be turned off and put away, preferably at the bottom of a very deep pocket or book bag. If you are unable to part company with your cell phone, or are unable to keep it turned off and stowed, then please do not come to class. Thank you.
Cheating and Plagiarism. 
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 Catalog.
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!
Students with Disabilities. Manchester University, in compliance with federal guidelines, is committed to providing students with disabilities an access to programs and activities that is equal to the access provided to students without disabilities.
If you believe that you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Bonnie O’Connell [e-mail — or call: 982-5076], the director of services for students with disabilities, to establish your eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations. You should do this during the first week of classes. It is your responsibility to seek this accommodation and to bring the necessary paperwork to your professors.
Students whose accommodation requests are approved will be given confidential letters to deliver to their professors that verifies the nature of the student’s 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 the academic implications of the disability as they relate to the specific course and to request appropriate accommodation. The Disabilities Office is located in the Success Center (second floor of the Switzer Center).
The university-prepared syllabus addendum regarding Title IX can be found here.
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: 9 Aug 2015