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PHIL-101 : Introduction to Philosophy

Course Information

Course, prefix, number, & title: PHIL-101 Introduction to Philosophy

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3

Credits: 3

Pre-requisites (if any): (Or Co-requisite) Students must complete any developmental requirements in English (see Proficiency in Math and English) prior to taking this course or enroll in ENGL-101 and BE-102 at the same time as this course.

Course Description in college catalog:

Fundamental philosophic problems presented through the study of several major philosophical writings, such as those of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Hume, Mill, and Whitehead. 

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science)

Dual-Joint AA/BA Degree in Childhood Education with Queens College:

Provide an understanding of the core curriculum of Liberal Arts and Sciences classes.

Dual/Joint AS/BA Degree Program in Criminal Justice:

Students will use historical and social sciences perspectives to analyze and make judgments about issues in the field of criminal justice.

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

  1. Communicate effectively in various forms

  2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

  3. Use information management and technology skills effectively for academic research and lifelong learning

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

Objectives: To enable a student to:

1. Identify and comprehend traditional and current issues in Philosophy;

2. Define the main areas of Philosophic discourse, especially metaphysics and epistemology;

3. Discuss theories of Knowledge, of Truth, of Mind, of Personal Identity, and Free will and Determinism, of soul, mind, deity;

4. Develop skills of critical analysis.

5. Identify some of the basic content in the field of Philosophy:

  • vocabulary
  • concepts
  • theories

6. Identify traditional and current Issues in Philosophy;

7. Communicate awareness of and understanding of philosophical issues.

8. Demonstrate familiarity with the main areas of philosophic discourse and be able to state what major schools of thought there are that have contributed to the ongoing discussion of these issues

9. Develop skills of critical analysis and dialectical thinking.

10. Analyze and respond to the comments of other students regarding philosophical issues.

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

  1. Make ethical judgments while recognizing multiple perspectives, as appropriate in the program of study

  2. Work collaboratively to accomplish learning objectives

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

All sections will involve exercises involving reading comprehension and critical thinking skills development.

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window.

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.

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