Syllabi for Young
PHI 2010 Course Syllabus
Intro to Philosophy
Spring 2023, Full Term
CRN: 27537
I: Contact Information
Roger Young, MA ryoung46@valenciacollege.edu
Please refer to me as ‘Mr. Young,’ ‘Professor Young,’ or simply ‘Roger.’ I will not be holding virtual office hours this semester. However, I check my Canvas inbox regularly between 9am and 5pm, Monday-Friday. I will almost always respond to students within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). If for some reason I fail to do this, please send a follow up email. Please remember to be courteous, clear, and thorough in your communication. We can also set up Zoom sessions. If you want to speak via Zoom, reach out to me via Canvas messenger to request a meeting. Please provide two times at which you'll be available, and I'll set it up!
DO contact me if:
· You have a question involving matters relevant to class, including lecture or reading materials, quizzes and assignments, etc.
· You are providing (as an attachment) documented proof of an excused absence.
· You have come across an article, video, or some other form of media that is relevant to what we’ve been discussing in class.
· You are requesting a face-to-face meeting to discuss a grade (I will not discuss grades over email nor phone), or for some other reason.
· You are experiencing problems accessing something on Canvas AND you have documented proof (e.g., a screenshot) of the issue included as an attachment.
IMPORTANT: Technical problems with canvas should be discussed with Canvas help.
II: Course Information
Common Course Number: PHI 2010
Course Title: Intro to Philosophy
Contact Hour Breakdown: Cr: 3, Contact 3, Lab: 0
Discipline: Philosophy
Recommended Texts: Andrew Alexander, “Philosophizing: Creating a World of Ideas” (Kendall Hunt Publishing), 2010. I will also post materials to Canvas that you will be required to read.
PLEASE NOTE: Purchasing a copy of the above text is not essential, but it is strongly recommended. You can be successful in this course without using the textbook but your learning experience will be more complete if you have access to the text.
Catalog Description: Contemporary problems introduce major areas of philosophy: metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, theories of knowledge and philosophy of religion. Students explore writings of notable philosophers, past and present, and examine how their ideas have shed light on problems and their relevance to modern life. Minimum grade of C required if used to satisfy Gordon Rule requirement.
Professor’s Description: If you think of philosophy as a collection of arcane tomes written by ancient dudes in robes then you’re about 10% right. Yes, philosophy has a rich history reaching further into the past than even the Bible or Quran. And we’re going to look at that history a little. However, in this class, we’re going to focus less on the history and more on the act of philosophizing. We’re going to learn how to set our assumptions aside, open our minds, and explore the deepest and most interesting questions that life has to offer.
Learning Outcomes:
· Demonstrate a dynamic understanding of argumentation in its various forms.
· Demonstrate a broad understanding of major philosophical theories.
· Identify assumptions inherent to philosophical theories (and daily living).
· Construct and deconstruct tenable arguments.
· Demonstrate college-level writing.
III: Student Success
Grading Scale
Your grade in this course will be computed out of 200 possible points.
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| A: 179 - 200 B: 159 – 178 C: 139 - 158 D: 119 - 138 F: <119 | · Assessments: · Discussion boards: · Video quizzes: · Philosophical Journey Parts 1 & 2: · Final Exam: 30 pts · Miscellaneous: 10 pts | |
Assessments
Assessments are essentially exams that are completed on Canvas. There are five assessments in this course.
· Assessments will cover the material we’ve been discussing most recently.
· Assessments are timed.
· Assessments will be comprised of 10 multiple-choice questions (1 point each) followed by a single essay question (10 points).
o Essay question prompts will unlock immediately following your submission of the MC portion of the assessment.
o Essays are brief (four-paragraph minimum) and informal. You do not need to use a specific publishing style (e.g., APA, MLA).
· Multiple choice questions will most often ask you to define terms.
· Essay questions will be evaluated on the WORD rubric. (see below)
Video Quizzes
Video quizzes coincide with lecture videos. That is, the questions appear at predetermined points throughout the video lectures, and will ask you about the topic being discussed, currently. Video quiz questions will be relatively easy. Their purpose is to demonstrate that you are engaged while viewing the lecture, not necessarily that you have mastered the material.
Discussion Board
An important part of developing good skills in philosophy is to attempt to apply the concepts we’re learning. So, let’s make the most our discussion board!! On several occasions throughout the semester, you’ll be asked to participate in a class-wide discussion by responding to a writing prompt and replying your classmates’ responses.
Unfortunately I do not have time in my schedule to give feedback on everyone’s discussion board posts (across all of the classes I teach at Valencia, this would require responding to 100-150 discussion board posts a week!). Therefore, your discussion board assignment response and reply posts will be graded based on whether they meet the following basic requirements:
- Original post answers all questions raised by the prompt
- Writing is thorough (examples provided, premises for conclusions, etc.)
- Characterization of basic concepts is on the right track
- Reply post shares a meaningful thought.
Students whose posts meet these basic requirements will earn full credit. If you want feedback on your post, you can request feedback via email.
I may occasionally provide discussion post feedback directly on the discussion board and in the comments section of your submissions. However, the highest quality discussion board feedback will be delivered during optional synchronous sessions. I will provide zoom invitations to these sessions as they come up. If you cannot make the session, don’t worry! I record and post all synchronous sessions to Canvas. Plus, you can email me to request that the group discusses your post during the session. When you watch the recording, it’ll be like you were there!
Along with an original post, most professors will require their students to contribute two replies per discussion board assignment. In this class, you're only required to respond to ONE of your classmate's posts. Thus, my expectation of the quality of your replies is slightly higher.
A substantial discussion board reply post should express a meaningful thought. What constitutes a meaningful thought? Here are a few examples:
· I agree with you, but for a reason that you did not discuss in your post...
· I agree with you, and here are some implications of the conclusion we share...
· I agree with you, but disagree with your premises, and here's why...
· I disagree with you about X (be specific), and here's why...
· Here's a critical question that you may not have considered. Also, here's why this question is important to your argument...
· You seem to have misunderstood something about X (be specific). Here's my understanding...
Now, here are a couple of common replies that are not "meaningful thoughts"
· I completely agree with your conclusion and for the very same reasons you gave...
This thought is not meaningful because it doesn't add anything of philosophical worth to the discussion. Essentially, what you're saying is "one other person in the world thinks what you think," which may be comforting to know, but it doesn't affect the validity of the claim. If you find yourself in total agreement with a classmate, perhaps ask a critical question, discuss implications, or find another classmate's post to address.
· I really liked your post because xyz....
Complimenting your classmates is a nice thing to do. Being encouraged to share our beliefs is an important part of doing good philosophy! However, merely complimenting your classmate isn't adding anything philosophically valuable to the discussion, and so you need to say more. This is not to dissuade you from encouraging your classmates! Please, continue to do so! Just note that a statement that essentially says, "I agree with you and I really liked your post," needs more substance if you want to earn full credit.
Philosophical Journey
At the beginning and end of the semester you will address a philosophical question of your choice. Think of this assignment as you would a journal entry. There is not a strict rubric for this assignment, so just let your thoughts flow! At the end of the semester, you’ll be able to compare your response to the question to the response you gave at the beginning of the semester to see your growth as a burgeoning philosopher!
Final Exam
The Final Exam is a cumulative multiple-choice assessment that tests your understanding of key concepts.
- Proctored via Honorlock
- Timed
- Open book
- Open note
- You may NOT collaborate with classmates
- You may NOT access browser windows external to the test
Extra Credit
There will be a few opportunities to earn extra credit throughout the semester. Also, I’m open to suggestions. For example, if there is an issue relevant to class about which you are very passionate -passionate enough to write a brief paper, say- then I may be willing to award you some points for doing so.
The “WORD” Rubric
Each of your written assignments will be graded with respect to the following rubric:
| Writing | 25% of grade | How is your spelling, sentence structure, and style? Are your ideas conveyed clearly and with enough specificity and detail? |
| Organization | 25% of grade | Is your composition organized in a way that makes sense? Do paragraphs stick to a single subject? Do sentences within each paragraph logically flow into one another? |
| Research | 25% of grade | Is the information you’re presenting accurate and cited properly? Have you provided all the important details in your summary/analysis? |
| Demonstration | 25% of grade | Have you formulated your argument with good reasoning? Have you given logically relevant premises? Avoided fallacies? |
IV. Course and College Policies
Attendance Policy
This is an online course, available 24/7, managed through Canvas. You must have access to the Internet (available on all Valencia campuses) to complete the course requirements. Please note that if extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergency, etc.) force you to disengage from the course for a duration, that’s fine, but you need to message me as soon as you are able. When you message me, you will need to show documentation that verifies the reason for your disengagement. At the time I accept your documentation, we will agree on a deadline for your makeup work.
No-Show Policy
If you do not log in to the course during the first week and complete the introductory quiz and discussion posts, you will be withdrawn from the class as a "no showLinks to an external site.". Class attendance is required for online classes; students who are not actively participating in an online class and/or do not submit the required attendance activity or assignment by the scheduled due date must be withdrawn by the instructor at the end of the first week as a "no show". If you are withdrawn as a “no show,” you will be financially responsible for the class and a final grade of “WN” will appear on your transcript for the course.
Withdrawal Policy
Per Valencia policyLinks to an external site., a student who withdraws from class before the established deadline for a particular term will receive a grade of “W.” A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline.
A faculty member will withdraw a student up to the withdrawal deadline for violation of the class attendance policy. A student who is withdrawn by faculty for violation of the class attendance policy will receive a grade of “W”. After the withdrawal deadline, faculty will not withdraw a student and the student will receive the grade earned at the end of the course. Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of “F.” If you do not intend to complete the course, you must withdraw yourself prior to the withdrawal date.
College Student Conduct and Communications Policy
Valencia is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but also to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. As a registered student, you assume the responsibility for conducting yourself in a manner that contributes positively to Valencia’s learning community and that does not impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the college as described in the Student Code of ConductLinks to an external site..
This extends to interactions with your instructor.
Academic Integrity
All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, acts or attempted acts of plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, facilitating academic dishonesty, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.
All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the students' individual thoughts, research, and self-expression. Whenever a student uses ideas, wording, or organization from another source, the source shall be appropriately acknowledged. If a student is caught submitting plagiarized work a first offense will result in a score of zero on the assignment; a second offense will result a class grade of F.
Late Work/Makeup Policy
Assignments will open and close as scheduled. Late submissions will not be graded.
In my experience, allowing students to turn in late work hurts them more than it helps. Good students who could easily earn A’s end up earning B’s or C’s because they consistently rely on late-submission grace periods. They submit ‘A-quality’ work and earn B’s and C’s due to point-deductions, which are necessary in order to be fair to students who submit their work on time. Thus, no late work.
If you need a deadline extension, please reach out to me prior to the deadline of the assignment in question and I may be able to accommodate you.
Copyright Policy
To avoid copyright infringement, any materials produced specifically for this class can ONLY be used during this term for this class.
Third Party Software & FERPA Policy
Valencia College has a firm commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students. Third party software privacy policies will be provided at the point of use within the course.
Valencia College has a firm commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students. In making this commitment, the College wants to ensure that all faculty and staff are familiar with state and federal laws pertaining to student privacy, as well as College policies and procedures that have been implemented to help guarantee student privacy.
Respect for Persons
Students are expected to share and criticize ideas in a mature and respectful manner. Failure to meet this expectation may result in a verbal warning, point deduction, or removal from the classroom.
Academic Honesty Statement
“Each student is required to follow Valencia policy regarding academic honesty. All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression unless the assignment specifically states ‘group project.’”
IMPORTANT: Note that ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI are forbidden in this course (this includes AI that heavily rephrase original writing). To do philosophy properly, you must generate your own independent thought.
If I’ve suspected you’ve acted in conflict with the College’s standards of academic integrity, I will contact you to discuss. A first violation results in a zero for the assignment in question. Students who make a second violation fail the course with absolutely no exception.
COVID Guidelines
Throughout the COVID pandemic, Valencia College has been primarily focused on the health and well-being of its students and faculty and staff. This continues to be our priority as we return to more face-to-face classes, and college policy continues to be guided by science and the guidelines issued by the CDC and our partners at Orlando Health. I urge all students who are able to do so to get vaccinated and encourage friends and family to do so as well. Should you become ill with COVID, please inform me and your professors and coworkers both for your safety, the safety of our Valencia community. I will do what I can to assist you in completing successfully our coursework. Please inform our COVID liaison Tanya Mahan (COVIDillness@valenciacollege.edu) as well, so she can support you in this process. We are in this together! For more information, please consult: https://valenciacollege.edu/about/coronavirus/.
HB 233
Students may record video and/or audio of class lectures for their personal use. Recordings may be a useful tool to support your learning and provide a resource for review. It is important to be respectful of your peers’ rights to privacy; with that in mind, please refrain from recording your peers during lectures. You may not record class discussions, student presentations, labs, group work, and private conversations. Further, you may not publish or share recordings without my written consent, nor may you provide recordings to classmates as a substitution for class participation and attendance. If necessary, I will handle violations of this section through the College’s Student Code of Conduct.
V. Important dates and deadlines:
Drop deadline: August 28
Graduation application deadline: September 15
Withdraw deadline: October 27
Here's a link to a calendar containing all important dates and deadlines for Fall 23.
VI. Student Resources
Baycare Behavioral Health’s Student Assistance Program
“Valencia is committed to making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help that may assist them with psychological issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home, or work. Students have 24-hour unlimited access to the Baycare Behavioral Health’s confidential student assistance program phone counseling services by calling (800) 878-5470. Three free confidential face-to-face counseling sessions are also available to students.”
Students with Disabilities Information
“Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a Notification to Instructor (NTI) form from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the instructor, preferably during the first two weeks of class; accommodations will not be applied retroactively. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities.”
West Campus SSB, Rm. 102 Phone: 407-582-1523 Fax: 407-582-1326
Learning Support at Valencia
Learning Support Services provides students with academic support through distance tutoring, face to face tutoring at the campuses, writing consultations, library services, and resources. Tutoring is offered in most academic disciplines including math, science, foreign languages, English for academic purposes (EAP), computer programming and writing assistance for any course.
Assistance with library research can be accessed online through Atlas or the tutoring LibGuide. For more information on how to access tutoring and library research assistance, please visit the college-wide Learning Support Services LibGuide at: www.valenciacollege.edu/tutoringLinks to an external site.
You can easily access Valencia’s free distance tutoring and tech support from a computer, laptop or mobile device.
Distance tutoring services are provided fully online via Zoom. Through this service, you will receive real-time assistance via a Valencia tutor. Online tutoring is offered in: mathematics, sciences, accounting & economics, computer programming, EAP and foreign languages, and writing.
Online Learning Technology Support services are also available. Students can receive assistance with navigating: Canvas, OneDrive, Zoom, YouTube, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint). Support is also provided for video editing (via iMovie and MovieMaker) and converting documents from a Mac to PC. Tech support is available live (on-demand) via Zoom, by appointment, or via email. Students are encouraged to use the 24/7 Canvas Help located inside Canvas by clicking on the “Help” icon.
To get started using the Distance Tutoring and Learning Technology Support services, please visit www.valenciacollege.edu/tutoring. Through this site, you can view the schedule of tutors/tech support assistants, find available times, learn more about the services, and access a collection of supplemental resources that are available 24/7.
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Monday-Friday: 8 am – 10 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9 am – 7 pm
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