Miramar CollegeCRN 44976
Spring 2010Michael Lopez
Location: D-205/R 6:35-9:45Philosophy 205
E-mail: 3 Hours, 3 Units
Office Info: Rm. F-403/TR: 11:00-12:30; W 1:00-3:00
Critical Thinking and Writing
Course Objectives:1. To enhance critical thinking, writing and research skills.
2. To investigate various philosophical issues bridging points of
debate across the three basic branches of philosophy.
3. To apply basic principles of Deduction and Induction in an
effort to construct and deconstruct philosophical topics.
4. To identify and avoid fallacies in reasoning and to apply logical
reasoning as well as effective research methods to the academic process of reading, reflecting and writing.
Evaluation:Grades will be determined by my assessment of these assignments:
Midterm……………20%
Final Exam……………20%
Journals……………20%
Part/HW……………20%
Term Paper……………20%
Total……………100%
Exams: Prior to each test we will have a review session. The review session is not to serve as a cramming session. It is not my responsibility to cover everything that will be on the exam as thoroughly as it was covered during the weeks leading up to the exam. It is simply to serve as a reminder of the information that you are responsible for, and may be asked of you, on the exam.
Part/HW: This consists of your Participation and Homework grade. This grade will be a measure of how much and how well you participate in class discussions and whether or not assignments are being turned in complete and on time. This 20% acts as an incentive because in attending class regularly and prepared, so that you may participate thoroughly, not only will this portion of your grade be a good one, but chances are the other 80% of your course grade will benefit as well. The District has an attendance requirement outlined in the college catalogue that I am obliged to follow. If you do not comply then I will be forced to drop you from the course. Having said that, know that after the initial drop date, the responsibility to withdraw from the class belongs to you the student.
Journals: There are journal entries that will be assigned almost every week. The student is required to turn in 10 journal entries throughout the course of the semester. Should you choose to complete more, then the 10 best entries will comprise your final grade for this portion of the class. Journals are to be typed, double-spaced, 1 to 2 pages in length. Journals are always due the week after they are assigned. Late Journals will be docked one grade level, special circumstances aside. The journal is an opportunity for the student to display his/her knowledge and level of apprehension of the subject matter. It is not intended to be a review/report on the material. The journal is reflective and should accomplish two tasks: a demonstration that the student understands the basic premises set forth by the piece, and that the student has come to some sort of thoughtful and reasonable position on one or more of those premises, or the conclusion that they are intended to support. For the first few, the grading process will be more lenient and I will give feedback to help you understand what it is I am looking for. As the semester progresses my expectations, along side your experience, will grow.
Writing Requirement: This paper is to be 7-10 pages in length, typed, double-spaced with a minimum of four sources. You are to use MLA format for the citations and bibliography. The paper must involve a debatable philosophical topic. The paper should spend no more than a page introducing the topic, articulating the thesis, and explaining parameters of the subject. The body of the paper should be spent explicating all sides of the discussion thoroughly, citing along the way to add legitimacy to the positions being held. Sides should be represented fairly and accurately for the purpose of ensuring that any conclusion arrived at will be based on the logic of the premises and not the bias of the author. The conclusion should briefly summarize the findings and clearly state that which the evidence purports to be the case.
You cannot receive a “C” or better in this class without completing and passing this required assignment. Your term paper grade will suffer a deduction of one grade for any of the following:
-Lack of proper citation within the body of the text
-Lack of a bibliography
-For being less than 6 pages in length
-For being turned in late
*Note: There is a District policy regarding plagiarism. If questionable material is submitted I am
obligated to follow the proper channels, so do not risk a penalty that could extend
beyond the scope of this classroom by staking claim to work that is not your own.
Paper proposal/outline: You are to write a half page synopsis of your paper, and provide an outline of the paper demonstrating your approach to the subject. The synopsis is an informal explanation of your topic, what you hope to accomplish in your paper, and by what methods. The outline is an organizational tool indicating the course of action your paper will follow. It is used to describe the basic points of the paper, the order in which the pertinent facts will come to bare and to set up your evidence for the desired conclusion. This will be due in the middle of the semester.
Assigned Text:1.) The Little Philosophy Book, by Robert Solomon
2.) Writing Philosophy: A Student’s Guide to Writing Philosophical Essays,
by Lewis Vaughn
Final Note: If you’re going to miss class, or are having trouble completing the work you should
be discussing it with me. If you are a student in need with regard to certain
academic accommodations please let me know so that I can be of assistance. Make
sure that you are aware of the academic calendar as presented in your class schedule
and be mindful of all the important dates. I do not provide an assignment schedule
for you, so you need to be in class to receive assignments, or e-mail me for them if
you miss class. Communication is of the utmost importance, so be sure to keep me
informed if issues arise as we progress through the semester.