MR. WRIGHT 260W / / Wrightcamps / 215-944-1333
HONORS PHILOSOPHY
MR. WRIGHT –260W / / @WrightCamps / 215-944-1333
COURSE DESCRIPTION - “The primary purpose of an introductory course in philosophy for seniors is to train students in the comprehension and manipulation of abstract ideas and to provide them with a means of dealing with varying points of view in an orderly, logical, and rational fashion.”
SKILL OBJECTIVES
Students should be able to advance their critical thinking skills through:
1. Increasing the validity of their thoughts with at least one philosophical topic through reading, research, and/or discussion (Proving/Disproving vs. Approving/Disapproving)
2. Using the ‘Socratic method’ in addressing a philosophical concept.
3. Thinking open – mindedly (Empathetic intelligence) with at least one philosophical issue with which you’re not comfortable (A–ha’s! not ouches).
4. Reflecting on how a wide variety of philosophical topics can help one gain greater understanding of one’s identity (What makes ‘you’, ‘you’!)
COURSE CONTENT*
Marking Period 1 – “Thinking like a Philosopher”, “Metaphysics”
Ø Summer Reading - Ishmael, Lord of the Flies, Fahrenheit 451
Ø The Republic, Plato
Ø Concepts in Metaphysics
Marking Period 2 – “Political Theory”
Ø Anthem, Ayn Rand
Ø Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx
Ø The Social Contract, Jean – Jacques Rousseau
Ø Modern concepts in Political Theory
Marking Period 3 – “Epistemology” / “Theology”
Ø Einstein’s Dreams, Alan Lightman
Ø Concepts in Epistemology
Ø Candide, Voltaire
Ø Logical/Non – Logical Approaches to the Existence of God
Marking Period 4 – “Ethics – “How should humans behave?”
Ø Supplemental materials from The Fundamentals of Philosophy, 2nd Edition
Ø Ethics Case Studies through the Applied Ethics Institute, UCSD
Ø Quiz Show, Robert Redford
Ø The Cider House Rules, Lasse Halstrom/John Irving
Ø Personal Philosophy Presentations
*subject to change
ASSESSMENTS
v Quiz 10 pts.
v Reflective Assignment* 10 pts.
v Formative In Class Assessments 10 pts.
v Journal Responses* 15 pts.
v Unit Presentations* 15 pts.
v Active Participation 20 pts.
v Unit Exams 20 pts.
100 pts.
*WORK OUTSIDE OF CLASS - The purpose of work outside of class is to build skills such as time management, intrapersonal thought, and following directions.
v Students are responsible to hand in assignments on the due date even if they are absent. You may email your work to before the start of 1st period of the due date in order to receive full credit. Mr. Wright will be flexible with extenuating circumstances.
v Journals - Students are responsible for 3 - 5 journal assignments each marking period. Refer to Homework Rubric.
v Reflective Assignments handed in late are penalized a letter grade each day.
v Presentations - If you are absent the day of a presentation, you must notify me by 7:15 a.m. the day of the presentation via email or phone (215-944-1333). If you do not do this, your presentation grade will be penalized two letter grades.
MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES
1. Classroom Materials: Highlighter, Class Binder (1 inch minimum) with folder and notebook paper.
2. HALL PASS PRIVELEGE: Please sign in/out and use the class hall pass. The Hall Pass is a privilege, therefore; it can be taken away if abused.
3. FOOD IN CLASS: Water and small snacks are allowed in class. Please leave other food/drinks in your bag or leave on the counter as you enter the room.
4. CELL PHONE POLICY: This class will follow school policy on cell phones. Electronic devices are only allowed with teacher discretion - RED LIGHT (NOT ALLOWED) / GREEN LIGHT (ALLOWED). Consistent violation of cell phone policy can lead to referral, loss of privileges, and/or loss of active participation points.
5. Returning of Assessments – All assignments will be sent home with students for review except for the Final Exam.
6. Senior Privilege – If you have an A average entering the Final Exam you are excused from the final
7. Extra Credit – EC opportunities are available. All proposals should be made in the first three weeks of each marking period and ALL mandatory assignments should be complete before asking for EC.
8. See Mr. Wright if you’re interested in a copy of supplemental materials used in class.
9. Please see me if you have any special needs with which I need to be aware.