Philosophy Department Registration Guide
Summer 2008
The information provided here is subject to
change, modification, or revision. – Last updated 4/08/08.
PHILOSOPHY AND THE GENERAL
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
The Humanities Base
All
students are required to take Introduction to Philosophy (PHL 103) as part of
the Humanities Base. Normally this course is taken in the student's first year.
PHL 103 is a pre-requisite for all 300 and 400 level philosophy courses. CORE
students take ASI 111-112.
The Clusters
Students
may meet one cluster course requirement by taking an approved philosophy
course. The following courses are approved as part of designated clusters:
Indicates courses offered this semester.
|
Arts and Human Experience PHL 365 Islamic Philosophy & Culture PHL 345 Scholars Seminar in Philosophy Business Professional in a Global Society Catholic Intellectual Tradition CORE PHL 310 Social Philosophy PHL 323 Philosophy and Literature |
Cross-Cultural PHL 365 Islamic Philosophy & Culture Perspectives on Global Environmental Issues Social Justice |
Values, Technology, and Society Women and Culture Students
may meet cluster requirements by completing the CORE Program or the Honors
Program. All courses designated with an asterisk in the
composite are approved for General Education. |
MAJORING AND MINORING IN
PHILOSOPHY
The Major in Philosophy
- Students majoring in
Philosophy should begin by taking PHL 103, Introduction to Philosophy
(CORE students take ASI 111-112).
- At the 200 level, majors
are required to take PHL 240, Research Methodologies and Technologies.
- At the 300 level, majors
are required to take PHL 302, Symbolic Logic; PHL 350, Classical Greek
Philosophy; and PHL 352, Modern Philosophy. In addition, majors take
PHL 351, Medieval Philosophy or PHL 353, Nineteenth Century Philosophy or PHL 354, Twentieth Century Philosophy.
These courses should be completed before taking 400 level seminars.
- Majors are required to
take four 400 level seminars.
- Majors take nine
additional hours at the 300 or 400 levels.
The Minor in Philosophy
- Students minoring in Philosophy should begin by taking PHL 103,
Introduction to Philosophy (CORE students take ASI 111-112).
- Minors are required to
take PHL 201, Practical Logic; or PHL 302, Symbolic Logic.
- Minors are required to
take PHL 350, Classical Greek Philosophy; PHL 351, Medieval Philosophy; or
PHL 352, Modern Philosophy.
- Minors are required to
take one 400 level seminar.
- Minors must complete
eighteen semester hours of coursework in Philosophy, at least twelve of
which are at the 300 or 400 level.
Philosophy
Department Registration Guide
Summer 2008
The information provided here is subject to
change, modification, or revision.
First Session
PHL 103 61 -- INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY [MTWTHF 9:25-10:40 / HM 109]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM TIME: SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 8:00-8:50]
P. TIBBETTS [HM 478 / X-92753]
General Education Course / Humanities Base
COURSE CONTENT:
This course examines the following philosophical issues: What sorts of issues
do philosophers think about? What are "thought experiments" and what
do they have to do with philosophy? The Socratic Method; Free Will and
Determinism; Relativism and Morality; The Problem of Evil; Skepticism and
Knowledge. Philosophers to be discussed include: Plato, Locke, Hume, Descartes
and
Hobbes.
FORMAT: Lecture and discussion.
GRADING SCHEME: A mid-term examination, a final examination,
plus a web-based research paper.
TEXT(S): -Readings on the Ultimate Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy, Rauhut & Smith, Penquin, 2nd ed. ISBN 0321413008
PHL 304
61 -- PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN NATURE [MTWTHF 10:50-12:05 / HM 109]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM
TIME: FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 10:00-11:50]
P. TIBBETTS [HM 478 /
X-92753]
General Education
Course and Approved for the Cross-Cultural Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: Examination of issues concerning our "human nature" through the use of philosophical and scientific thought experiments. Issues to be examined include: Cartesian dualism; Reductionism; Mind as Body and Mind as Software; the tTring Test; Free Will and Determinism; Personal Identity; and Self as Memory. Philosophers to be examined include: Descartes, Locke, Turing, Searle and Churchland.
FORMAT: Lecture and
discussion.
GRADING SCHEME: Two (2) hourly
examinations plus a final examination, plus weekly or biweekly quizzes.
TEXT(S): -Readings on the Ultimate Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy, Rauhut & Smith, Penquin, 2nd ed. ISBN 0321413008
PHL 307 61 -- PHILOSOPHY AND WOMEN [MW 6:00-9:15
/ HM 109]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM TIME: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 6:00-9:15]
R. WHISNANT [HM 405 / X-92937]
General Education Course and Approved for Social Justice Cluster and Women
and Culture Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: This course is an introduction to feminist social and
political theory, with a philosophical emphasis. After introducing key concepts
such as oppression, patriarchy, feminism, and sexism, we’ll investigate the
application of these concepts to contemporary gender relations.
FORMAT: Lecture and discussion.
GRADING SCHEME: Exams, online discussion board, and class
participation.
TEXT(S): -The Gender Knot, 2nd ed., Johnson. ISBN 089594099X
-The Politics of Reality, Frye. ISBN 1592133835
PHL 310 61 -- SOCIAL
PHILOSOPHY [MTWTHF 10:50-12:05 / HM 204]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM
TIME: FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 10:00-11:50]
M. PAYNE [HM 481 /
X-92840]
General Education Course
and Approved for Social Justice Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: This course
examines contemporary moral issues, including racism, abortion, euthanasia,
capital punishment, world hunger, and affirmative action. These issues will be critically examined in terms
of moral theories, including libertarianism, utilitarianism, welfare
liberalism, Marxism, and feminism
FORMAT: Lecture and
class discussion.
GRADING: Three tests and
class participation.
TEXT(S): -Today's
Moral Issues, Daniel Bonevac, 5th ed.
PHL 313 61 -- BUSINESS ETHICS [MW 6:00-9:15 / HM 204]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM TIME: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18,
6:00-9:15]
M. PAYNE [HM 481 / X-92840]
General Education
Course and Approved for the Business Professional in a Global Society Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: This course
provides an introduction to ethical issues in the business world, including the
FORMAT: Lecture and
class discussion.
GRADING: Three tests and
class participation.
TEXT(S): -Ethical
Issues in Business, Donaldson & Werhane, 8th ed.
PHL 315
61 -- MEDICAL ETHICS [MTWTH 6:00-9:00 p.m. EDT (5/12-5/22 OR 5/23) Web Conferences
through the Web.]
[WEB CONFERENCE REQUIRED COMPONENTS 5/12-5/15 AND 5/19-5/22
(OR 5/23 as a
make-up for those going to Daytona and will miss the 5/12 Web Conference)]
[INDEPENDENT (WEBSITE) COMPONENT 5/25-6/18]
CLASS SIZE: 33
DR. L. ULRICH [Contact through e-mail <Lawrence.Ulrich@notes.udayton.edu>
or by phone at 760.574.8087]
General Education Course and Approved for Social Justice
Cluster and the Values, Technology, and Society Cluster
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COURSE IS A
SIX(6)-WEEK COURSE AND CONCLUDES ON JUNE 20.
COURSE CONTENT: This course will deal with
a wide range of issues involving healthcare. These issues will be examined from
a variety of perspectives. It will examine the rights and responsibilities of
patients and caregivers in making decisions about healthcare. We will examine
(1) professional codes governing medical practice, (2) various ethical
frameworks for examining issues in medical practice, (3) special features of the
caregiver-patient relationship such as confidentiality, truth-telling, informed
consent, and the Patient Self-Determination Act, (4) problems of special
significance such as the refusal of treatment, caring for the dying, advance
directives, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, caring for the elderly and
defective newborns, abortion, and assisted reproduction, and (5) social justice
and resource allocation in healthcare.
FORMAT: The course will be composed of two parts:
- This is a bioethics intensive in which regular chat room sessions will be held on May 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. EDT. [There will be a make-up Web Conference scheduled for May 23 for those going to Daytona and who will miss the Web Conference on May 12.
- The last four weeks (May 25-June 20) will be conducted through the professor's homepage and by e-mail.
If you have any questions regarding this format or scheduling please contact Dr. Ulrich by telephone at 760.574.8087, by E-mail at Lawrence.Ulrich@notes.udayton.edu, or visit his homepage at http://academic.udayton,edu/LawrenceUlrich/ and click on the course website, Phl 315summer08.
GRADING SCHEME: There will be no in-class examinations. Grades will be determined primarily by 3 case analysis and an advance directive exercise submitted by e-mail during the last four weeks of the course period. Two threaded discussions of cases will be utilized throughout the course and will be a part of the grade. Active class participation will be an essential part of the chat room meetings. Active chat room participation and and participation in the threaded discussions will count as 1/5 of the final grade. There will be 10 points of extra credit for each of two (2) chat rooms (live sessions) during the web-based portion of the course (in the last 4 weeks).
REGISTRATION: A syllabus is available on the course website <http://academic.udayton.edu/LawrenceUlrich/315s08.html>. An interview with Dr. Ulrich is not essential for enrolling in this course (Phl 103 is a prerequisite), although e-mail contact is welcome prior to enrollment in the course.
TEXT(S):
-Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Bioethical
Issues, edited by Carol Levine. (12th edition) McGraw-Hill, 2007. ISBN
0073129550
-Bioethics Handbook, Ulrich (required). ISBN
9970618156n
-Wit, Edson. ISBN 0571198775n
-Readings on the website Readings Page and
ERESERVE.
PHL 324
61 -- PHILOSOPHY & FILM [TTH 6:00-9:15 / HM 204] $15 Lab Fee
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM
TIME: THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 6:00-9:15]
K. MOSSER [HM 417 /
X-92810]
General Education Course
and Approved for the Arts and Human Experience Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: This course will examine the representation of African-Americans in American film, from its beginnings to contemporary film. We will contrast films made by white directors, producers and writers with films made by African-American directors, producers and writers. We will consider what values are expressed in these films, relative to race, class, privilege, and identity. We will see a large number of films, and our discussion will generally be driven by the issues raised in the text. The goal is to develop the skill of watching a film, understanding how a director achieves his or her goals, and determining what is involved in making judgments within the philosophy of art.
FORMAT: Film viewing followed by discussion. Some lectures on film and philosophical issues in art. Attendance is required for all course meetings, and students who miss an evening will almost certainly see it reflected in their course grade.
GRADING SCHEME: 5 film analyses (1-2 pages) -- 50%; Participation -- 20%; Paper (5-8 pages) -- 30%
TEXT(S): -Representing
Blackness: Issues in Film and Video, Smith (ed.), Rutgers University Press.
ISBN 0813523141
PHL 370 61 -- POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY [MTWTHF 12:15-1:30 / HM 109]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM TIME: SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 10:00-11:50]
M. KEBEDE [HM 476 / X-92812]
General Education Course and Approved for Social Justice Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: A survey of the fundamental concepts and issues of Western political thought as developed by political philosophers from the Greeks through the modern era. The justification of the state, the articulation of power with ideology, the conflict between freedom and equality, the relationship between the individual and the community are the main concerns of the course.
FORMAT: Lecture supported by textual analyses of selected basis texts as well as assigned group presentations on specific issues.
GRADING SCHEME: The overall grade will be based on class presentation, quizzes, midterm exam and final exam.
TEXT(S): -Excerpts from classical texts of social and political philosophy will be sent to students through email attachments.
Second Session
PHL 103
81 -- INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY [MTWTHF
10:50-12:05 / HM 204]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM
TIME: FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 10:00-11:50]
D. DUNHAM [HM 467 /
X-91344]
General Education
Course / Humanities Base
COURSE CONTENT: In this course, we will seek to unearth for ourselves the humanities base themes through the original works of a few signature philosophers from the history of philosophic thought. No need to be intimidated by the book list: total pages assigned and total expense will be comparable to single large texts of excerpts and exegesis.
FORMAT: Lecture, close reading, and lively discussion.
GRADING SCHEME: Journal of
thoughts-provoked, essay-style quizzes, one paper, one final exam.
TEXT(S): -The
Trial and Death of Socrates, Plato (Grube, trans.), Hackett. ISBN
0872205541
-Tao Teh Ching, Tzu (Trade, ed.), paper. ISBN 0877733880
-Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes (Cottingham, trans.),
Cambridge. ISBN 0521558182
-The Gay Science, Nietzsche (Kaufman, trans), Random House. ISBN
0394719859
-Reserve readings (TBA)
PHL 310 81 -- SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY [MTWTHF 12:15-1:30 / HM 204]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM TIME: SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 10:00-11:50]
M. KEBEDE [HM 476 / X-92812]
General Education Course and Approved for the Cross-Cultural Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: The course establishes the nature of power and authority and the theoretical history of the ideas of liberty, equality, and justice through a survey of representative social philosophies. It also deals with various debates generated by specific social issues such as legal punishment, individual and collective responsibilities, racial discrimination, gender inequality, ecological violence, global justice, human rights.
FORMAT: Lecture supported by textual analyses of selected basis texts as well as assigned group presentations on specific issues.
GRADING SCHEME: The overall grade
will be based on class presentation, quizzes, midterm exam and final exam.
TEXT(S): -Excerpts from classical texts of social and political philosophy will be sent to students through email attachments.
PHL 311 81 -- PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION [MW 6:00-9:15 / HM 109]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM TIME: WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 6:00-9:15]
M. PARADISO-MICHAU [HM 480 / X-92956]
General Education Course and Approved for the Cross-Cultural Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: Religion is one of
those dimensions of the human experience that nearly everyone encounters.
Yet it remains a mystery to most of us. The reasons for holding certain
religious beliefs about the existence and nature of the divine remain hotly
debated, not only in houses of worship and religious study but also in
everyday conversations and the political scene. In PHL 311, we will ask,
read about, and consider the following ubiquitous questions: What does it
mean to believe? Can one demonstrate or prove his or her faith to someone
else, and if so, how? How does one’s faith respond to the ever-present
reality of human suffering? Would God ever command something that we know to
be wrong? That is, what is the relationship, if any, between religious
devotion and ethical responsibility? This course introduces students to
Western philosophy of religion through:
1. Investigations of a five arguments for and against the existence of God;
2. Analyses of the problem of evil, and various responses to it;
3. Studies in the relationship between religion and ethics.
Throughout, we will engage philosophical views held by main historical and
modern writers in the Western world, from a variety of religious and
theoretical perspectives.
FORMAT: Lecture and discussion.
GRADING SCHEME: Course requirements will include attendance and participation (20%), completion and demonstration of understanding the assigned readings, film screenings and discussions, one or two in-class presentations (30%), quizzes (15%), and two writing assignments (35% total).
TEXT(S): -
Philosophy of Religion: Thinking about Faith, Evans, InterVarsity Press, 1985. ISBN 9780877843436-All other readings will be made available through WebCT.
PHL 320 81 -- PHILOSOPHY OF ART
[MTWTHF 9:25-10:40 / HM 204]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM
TIME: SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 8:00-9:50]
D. DUNHAM [HM 467 /
X-91344]
General Education
Course and Approved for the Arts and Human Experience Cluster and the
Cross-Cultural Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: This is not
a class in art history, nor is this a class in art identification or particular
artistic styles, per se. This is a course in the philosophy of
aesthetics. It shall ask the questions that revolve around our experience
of Art -- its “purpose,” its persistent presence in human
civilizations; its value, and how those values have or have not changed over
time; and we shall unearth those questions and values in the philosophy of
aesthetics through philosophers both ancient and modern; through essays both
old and new.
FORMAT: Lecture and
lively discussion.
GRADING SCHEME: Short-essay
tests, term paper, final exam, and attendance.
TEXT(S): -Philosophies
of Art & Beauty, Hofstadter and Kuhns,
eds.
-Aesthetics, Feagin and Maynard, eds. ISBN 0192892754
PHL 364 81 -- RACE, GENDER AND PHILOSOPHY [MW 2:00-5:15 / HM 109]
CLASS SIZE: 30 [EXAM TIME: FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2:00-5:15]
M. PARADISO-MICHAU [HM 480 / X-92956]
General Education Course and Approved for the Social Justice Cluster and the Women and Culture Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: Why is it the case
that many Americans are only inclined to discuss the race and gender of a
particular presidential candidate when an African-American male and a
Caucasian female are among the leading candidates? Are not race and gender
always pressing factors in American politics?
This course will philosophically examine fundamental structures of identity,
privilege, oppression, marginalization, dehumanization, and liberation as
they pertain to both race and gender, in our society and globally. We will
consider such questions as the following:
1. Are gender/sex and race/ethnicity socially constructed, or are they
biologically or ontologically “real” in some sense? What other options, if
any, present themselves?
2. How do racial and gender identity and oppression intersect with and
reinforce each other?
3. What are theoretical and practical strategies for bringing about racial
and gender justice and liberation?
FORMAT: Lecture and discussion.
GRADING SCHEME: Course requirements will include attendance and participation (20%), completion and demonstration of understanding the assigned readings, film screenings and discussions, one or two in-class presentations (30%), quizzes (15%), and two writing assignments (35% total).
TEXT(S): -Women, Race, and
Class, Davis, New York: Vintage, 1983. ISBN 0394713516
-Bad Faith and Antiblack Racism, Gordon, Humanities Press, 1995.
ISBN 1573925349
Full Third Term -- Summer Study at Home
PHL 103 Z1 -- INTRODUCTION TO
PHILOSOPHY -- Distance Learning: Go to http://learn.udayton.edu/ for further information.
CLASS SIZE: 33
J. BENNETT / Email:
jeff.bennett@notes.udayton.edu
General Education Course / Humanities Base
COURSE CONTENT: This course will examine the arguments and
theories of major Western philosophers on such topics as the existence and
nature of God, a personal afterlife, the possibility and scope of knowledge,
free will and determinism, and the basis of moral obligation. There will be
an emphasis on getting students to arrive at well reasoned views of their
own on these issues.
FORMAT: Independent reading and on-line disucssion.
GRADING SCHEME: Tests, short essays, homework.
TEXT(S): -Problems from Philosophy, Rachels. ISBN
9780072980806
-The Truth About the World, Rachels. ISBN 9780072980813
PHL 313
Z1 -- BUSINESS ETHICS -- Distance Learning: Go to http://learn.udayton.edu/ for further information.
CLASS SIZE: 33
DR.
L. ULRICH [E-mail:
Lawrence.Ulrich@notes.udayton.edu or phone at (760) 574-8087]
General Education Course and Approved for the Business
Professional in a Global Society Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: This course will provide an ethical framework for analyzing and assessing contemporary practices in business. There will be a focus on cases in business with supporting theoretical analyses related to the cases. Topics which will be considered are: (1) ethical frameworks for business practices with a focus on international business; (2) truth-telling and advertising; (3) the moral responsibility of corporations; (4) private property and profit; (5) employer-employee relationships; (6) business and the environment; (7) diversity in the workplace; (8) the role of the business professional in the global marketplace; and (9) leadership and virtue in business practices.
FORMAT: This is an e-learning [Distance Learning - On Line] course with no classroom meetings. The professor will be available for phone consultations throughout the summer. The course will extend from May 12 to August 1. There will be four reporting periods designated on the syllabus available from Dr. Ulrich <Lawrence.Ulrich@notes.udayton.edu> or on line. The course website is linked from Dr. Ulrich's homepage <http://academic.udayton.edu/LawrenceUlrich/> or students can go directly to the course website at <http://academic.udayton.edu/LawrenceUlrich/313s08>.
An interview with Dr. Ulrich is NOT essential for enrolling in this course although e-mail contact is welcome prior to enrollment in the course. Prerequisite is Phl 103. The course will be conducted on-line and by e-mail.
GRADING SCHEME: Students will read the text and answer questions (in the form of three examinations) on the assigned readings. Threaded Discussions will also be a part of the examination There will also be a case analysis focusing on a detailed examination of a case chosen by the student. The assignments and their deadlines are detailed on the website for the course. Web Conferences (audio chat rooms) for extra credit will be a part of the grading scheme. (See SYLLABUS for details.)
TEXT(S):
-Ethical Issues in Business: A Philosophical Approach,
Donaldson, Werhane and Cording. 7th edition (2002). ISBN 0130923877
-Wake-Up Calls: Classical Cases in Business Ethics, 2nd
edition. Newton and Schmidt. ISBN 0324261527
-Additional
Readings selected from
ERESERVEin the
library.
PHL 313
Z2 -- BUSINESS ETHICS -- Distance Learning: Go to
http://learn.udayton.edu/ for further information.
CLASS SIZE: 33
L. GONAZLEZ / Email: gonzalls@notes.udayton.edu
General Education
Course and Approved for the Business Professional in a Global Society Cluster
COURSE CONTENT:
Ethics in business practices -- Review of general ethical theory; ethical
assessments of incidents that often occur in commerce affecting employees,
employers, consumers, competitors, or the local community.
FORMAT:
Readings will be assigned. Questions and/or concepts will be posted. Discussion
Forum via discussion groups will be required.
GRADING SCHEME: Two exams, one paper. A (90-100), B(80-89), C(70-79), D(60-69), F(0-59)
TEXT(S): -Business Ethics, DeGeorge, Prentice Hall. ISBN 9780130991638
CLASS SIZE: 33
L. GONZALEZ / Email:
gonzalls@notes.udayton.edu
COURSE CONTENT: The course addresses the major theories in law,
identifies the legal institutions, and includes the approaches to law from an
international perspective.
FORMAT: Readings will be assigned. Questions and/or concepts
will be posted. Discussion Forum via discussion groups will be required.
GRADING SCHEME: Two exams, one paper. A (90-100), B(80-89),
C(70-79), D(60-69), F(0-59)
TEXT(S): - Introduction to the Philosophy of Law, White and
Patterson, Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195119754
PHL 316 Z1 -- ENGINEERING ETHICS -- Distance Learning: Go to http://learn.udayton.edu/ for further information.
CLASS SIZE: 33
W. MARVIN / Email: bill.marvin@notes.udayton.edu
General Education Course and Approved for the Values, Technology, and Society Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: Ethical evaluations of engineering practices require some type of yardstick or standard in relation to which intelligent decisions and assessments can be made. We live in a pluralistic society with a multiplicity of values. How, then, does one in this sort of society make ethical choices that he or she can act on with a high degree of confidence that these choices are indeed the correct ones? Without resorting to easy (yet unsatisfying) solutions, such as the affirmation of egoism, this course will attempt to present its participants with ways of making and evaluating ethical decisions in engineering, in business and in life. We will accomplish this by studying several approaches to ethics. Next, we will apply these approaches to discussions of issues and case studies in engineering ethics. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the process of ethical deliberation in relation to questions that may arise in the course of doing business as a professional and an engineer. The aim is to empower the student in his or her effort to make and act on these choices.
FORMAT: This is a `Distance Learning' class. Online and e-mailed sources will be used. Students will participate in threaded discussions and write 10 short papers on the issues and readings.
GRADING SCHEME: Threaded discussions and 10 short papers on the issues and readings.
TEXT(S): -No texts. Ereserve will be used.
PHL 321 Z1 -- ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS -- Distance Learning: Go to
http://learn.udayton.edu/ for further information.
CLASS SIZE: 33
W. MARVIN / Email: bill.marvin@notes.udayton.edu
General Education Course
and Approved for the Perspectives on Global Environmental Issues Cluster and
the Values, Technology & Society Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: In this course we open the door to a working understanding of some of the central issues in Environmental Ethics. We begin with an overview of the history of Ethics in the Western tradition. After building this foundation, we will examine current issues in Environmental Ethics. Our ethical tradition has tended to grant moral status to human beings (at least in theory). Until fairly recently (in our ethical tradition), the non human parts of our world have not been considered deserving of moral treatment. Instead, we have constructed a way of viewing what is not human as `other’, as not us. Once we have established this alien reality (`nature’), several ways of relating to it emerge. One is to view it as something hostile that must be overcome and eventually conquered. Another is to consider `nature’ as a vast reserve of resources at our disposal. Still another approach is to consider it sublime and beautiful, but still other. Each of these views assumes the human/ nature separation. Perhaps we should question whether the assumption that humans and the natural world are radically other is either productive or correct. Indeed, if we consider ourselves a part of the ecosystem we call Earth, much of what, in our common discourse, passes for debate on the environment would be exposed as nonsense. We intend to ask some tough questions. Bring your best philosophical disposition and an open mind.
FORMAT: This is a `Distance Learning' class. Online and e-mailed sources will be used. Students will participate in threaded discussions and write 10 short papers on the issues and readings.
GRADING SCHEME: Threaded discussions and 10 short papers on the issues and readings.
TEXT(S):
-A Sand County Almanac: And Sketches Here And There, Aldo
Leopold, Oxford U. Press. ISBN 019505928x
-The Weather Makers, Tim Flannery, Atlantic Monthly Press. ISBN 087113935 9
-And ereserve articles.
PHL 323 Z1 -- PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE
-- Distance Learning: Go to http://learn.udayton.edu/ for further information.
CLASS SIZE: 33
J. BENNETT / Email:
jeff.bennett@notes.udayton.edu
General Education Course, Approved for
The Arts and Human Experience Cluster, and the Cross Cultural Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: This course will investigate such philososophical
problems as personal identity over time, free will and determinism, and the
problem of evil. These problems will be explored through the novels and
stories of such major literary figures as Tolstoy, Voltaire, Kafka,
Stevenson, Hoffman and Pirandello. We will also read critical philosophical
essays on each of the novels and stories.
FORMAT: Independent reading and on-line discussion.
GRADING SCHEME: Tests, essays and homework assignments.
TEXT(S): -Tales of Hoffman , Hoffman, Penguin. ISBN
0140443924
-Candide, Voltaire, W. W. Norton and Co. ISBN 0393960587
-Tolstoy's Short Fiction, Tolstoy, W. W. Norton and Co. ISBN
0393960167
-The Metamorphosis, Kafka, W. W. Norton and Co. ISBN
0393967972
-Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stevenson, W. W. Norton and
Co. ISBN #0393974652
PHL 325 Z1 -- PHILOSOPHY
OF MUSIC -- Distance Learning: Go to http://learn.udayton.edu/ for further information.
CLASS SIZE: 33
K. MOSSER / Email: kurt.mosser@notes.udayton.edu
General Education
Course and Approved for the Arts and Human Experience Cluster and the Cross
Cultural Cluster
COURSE CONTENT: The internal migration of Americans from the South to North (and West), from the 1920s through the 1950s, changed the face and character of the United States in a wide variety of ways. Using this context, we will look at the role popular American music—country, blues, and rhythm and blues—played in this migration. Through the lens of politics and society, we will look at music, and we will look at politics and society through the lens of music.
FORMAT: Because this is a distance-learning course, the main text will be supplemented by readings posted at the course’s WebCT site; MP-3s, relevant to the course, will also be posted at this site. Students will be required to participate actively in WebCT discussions, and be required to find a scholarly paper on a relevant topic, and guide a discussion about the issues that paper raises. A substantial part of the course evaluation will be constituted by the WebCT component.
GRADING
SCHEME: Two short (3-5 pages) 30% -- WebCT Participation 25% -- WebCT Paper
Discussion 20% -- Final paper (5-8 pages) 25%
TEXT(S): -The
Southern Diaspora: How the Great Migrations of Black and White Southerners
Transformed America, Gregory, University of North Carolina Press. ISBN
0807856517
