IF YOU
ARE LOOKING FOR THE SPRING 2004 AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY SYLLABUS, GO TO http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~stanlick/amphilsylspr2004.html
BECAUSE THE ONE YOU ARE LOOKING AT RIGHT NOW IS FROM SPRING 2002.
PHH 3700: American Philosophy
Syllabus - Spring Term
2002/T-Th 10:00-11:15 CL1 207
Assignments, message board, calendar and other utilities and
requirements appear at http://reach.ucf.edu/~phh3700a
.
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Dr. Nancy Stanlick |
Department Office: 407-823-2273 |
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Office: CNH 411-I/Phone: 407-823-5459 |
e-mail: stanlick@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu |
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Hours: T Th 11:30-12:30, W 10:00-12:00 and by appt. |
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Links to
Syllabus Contents
Course Description and Objective: American Philosophy is a course in the history of philosophy with significant focus on the American spirit of individualism and reform and emphasis on American optimism in ethical, metaphysical and political contexts. American philosophy begins with Jonathan Edwards, a theologian and philosopher of the Great Awakening and moves through the "New American Republic," American Transcendentalism, the women's rights and civil rights movements, American feminist theory, and classical and contemporary developments in ethics and politics with a distinctively American emphasis. Although American philosophy obviously begins in the United States (or the "Colonies" of Britain prior to the American Revolution), it actually begins before it begins with developments from the thought of philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Leibniz and Hume and continues to this day to be heavily influenced by classic European philosophical trends and theories. Since that is the case, there will be attention paid to non-American works in philosophy where they are useful and relevant.
The objectives of the course are at least the following. First, you will become familiar with the history of American philosophy and be able to write about and discuss critically its development and specific points of emphasis. Second, you will develop and sharpen skills in research and critical/analytical reading and writing. Third, because the course is designed for a collaborative environment, you will work closely with at least two other students in the course on the development of two short papers on themes in American philosophy. Fourth, I hope you will see that American philosophy is as rich in content and meaning as the American experience itself.
Requirements and Grades: A mid-term and final examination as well as individual assignments and a term paper are required for the course. Use the links to see descriptions and requirements for these elements of evaluation. Examinations count as 30% of your final grade. The final paper is 20% and short papers are 10% (5% each), the bibliography is 10%, attendance and participation are 15%. The remaining 15% is based on a combination of written and participatory assignments to be developed throughout the semester. No grades are dropped. Be sure to attend class regularly since you are responsible for meeting all obligations for the course. Make-up examinations and assignments are given only with good, legitimate and verifiable reasons. Papers are due absolutely no later than the date listed in the schedule, calendar or "assignments" link in WebCT. Late papers are not accepted. Incomplete grades are given only in cases of extreme hardship or verifiable emergencies and are subject to conditions as appropriate. Any late exam or assignment must be made up within 3 class meeting days of its initial administration. If you will miss and examination or assignment due to a recognized religious observance, you must provide at least 2 weeks notice in writing to be able to make up what you miss. There is no extra credit offered or available in this course. Grades are earned, not given.
Grades and Grading Scale: Grades are based on the following
numerical values and are assigned using the +/- grading system.
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A: 95-100/Outstanding |
C: 74-76/Average |
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A-: 90-95/Superior |
C-: 70-73/Minimal average |
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B+: 87-89/Excellent |
D+: 67-69/Slightly below average |
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B: 84-86/Well above average |
D: 64-66/Below average |
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B-: 80-83/Above average |
D-: 60-63/Passing, but barely |
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C+: 77-79/Slightly above average |
F: 0-59/Failing |
Plagiarism of any kind is a violation of the "Golden Rule" as published in the UCF Catalog. Academic honesty and integrity are expected of everyone all the time. In other words, don't cheat. See the link to academic integrity in the table at the top of this syllabus and visit the UCF Website for information on the "Golden Rule." Your papers and other written work are all subject to submission to "turnitin.com."
Common courtesy is expected at all times. Wandering in late is disruptive and impolite. So are ringing cell phones and screeching beepers. Please turn them off, or set them to a silent alarm. I prefer that you not record lectures.
You are responsible for being in class and for any exams or assignments you may miss. Much of the material covered in class may not appear in the text or in any notes in the syllabus or website. If you miss a class, you are responsible for obtaining any notes or information you missed. Office hours are not held to repeat a lecture already given in class. They are held to clarify points, provide assistance, and otherwise attend to academic matters relevant to this course.
Texts: There is no traditional course text. Works in the history of American philosophy and related documents will be available online through links provided either here or in WebCT (or both) or will be put on reserve in the UCF Library.
Schedule &
Other Information:
From time to time, course materials beyond texts as links may appear in this
syllabus or in WebCT (or both). Watch for them. Some elements of
course contents may appear in "review" questions for exams. The
Department of Philosophy website (link at the top of the syllabus) includes a
link to electronic resources and writing guides that may be useful for
assignments, papers, and studying for exams.
A message board
appears in WebCT. The message board is for on-line review and discussion.
You should use it for posting questions to other people registered in this
course and for studying for exams. It may also prove useful in completing
course assignments.
The schedule is
meant only as a guide. Changes and
alterations in the schedule of topics, examination dates, paper due dates,
assignments and other schedule-related information may be made from time to
time to facilitate completion of all major sections listed.
Additional Course Information: