Course Syllabus
Spring Term, 2003
Credit Hours: 3

Course No:  PHIL 3224
Course Title:  Critical Issues in Philosophy

Instructor:  Dr. Joe LeVesque
Office:   P. O. Box 150302, Arlington, Texas, 76015
Email: levejoe@attbi.com
Phone:  (214)249-6367

Course Learning Resources:

 There is no text required for this course.  All assignments will involve related web sites and weekly reviews.  Suggestions and direction for weekly assignments will be supplied within each lecture.

Course Description

This course reviews critical issues faced by societies, taken from a philosophical perspective.  Key topics include the use of science and technology in our societies, human rights, just war, peace, poverty, prosperity, moral and social standards, religion and other philosophical problems with emphasis on their current applications.

Goals and Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will:

1. Understand the philosophical basis for societal issues and problems.
2. Be able to analyze various moral approaches to key societal issues.
3. Understand the crucial link between a philosophical premise and its resulting actions.
4. Understand current social, economic, and religious issues in their philosophical dimensions.
5. Have enhanced their ability to think critically.

Course Policies

 Attendance

This is a 6 week course, and moves fairly quickly.  Its requirements include assignments, discussion in the virtual classroom, a final paper, and a final exam.

I will be available to answer questions, engage in discussion, and provide assistance as needed.

Your written assignments should be submitted as file attachments in either MicroSoft Word or HTML format.  Each assignment will be evaluated, graded, and returned with feedback.  Values for each assignment are provided in the table below.

Timing

Please be sure to time your assignments so that you have adequate time to complete the work in the 6 weeks allowed.

Communication

Discussion is an important aspect to an effective online course.  We will communicate primarily via the virtual classroom.  However, please feel  free to use my email address for questions, comments, concerns, etc.

Evaluation Material

Assignments and Tests
There are six weekly assignments, a final paper, and a final exam.

Grade Components

Individual Assignments: 10% each (60% of total)
Final Paper:   15% of total
Final Exam:   25% of total

Grading Scale
95-100 A
90-94 A-
87-89 B+
84-86 B
80-83 B-
77-79 C+
74-76 C
70-73 C-
67-69 D+
64-66 D
60-63 D-
0-59   F