Instructor: Dr. Daniel Skubik, PhD JD MDiv
Voice: 909.343.4288 / Fax: 909.343.4437
Web: http://www.calbaptist.edu/dskubik
E-Mail: dskubik@calbaptist.edu

This introductory course provides general coverage of the principal issues, methods, and value of philosophy both as an academic discipline and as a way of life. It does not presume any background knowledge in the formal disciplinary field, but it does presume a basic knowledge of and willingness to engage in good faith discussion and argumentation, and a good faith effort on the part of students to apply themselves to the love of wisdom--the meaning of the word "philosophy," itself. This course is thus a prerequisite for all upper division philosophy courses.

By the end of the term, students should grasp the rudiments of three of the primary sub-fields within the discipline of philosophy (epistemology, metaphysics, and axiology); and have gained insight into selected applied issues, such as philosophical problems arising in religion and ethics.

Required Texts

Tom Morris, Philosophy for Dummies (Hungry Minds, 1999)

Jostein Gaarder, Sophie's World: A Novel about the History of Philosophy (any edition)

Both books are available in the CBU Bookstore, and are also readily available from web shops such as Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. Web pages will likewise be referenced throughout the term, contents of which you also will be responsible.

Assessment & Grading Scale

Three (3) quizzes are scheduled throughout the term during the weeks noted. Each quiz is worth 10%, cumulatively comprising 30% of your final grade for the course.

Quizzes are objective in nature, with questions being phrased as true/false, multiple choice, fill-in the blank, short answer, and matching type questions. Content will cover whatever chapter(s) we most recently discussed/are discussing from Morris and Gaarder at the time it is given.

There will be a final examination, as noted in the schedule. The exam constitutes 25% of your final grade for the course; and it is cumulative, with questions concerning our both books. The exam is closed book, open notes. Meaning of open notes: You are permitted to bring 1 (one) 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper with notes written on it for use during the exam. The notes may be in your own handwriting, or produced by a computer printer, of any size writing or font, front and back, without regard for margins.

Along with our main text by Morris, you are to read the novel by Gaarder, and then write one (1) Book Study for the instructor. The Study is due no later than the beginning of our final class, Wednesday, June 19th, and constitutes 25% of your final grade for the course. No late papers will be accepted. No exceptions. Early submissions are both encouraged and rewarded: 5% bonus if your Study is submitted to me by the beginning of class, Wednesday, June 12th.

Select any portion of the book for your focus, from one chapter to the work as a whole. (N.B. A selected portion, like one chapter or one section, usually works better than trying to tackle the work as a whole. Choose wisely.) You should then adopt either of the following approaches to composing your Study:

1. Relate what you have learned in this class with what is happening in the book to/with the characters, especially addressing the issue of how your view of the world and your life have/have not been affected by what you have read and learned. This is a personal, reflection-oriented paper, but should still be informed by class materials and discussions. You may even fairly claim not to have been affected by or learned anything in this class whatsoever, but you must still explain that claim with some detail.



2. Based on your selection, address two main queries: (a) what is happening in this part of the book? (that is, provide a brief review of what you deem to be the salient events/lessons in this portion of the text); and (b) what linkages can be drawn between the themes or occurrences in this part of the book with the topics of our main text and class discussions? In short, you are to demonstrate that you have been reading the book, and that you have given some considered thought to integrating the book's events and lessons with our other class materials and discussions. This can be more objectively oriented, and need contain no personal reflections or revelations. Such content is permitted, but not required to complete the assignment.

Suggested length: the paper should run ~1250-1600 words (= 5-6 pages of standard size print and margins), and should be typed or computer-generated. No handwritten work will be accepted. Longer essays are fine; shorter essays are likely too short satisfactorily to complete the Study as outlined.

Although speaking in class, publicly putting and defending a position, can be daunting, you are strongly encouraged to learn to think through your own and others' experiences and insights within the context our discussions. In short, you are encouraged to demonstrate your internalization of our material for application in the real world. In this context, you are not being evaluated for reaching "right" conclusions, but for demonstrating your facility in forming arguments for any conclusions put, given the material we will cover in class.

To give direct incentive to so engage, 20% of your mark for the course will be comprised of my assessment of your classroom participation during the semester. Participation is to include in-class discussions during the semester, and discussions on the web.

This syllabus is composed in good faith, with a schedule of readings, assignments and discussions which will guide us throughout the term. Still, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to this schedule as deemed necessary for the overall enterprise of the course. Any changes will be communicated as far in advance as feasible, and you are responsible for knowing if and when any changes have been made.

Quizzes -- you must arrange a make-up with me before the quiz is given, not after. No exceptions.

Final Examination -- no make-ups will be arranged for the final exam. No exceptions.

Book Study -- no late work will be accepted for marking. No exceptions.