Abnormal Psychology

Course Description:
This course is designed to reawaken a sense of wonder concerning the larger questions of life: What is reality? Does life have meaning? Purpose? What is the good life? What does it mean to be human? What are our sources of knowledge? By reflecting on these and other philosophical questions, students will become more aware of their own philosophical orientation in modern society.

Course Objectives:
A. To discuss life’s meaning in the context of philosophy.
B. To compare and contrast major philosophies and their ideas which influence values in our society today.
C. To analyze key issues in the history of philosophy.
D. To criticize logically, evaluate ideas, and defend individual views with reasonable justification.
E. To evaluate philosophical presuppositions in seeking a solution to any problem.
F. To value a variety of philosophical viewpoints.
G. To demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills in the context of Philosophy and Modern Society.
H. To prepare and analyze an approved topic, through an in-depth inquiry of the topic. (Independent Study Component)

Required textbook:

About Philosophy, 8/e, Robert Paul Wolff, Prentice Hall, 2000. (In addition to the text, use the following site that parallels the book: www.prenhall.com/wolff)

Other Internet Resources:
·        Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/
·        Philosophical Terms and Names: http://people.delphi.com/gkemerling/dy/index.htm

Course Content:
January 6^th Introductory paper written by you about the meaning of life.
January 13^th What is Philosophy?                          Wolff, pages 1-40
January 20^th Theory of Knowledge                        Wolff, pages 41-86
January 27^th Metaphysics and Philosophy of Mind                      Wolff, pages 87-120
February 3^rd             Philosophy of Science                        Wolff, pages 121-156
February 10^th             Ethical Theory                        Wolff, pages 157-242
February 17^th     Midterm due by February 21^st
February 24^thSocial and Political Philosophy                      Wolff, pages 243-306
March 3^rd                   Philosophy of Art                   Wolff, pages 307-350
March 10^th     Philosophy of Religion                       Wolff, pages 351-396
March 17^th                 Feminist Philosophy
March 24^th                  Philosophies of people of color
March 31st                 ISC due by April 5^th
April 7^th                       Final Exam Week—due by April 10^th

Grading:
Midterm Exam                       12.5%
Independent Study Project    25   %
Final Exam                             12.5%
Class Participation                 50   %

N.B. This is critical. Your class participation in class discussions is critical. You will be graded on both the amount of participation and also the quality of it. I will respond to all your comments to my discussion questions and will read all of you responses to your classmates.

Guidelines for the Independent Study Component:
The Independent Study Component will provide 25% of the overall course grade and will represent at least 16-hours of additional work over and above the assignments required for this course. Each student will write a 12-page research paper that will deal with an aspect of philosophy and our modern society. The topic will be approved before beginning the project. Students are encouraged to pick a topic that either has applicability to their professional work or personal life.

Expectations:
I look forward to this semester and expect that you will do your part to make this a rewarding experience for you and the rest of your class. Together, we will have a fruitful journey to better understanding philosophy in our modern society. As an online learner, you will be expected, in addition to your reading assignments, to be in class at least three hours per week. This three-hour class time will be spent online with your other online learners or completing the weekly assignments. Assignments will be posted at the beginning of each week. While you are alone in front of your computer, you are still a part of your class. Class participation online is even more important than in the traditional classroom.

Statement of Academic Integrity:
Students have an obligation to exhibit honesty in carrying out their academic assignments. Students may be found to have violated this obligation if they plagiarize or cheat. Plagiarism is presenting the work of others as one’s own; cheating is taking, giving, or accepting any illicit advantage for any course work inside or outside of the classroom.

ADA Statement
All students with disabilities who need accommodations should alert your instructor within the first week of school and contact the Disabilities Coordinator, Dr. MeShelda Jackson in the Office of Disability Services. She can be reached by email (mjackson@stfrancis.edu) or phone (815) 740-3461.

Accessibility:
I look forward to teaching this class. If you need anything or have any problem, the following information will provide you with access to assistance. Please feel free to contact me whenever necessary.

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UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS