OverviewObjectiveMaterialsgradingExamELI Policies and ProceduresContacting the InstructorBeginning the Course

PHI 101 - Introduction to Philosophy-3 Credits

Professor: Dr. Donald Gregory

Overview

 


In this course you will come to appreciate the sense in which philosophy involves the identification and systematic questioning of the most basic assumptions we make in our everyday lives and concerns. We tend to take it for granted that what we perceive is the way we perceive it to be, that what is real is what everybody says it is, that we know what sorts of things are good and bad, right and wrong, etc. Philosophy
helps us to see that these and many other basic ideas are merely assumptions we make, and that these assumptions can be -- and have been -- challenged.

In this course you will embark upon an exciting adventure in which you will find yourself in company with some of the most brilliant intellects of all time. Together with people like Socrates, Plato, Descartes, David Hume, and Jean-Paul Sartre, you will identify and questions those basic assumptions. Perhaps you will make the same assumptions when the course is completed--Perhaps not. What is important is that you will have thought about them -- philosophized about them -- and you will have taken part in an intellectual dialogue which is as ancient as Greece, and as contemporary as the latest "tough problem" you may have had to face in life.

Top

 

Objectives

 


If you successfully complete this course, you will be able to:

  1. recall that philosphy can be defined as "the identification and systematic questioning of the most basic assumptions in all fields of intellectual convern," and understand why.
  2. discuss the major tenets of the philosophical systems of Plato, Descartes, Hume, Sartre, and others.
  3. understand some of the common themes and interconnections among these philosophical systems.
  4. show how some of these classic philosophical positions are applicable to contemporary issues and problems.

Top

 

Materials

 



Top  

Grading

 

 

Your course grade will be determined by 4 quizzes and 4 exams, according to the following points:

Assignment
Points
Quiz 1
7.5
Quiz 2
7.5
Quiz 3
7.5
Quiz 4
7.5
Exam 1
25
Exam 2
25
Exam 3
25
Exam 4
25

 

 

Grading Scale
A
117-130 points
B
104-116 points
C
91-103 points
D
78-90 points
F
0-77 points

 

Top

 

Exams

 


There are 4 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

Top

 

ELI Policies and Procedures

 


This is an Extended Learning Institute (ELI) course. ELI courses differ from campus courses in several important ways, including enrollment dates, communication with faculty, assignment completion requirements, and exams. You must follow ELI's policies and procedures if you take this course. Read (or review) ELI's Policies and Procedures before you begin the course. If you have questions, call ELI at (703) 323-3347 or (888) 435-6822.

Top

 

Contacting the Instructor

 


I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail :dgregory@nvcc.edu
Telephone :
(703) 323-3347.
You may contact me through email or visit my webpage to see detailed information.

Top

 

Beginning the Course

 


1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.

Overview | Objectives | Materials | Grading | Exams | ELI Policies and Procedures

Contacting the Instructor | Beginning the Course