Instructor: Dr. Steven J. Zani

Email: zanisj@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984- 6431

Office Hours: M-F 8am-5pm (appointment recommended)

Additional Contact Information: Office Location - Education-I, Room 131/133.

A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value, and their practical applications.

None (OER)

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

None (OER)

None

Critical Thinking Skills: To include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

Communication Skills: To include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.

Personal Responsibility: To include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making

Social Responsibility: To include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1.     Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts.

2.     Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, major arguments, problems, and terminology in philosophy.

3.     Present logically persuasive arguments both orally and in writing.

4.     Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation and application of concepts to various aspects of life.

5.     Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a di-verse world.

1.     Critical Thinking Skills: To include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

2.     Communication Skills: To include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.

3.     Personal Responsibility: To include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making

4.     Social Responsibility: To include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

Module 1 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 2 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 3 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 4 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 5 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 6 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 7 - Response and Discussion Boards

Midterm Exam

Module 8- Response and Discussion Boards

Module 9 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 10 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 11 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 12 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 13 - Response and Discussion Boards

Module 14 - Response and Discussion Boards

Final Exam

December 6th (Final Exam due, Midnight)

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = 0-59

Discussion Posts                    30%

Assignments/Responses      40%

Exams                                    30%

Determination may be subject to change in semester depending on possibility extra credit or other factors.

1. Students must log onto Blackboard and access the course a minimum of three times per week to receive credit on a number of assignments.
2. Academic Misconduct or Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. That includes the use of the work of others as if it were your own, or the use of AI-generated material (such as the use of ChatGPT) to produce work. Penalty for such activity can include failure for the assignment, or failure for the entire course. Depending on the nature of the Misconduct, students may also be reported/referred to other LSCPA departments and supervisors, which could result in further penalty including suspension or dismissal from LSCPA.
3. The student is responsible for initiating and completing the drop process. Students who stop logging in to class and fail to drop the course will earn an ‘F’ in the course.
4. All students are expected to help create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning for all participants. Behavior that disrupts teaching and learning is unacceptable; accordingly, all interactions should be civilized, respectful, and relevant to the topic. Multiple opinions and engaging argumentation are critical to the higher learning endeavor, but inappropriate behavior that disrespects others or inhibits others from learning may result in removal from the class and/or course. Serious or habitual offenses may result in a referral to the appropriate disciplinary departments.
5. Late/make-up work may be accepted solely at the instructor’s discretion. Students will find that the instructor is generally lenient when requests are made for extended time, if requests are made before the assignment is due rather than asking for leniency afterwards.

As on online class, there are no "synchronous" attendance requirements. However, some assignments (Discussion Boards in particular) require that students login multiple times during a module in order to receive full credit. Therefore, students who miss large amounts of time in the class will necessarily be penalized in those assignments, even if not penalized "for" attendance per se.

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.