Lincoln University

Philosophy Program

Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines the nature of metaphysics through the examination of the role of metaphysical assumptions in moral, legal, social, political, religious, and scientific practices. Issues include the existence o f God, the reality of value, the nature and persistence of the mind, the nature and identity of persons, the existence of the state and other collective entities, and causation and responsibility.

REQUIRED TEXT: Rea, Michael. (2009) Arguing about Metaphysics, 1st Edition, New York, Routledge. (ISBN: 978-0415958264) https://www.routledge.com/products/9780415958264

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Textbook, Pen and Pencil (No other additional materials.)

Assessment Criteria & Alignment

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLO):

Upon successful completion of this course the student will:

1. Analyze traditional metaphysical issues and problems.

2. Create clear and cogent oral and written presentations on metaphysical problems.

3. Critically evaluate arguments and claims about existence.

4. Apply metaphysical theories and normative principles to contemporary issues and problems.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO):

1. Analyze philosophical and logical problems. (Program SLO 1)

2. Create clear and cogent oral and written presentations. (Program SLO 2)

3. Critically evaluate arguments and claims in philosophical and non-philosophical contexts. (Program SLO 3)

4. Apply philosophical theories and normative principles to current events and broader issues pertaining to the individual and society. (Program SLO 4)

5. Interpret and appraise major texts and philosophical systems in the history of philosophy. (Program SLO 5)

6. Analyze and critique major texts and positions in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. (Program SLO 6)

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO): (List only those assessed with this course.)

1. Effective Communication.

5. Critical Thinking.

8. Integrative & Life-Long Learning.

Calculation of Final Grades:

GRADING SCALE:

SCHEDULE OF LEARNING topics covered

University ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Lincoln University uses the class method of teaching, which assumes that each student has something to contribute and something to gain by attending class. It further assumes that there is much more instruction absorbed in the classroom than can be tested on examinations. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and should exhibit good faith in this regard.

http://www.lincoln.edu/registrar/2014Catalog.pdf

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Lincoln University is committed to non-discrimination of students with disabilities and therefore ensures that they have equal access to higher education, programs, activities, and services in order to achieve full participation and integration into the University.  In keeping with the philosophies of the mission and vision of the University, the Office of Student Support Services, through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Program, provides an array of support services and reasonable accommodations for students with special needs and/or disabilities as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  The Services for Students with Disabilities Program seeks to promote awareness and a campus environment in which accommodating students with special needs and/or disabilities is natural extension of the University’s goal.

Any student with a documented disability should contact the Office of Student Support Services.

http://www.lincoln.edu/studentservices/index.html

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT:

Students are responsible for proper conduct and integrity in all of their scholastic work. They must follow a professor's instructions when completing tests, homework, and laboratory reports, and must ask for clarification if the instructions are not clear. In general, students should not give or receive aid when taking exams, or exceed the time limitations specified by the professor. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Honesty in the classroom and in the preparation of papers is therefore expected of all students. Each student has the responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own. All of this work must be done in accordance with established principles of academic integrity.    

http://www.lincoln.edu/registrar/2014Catalog.pdf

POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN CLASSROOM:

Use of electronic devices are prohibited unless approved by the instructor for purposes directly related to the course. Texting, searching the internet, recording, taking pictures or videos, talking, and playing games, among other things, are specifically prohibited. During exams, all electronic devices must be turned off.

Syllabus Supplement/Addendum/Revision

Dr. Safro Kwame, 484-365-7569, Office Hours: MWF2-4 in GH310

Department of History, Political Science and Philosophy and Religion

COURSE SYLLABUS: PHL-301-01 Metaphysics

3. Textbook: Pojman, L and Tramel, P. 2009. Moral Philosophy: A Reader 4th ed., Indianapolis, Hackett Publishing Co.

5. Schedule of Learning Opportunities (Assignments) Supplement/Addendum/Revision:

6. Calculation of Final Grades:

Mid-term grade will be determined by a mid-term exam and semester grade determined by final examination (40%), midterm exam (30%), term paper comparing and evaluating any three of the readings listed on the syllabus, not just from the textbook, and applying those readings to a current event that took place this year (15%) and class participation/presentation (15%) minus absences or lack of attendance and/or poor participation -- unless stated otherwise on supplementary details. Unless you officially withdraw or formally request an incomplete (in writing) and submit appropriate documentation before the end of the semester, you will receive a passing or failing grade based on performance and attendance. Grading Scale: A=100-93, B=92-82, C=81-72, D=71-60, F=59-0 or for difficult exams A=100-80%, B=70-60%, C=50-40%, D=30-20%, F=10-0%. (+/- determined by curve.) Note: Each unauthorized use of an electronic device in class -- including the use of a mobile or cell phone -- may count as an absence or, in the case of class exercises (such as exams, tests and quizzes), an act of academic dishonesty (cheating) and sanctioned appropriately. It may result in failure in a project or course.

12. Class/Course Website: https://philosophydepartment.tripod.com/ or kwame.50webs.com/ or http://kwame.atspace.com/ Moodle: http://lincoln.mrooms.net/ To check your grade on the computer or internet, go to any one of the websites listed above and follow the instructions there. Note that some of the websites may be down and not updated.