Lincoln University

Philosophy Program

Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion

Course Title:	Philosophy Seminar	Course number:	PHL 411-01
Credit Hours	3	Prerequisite (s):	PHL 218, PHL 301 or PHL 401
Term:	Spring 2021	Co-Requisite (s)	None
Course Method	Lecture and discussion	Meeting day and Time:	MWF 2-2:50 p.m.
Instructor:	Safro Kwame, Ph.D.	Classroom/lab/Studio Location:	Grim Hall 306
Office location:	GRIM HALL 310	e-mail:	kwame@lincoln.edu
Office Hours:	MWF 11 a.m. – 12 Noon and 3-4 p.m.	Phone Extension:	484-365-7569 or 302-292-0263

Course Description: (as in the university bulletin): 

This course examines a major philosophical problem or the writing of a major philosopher. The student writes an extended research paper on the selected problem or writer. Prerequisites: PHL 218, PHL 301 or PHL 401 Course Objective: (a) To familiarize the student with a problem or thinker in the history of philosophy; and (b) to develop or enhance students’ research and writing skills.

Writing Intensive Course: This is an unofficial writing-intensive course. Writing assignments are incorporated as an integral part of the course, and the writing assignments are structured and sequenced in a way that can help students improve their writing. Students have opportunities to receive constructive criticism on drafts, and the opportunity to revise their work, particularly drafts of longer projects. Assignments and course-planning devote time for students to reflect on their writing and their intellectual growth. Written assignments are a major component of the course grade.  All assignments and examinations include written assignments.

Writing Assignment: Three drafts and a final, critical thinking and research paper or essay, comparing and evaluating any three of the recommended readings (chapters) from our textbook which are listed on the syllabus and applying those readings to a current event; and a written reflection assignment for students to reflect on their writing and their intellectual growth. Due dates for the drafts, reflection and final essays or papers will be announced at the beginning of the course or semester.

Required Text/Materials:

Henry, Gordon, Gordon, Kamugisha and Roberts. 2016. Journeys in Caribbean Thought: The Paget Henry Reader, New York, NY, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-1783489367 (Required)

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Textbook, Computer, Word Processor, Internet Browser, E-mail Account, and Internet Access (Wifi).

REQUIRED SOFTWARE/TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

Word-processing, use of Microsoft Office or equivalent, document conversion, use of e-mail, social media and a learning or course management system including Moodle and Blackboard, use of the Internet including Internet searches and grade checks; web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype).

Communication mode: E-mail, Moodle or current University learning or course management system, web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype). Initial student contact with instructor should be by e-mail followed by the current University learning or course management system e.g. Moodle or Canvas. Additional or subsequent communications will be conducted by e-mail, the use of the current University learning or course management system, and/or web or video conferencing (or teleconferencing including the use of Zoom and Skype).

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC, INSTITUTIONAL and TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES:

Students can access assistance for academic, institutional and technology support at:

Academic Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/academic-support

Institutional Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/institutional-effectiveness-research-and-planning

Technology Support: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/information-technology

Academic Advising: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/academic-advising

Counseling Services: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/counseling-services

Health Services: https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/health-services

Student Learning Outcomes (What student should be able to do at the end of course.): Identify a major problem and/or philosopher; research the problem and/or philosopher; and write a deep and critical thinking paper or essay about the problem and/or philosopher. Focus on (a) learning something new, (b) preparation for graduate school, and (c) ability to compete with students from other American colleges.

Course SLO	Program SLO	Core  SLO	Direct and Indirect Assessment Measures
1. Identify a major problem and/or philosopher	Interpret and appraise major texts and philosophical systems in the history of philosophy. (Program  SLO 5)	Apply information literacy/research skills to assist their systematic process of critical thought; articulating the problem; gather information from multiple sources and venues; evaluating the accuracy/thoroughness/timeliness of the collected data, and determining when/if the problem has been satisfactorily resolved (ILO 3).	Course and homework assignments Examinations and quizzes Term papers and reports
2. Research the problem and/or philosopher..	Interpret and appraise major texts and philosophical systems in the history of philosophy. (Program  SLO 5)	Apply information literacy/research skills to assist their systematic process of critical thought; articulating the problem; gather information from multiple sources and venues; evaluating the accuracy/thoroughness/timeliness of the collected data, and determining when/if the problem has been satisfactorily resolved (ILO 3).	Course and homework assignments Examinations and quizzes Term papers and reports Class discussion participation
3. Write a deep and critical thinking paper or essay about the problem and/or philosopher.	Create clear and cogent oral and written presentations. (Program  SLO 2)	Effective Communication (ILO 1)	Examinations and quizzes Term papers and reports

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.)

Effective Communication (ILO 1)

Diversity/Cultural Awareness (ILO 3).

Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement (ILO 4)

Critical Thinking (ILO 5).

Integrative and Life-Long Learning (ILO 8).

Calculation of Final Grades:

Final Exam 30%

Midterm Exam 30%

Essay &  reflection 30%

Class Participation 10%

GRADING SCALE:

Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F
GPA Points	4.0	3.7	3.3	3.0	2.7	2.3	2.0	1.7	1.3	1.0	0.0
%	100-93	92.9-90	89.9-88	87.9-82	81.9-80	79.9-78	77.9-72	71.9-70	69.9-67	66.9-60.1	60 and under

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. For the control of absences, the faculty adopted the following regulations: 1. Four absences may result in an automatic failure in the course. 2. Three tardy arrivals may be counted as one absence. http://www.lincoln.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/registrar/Catalog.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/sites/default/files/pdf/registrar/Catalog.pdf

POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN CLASSROOM:

Use of electronic devices is 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.

Textbook: Henry, Gordon, Gordon, Kamugisha and Roberts. 2016. Journeys in Caribbean Thought: The Paget Henry Reader, New York, NY, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-1783489367 (Required)

Day	Date	Discussion Topic/Learning Opportunities
Mon	01/25/2021	Prologue
Wed	01/27/2021	Read 1. Introducing Paget Henry, Jane Gordon, Lewis Gordon, Aaron Kamugisha and Neil Roberts before today’s class.
Fri	01/29/2021	Read 1. Introducing Paget Henry, Jane Gordon, Lewis Gordon, Aaron Kamugisha and Neil Roberts before today’s class.
Mon	02/01/2021	Part I: The Distinctive Character of Africana Philosophy (1st Draft of Paper on 3 Chapters Due.)
Wed	02/03/2021	Read 2. The General Character of Afro-Caribbean Philosophy before today’s class.
Fri	02/05/2021	Read 2. The General Character of Afro-Caribbean Philosophy before today’s class.
Mon	02/08/2021	Read 2. Africana Phenomenology: Its Philosophical Implications before today’s class.
Wed	02/10/2021	Read 2. Africana Phenomenology: Its Philosophical Implications before today’s class.
Fri	02/12/2021	Read 3. Between Naipaul and Aurobindo: Where is Indo-Caribbean Philosophy? before today’s class.
Mon	02/15/2021	Read 3. Between Naipaul and Aurobindo: Where is Indo-Caribbean Philosophy? before today’s class.
Wed	02/17/2021	Read 4. Sylvia Wynter and the Transcendental Spaces in Caribbean Thought before today’s class.
Fri	02/19/2021	Classwork 1: Quiz on Readings and Classes.
Mon	02/22/2021	Spring Break: NO CLASS.
Wed	02/24/2021	Spring Break: NO CLASS.
Fri	02/26/2021	Spring Break: NO CLASS.
Mon	03/01/2021	Part II: Caribbean Political Economy and Cultural Development (2nd Draft of Paper on 3 Chapters Due.)
Wed	03/03/2021	Read 4. Sylvia Wynter and the Transcendental Spaces in Caribbean Thought before today’s class.
Fri	03/05/2021	Read 5. Grenada and the Theory of Peripheral Transformation before today’s class.
Mon	03/08/2021	Read 5. Grenada and the Theory of Peripheral Transformation before today’s class.
Wed	03/10/2021	Read 6. Political Accumulation and Authoritarianism in the Caribbean: The Case of Antigua before today’s class.
Fri	03/12/2021	Read 6. Political Accumulation and Authoritarianism in the Caribbean: The Case of Antigua before today’s class.
Mon	03/15/2021	Read 7. Caribbean Dependency in the Phase of Informatic Capitalism before today’s class.
Wed	03/17/2021	Read 7. Caribbean Dependency in the Phase of Informatic Capitalism before today’s class.
Fri	03/19/2021	Read 8. CLR James, Walter Rodney and the Rebuilding of Caribbean Socialism before today’s class.
Mon	03/22/2021	Review.
Wed	03/24/2021	Comprehensive Midterm Exam.
Fri	03/26/2021	Midterm Break: NO CLASS.
Mon	03/29/2021	Part III: A Homeward Turn: Antigua and Barbuda (3rd Draft of Paper on 3 Chapters Due.)
Wed	03/31/2021	Read 9. V.C. Bird’s Political Philosophy before today’s class.
Fri	04/02/2021	Easter Break (Recess - Good Friday): NO CLASS.
Mon	04/05/2021	Read 9. V.C. Bird’s Political Philosophy before today’s class.
Wed	04/07/2021	Read 10. Philosophy and Antigua/Barbudan Political Culture before today’s class.
Fri	04/09/2021	Read 10. Philosophy and Antigua/Barbudan Political Culture before today’s class.
Mon	04/12/2021	Read 11. Badminded Nikki: A Review of Joanne Hillhouse’s Oh Gad! before today’s class.
Wed	04/14/2021	Read 11. Badminded Nikki: A Review of Joanne Hillhouse’s Oh Gad! before today’s class.
Fri	04/16/2021	Read 12. The Socialist Legacy of Tim Hector before today’s class.
Mon	04/19/2021	Read 12. The Socialist Legacy of Tim Hector before today’s class.
Wed	04/21/2021	Read Epilogue: An Interview with Paget Henry before today’s class.
Fri	04/23/2021	Read Epilogue: An Interview with Paget Henry before today’s class.
Mon	04/26/2021	Classwork 2: Quiz on Readings and Classes.
Wed	04/28/2021	Discussion.
Fri	04/30/2021	Review.
Mon	05/03/2021	Term Paper on 3 of the Chapters Due.
Wed	05/05/2021	Epilogue.
Fri	05/07/2021	Final Exam Discussion. See Registrar's Exam Schedule for update or changes. You cannot take it earlier than scheduled or with another class. Do not schedule anything that conflicts with your exam.

Day	Date	Discussion Topic/Learning Opportunities
Mon	08/17/2020	Prologue

Calculation of Final Grades: Mid-term grade will be determined by a mid-term exam and semester grade determined by final examination (30%), 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 (30%), Canvas homework (extra-credit), and class participation/presentation (10%) 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. There is no makeup for classwork, quizzes, or extra-credit. Class participation/presentation is the extent to which a student is (perceived by the instructor as being) involved in class discussion of readings and application (not the same as attendance). See instructor for paper guidelines and due-date.

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.

Class/Course Website: kwame.50webs.com/ or http://kwame.atspace.com/ or http://kwame.byethost22.com or https://philosophydepartment.tripod.com/ or see Canvas: https://lincolnu.instructure.com/ 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.

YOU MAY ASK FOR AN ABSENCE AND EXCUSES FORM

Use the Absence and Excuses Form to indicate which absences you want to be excused and why. (Attach the proper documentation to this form and submit at the end of semester.)