FAQs for PHIL101 (Professor Margolis)
Q: What are the course objectives?
This course has four major objectives: (1) to provide you with an introduction to philosophy by exposing you to a number of representative philosophical arguments and theories, (2) to help you to begin to think philosophically, (3) to improve your critical thinking skills, and (4) to improve your analytical writing skills.
Q: Is this course suitable for students who have no background in philosophy?
Yes. It is intended for students with no background in philosophy, particularly first- and second-year students.
Q: What if I took a philosophy course in high school? Should I still take this course?
Yes. Chances are you will find that your experience in high school isn't a substitute for a good college-level introduction to philosophy.
Q: What topics are covered?
Does God exist? Are people purely material beings? Do we have free will?
Q: What textbook does the course use?
The readings will include a variety of articles, reprinted chapters, and book excerpts (plus the occasional video or podcast). All of these will be made available online.
Q: Does this course provide a survey of the history of philosophy?
No. It focuses on a small number of representative philosophical problems and some important ways of thinking about them. The reading list does include a few historical texts, but most of the readings are by contemporary philosophers.
Q: How are PHIL101 and PHIL102 related?
These are independent courses. You needn't take them in order, and there is no expectation that you will take both.
Q: What are the course assignments like?
These include a number of short papers (1000-1300 words), a rewrite exercise (in which you rewrite one of your papers), and some homework in which you provide a brief reaction to the weekly reading.
Q: Is there a final exam?
Yes, but not a traditional in person exam; for the current year, I will be using a paper assignment instead. This means that you won't need to come to campus to sit for the exam. Instead you will complete the exam (i.e., write your paper) at home and submit it online, just as with your other work for the course.
Q: What criteria are used in marking papers?
A good philosophy paper has a focused thesis and a carefully presented argument that supports the thesis. It isn't simply a book report that repeats the material in the texts. It does explain this material, but also does something new, reflecting your own critical assessment of the issues. Papers will be marked for clarity, accuracy regarding the relevant philosophical material, originality, and quality of argumentation.
Q: Is attendance required?
Lectures: No, but you shouldn't take this course if you don't plan on attending the lectures. They are an important part of the course; they don't simply rehash the readings. Discussion sessions: Yes, though this is only applicable for the lecture + discussion version of the course and holds whether the course takes place in person or online.
Q: Are the lectures synchronous or asynchronous?
This course employs a hybrid synchronous/asynchronous format in which prerecorded videos are substituted for one of the scheduled class meeting and then we meet in person (or if needed, via Zoom) for the other day(s). The synchronous meetings will be flexible and eclectic—a mix of Q&A, small group discussion, large group discussion, workshops, as well as lectures that expand on the material in the videos.
Q: Are the synchronous lectures live streamed or recorded?
No. However, because of the ongoing Covid-19 situation, I have designed the course in such a way that you can still successfully complete the course even if your arrival to campus is delayed (e.g., because of a student visa issue) or are otherwise unable to attend some of the synchronous meetings. For those of you who are enrolled in the course already, see the Page "What if you can't come to class?" in Canvas.
This course has four major objectives: (1) to provide you with an introduction to philosophy by exposing you to a number of representative philosophical arguments and theories, (2) to help you to begin to think philosophically, (3) to improve your critical thinking skills, and (4) to improve your analytical writing skills.
Q: Is this course suitable for students who have no background in philosophy?
Yes. It is intended for students with no background in philosophy, particularly first- and second-year students.
Q: What if I took a philosophy course in high school? Should I still take this course?
Yes. Chances are you will find that your experience in high school isn't a substitute for a good college-level introduction to philosophy.
Q: What topics are covered?
Does God exist? Are people purely material beings? Do we have free will?
Q: What textbook does the course use?
The readings will include a variety of articles, reprinted chapters, and book excerpts (plus the occasional video or podcast). All of these will be made available online.
Q: Does this course provide a survey of the history of philosophy?
No. It focuses on a small number of representative philosophical problems and some important ways of thinking about them. The reading list does include a few historical texts, but most of the readings are by contemporary philosophers.
Q: How are PHIL101 and PHIL102 related?
These are independent courses. You needn't take them in order, and there is no expectation that you will take both.
Q: What are the course assignments like?
These include a number of short papers (1000-1300 words), a rewrite exercise (in which you rewrite one of your papers), and some homework in which you provide a brief reaction to the weekly reading.
Q: Is there a final exam?
Yes, but not a traditional in person exam; for the current year, I will be using a paper assignment instead. This means that you won't need to come to campus to sit for the exam. Instead you will complete the exam (i.e., write your paper) at home and submit it online, just as with your other work for the course.
Q: What criteria are used in marking papers?
A good philosophy paper has a focused thesis and a carefully presented argument that supports the thesis. It isn't simply a book report that repeats the material in the texts. It does explain this material, but also does something new, reflecting your own critical assessment of the issues. Papers will be marked for clarity, accuracy regarding the relevant philosophical material, originality, and quality of argumentation.
Q: Is attendance required?
Lectures: No, but you shouldn't take this course if you don't plan on attending the lectures. They are an important part of the course; they don't simply rehash the readings. Discussion sessions: Yes, though this is only applicable for the lecture + discussion version of the course and holds whether the course takes place in person or online.
Q: Are the lectures synchronous or asynchronous?
This course employs a hybrid synchronous/asynchronous format in which prerecorded videos are substituted for one of the scheduled class meeting and then we meet in person (or if needed, via Zoom) for the other day(s). The synchronous meetings will be flexible and eclectic—a mix of Q&A, small group discussion, large group discussion, workshops, as well as lectures that expand on the material in the videos.
Q: Are the synchronous lectures live streamed or recorded?
No. However, because of the ongoing Covid-19 situation, I have designed the course in such a way that you can still successfully complete the course even if your arrival to campus is delayed (e.g., because of a student visa issue) or are otherwise unable to attend some of the synchronous meetings. For those of you who are enrolled in the course already, see the Page "What if you can't come to class?" in Canvas.