Mr. Coleman's Philosophy Classes Fall 2011

Monday & Tuesday the 12th and 13th of Dec. I Am Going To Be In The Classroom / If you have questions about final grade. . . I would like to take the time and thank all of my students that went through the last three classes in Philosophy. As you know I really love teaching and sharing with these young people. They keep me alive as I continuously grow older. Many of them took to heart the teachings of these philosophers that taught them to think through the various perplexities that they will face for the rest of their lives. I am pleased that the Lord has given me the opportunity to teach and enlighten these young minds. Through out the semester many of the students questioned me concerning the idea of God and especially in the Philosophy of Religion class, it was just a joy to see how many young people yet have a close association with the God of the North Americans. I kept it at a neutral level, in secular colleges one is just to teach from the text and not from the heart, but I have got to admit, I did express with my smiles the gratitude of those students that would adjust to the conception of a living God who knows their hearts. The most gracious experience that I had on this sememster was to love each and every student. Our country has bright minds, and if we teachers teach from our hearts and not just our heads, we as instructors might gain a higher objective in the classroom rather than just picking up that pay check. A blessed Holiday to all of you, stay safe and please remember the lessons that I shared with you. Retain your own thesis, know it and stand firm in your position as you define your life. I only have one class for the next semester, Phi "1". I am putting a brand new outlive together for the students that sign up for the class. God bless all of you, really! Mr. C

Classes In Spring Feb. 6 - June 8, 2012 Sign Up Now!

Philosophy "1" Introduction To Philosophy Mon & Wed 12:45 - 2:10

Los Angeles Harbor College
Syllabus Philosophy 1 (Introduction To Philosophy)
Spring 2012 February 6, 2012 - June 8, 2012
Instructor: John E. Coleman B.A. Philosophy / M.A. Theology
E-mail: intotheword1@aol.com My Web Site: www.johnecoleman.org
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesdays By Appointment Only
Objective of the class:
Philosophy “1” (Greek philosophia, “love of wisdom”), the rational and critical inquiry into basic principles. Philosophy is often
divided into four main branches: metaphysics, the investigation of ultimate reality; epistemology, the study of the origins, validity, and
limits of knowledge; ethics, the study of the nature of morality and judgment; and aesthetics, the study of the nature of beauty as seen
in the fine arts.
This class introduces the student to the basic themes of philosophical thought. We shall address the problems of knowledge,
metaphysics, science, and religion. Our examination of God and the evidence for existence of God. We shall also address the
problems of evil and the nature of the human soul. These basic themes of philosophy are essential as we become enlightened to the
philosophical processes. These sessions shall also provide a working knowledge of human reality. The student is expected to read all
of the material and to be prepared to address the subject matter during the class periods of instruction.
The Required Text: “Philosophy” A Text With Readings / Manuel Velasquez 10
th
Edition
This is the primary texts for the course. Completing the readings that will be assigned will determine your ability to understand the
lectures as well as the subject matter of Philosophy “1”. I shall offer other material during the sessions for the purpose of adding
clarification to the subject material. You are required to write a number of essays (3) during the entire course of instruction. The
subject matter comes from the text offered in this course as well as from DVD’s shown in the classroom. These papers indicate your
ability to understand philosophical thought and practice.
Reading Assignments: (Subject To Instructional Change)
Session # 1 Intro To Philosophy “1” Lecture Syllabus hand out
Session # 2 TBA
Session # 3
Session # 4
Session # 5
Session # 6
Session # 7
Session # 8
Session # 9
Session # 10
Our Approach To Philosophy:
It is impossible for us to go through the whole text in this semester. I have chosen to introduce you to themes that make for sound
reasoning as you become introduced to this age old discovery of the search for human knowledge. With the help of Power Point, I
shall attempt to provide for you a clear view of philosophy without promoting an atmosphere of impossibility or improbability of
understanding.
Your Responsibility:
Read the required material in the text that has been suggested in this class. Focus upon your ability to communicate in writing your
understanding of the material. (essays will be required in this class) I must be able to read your papers. Please attempt to present
your essays on some type of word processor format.
1. I will expect all papers turned in only on the date prescribed. I will not accept late papers.
2. Philosophy classes are subjective, therefore each paper will be graded based upon the student’s ability to comprehend the
subject material at hand.
3. The lecture periods are most important in this class. It is your responsibility to correspond to the material during our time
in class.
4. There will also be periods during the class sessions that I ask for class participation in the philosophical processes.
Exchange between students is important in philosophy. Keep in mind, philosophy does not have a victor if there is a
constant quest for truth.
My Responsibility:
I shall introduce you to themes. As the discussion develops, I shall attempt to add clarification to the subject matter through
illustration as well as rational synthesis as we work through this course. My office hours are detailed on the syllabus. If you need to
see me to discuss class objectives, please make an appointment with me after the class periods.
Class Protocol
(1) Please turn off all cell phones or ringing pagers, and text messaging devices.
(2) No food allowed in the classroom during the lecture time.
(3) A student / teacher relationship is essential to my world view. There shall be no breach of this instructional idea.
(4) Please advise me prior to class sessions of any visitors to the classroom.
(5) I do not allow video cams, or tape recorders in that during class interaction students will express themselves, and any recording
devices hinders philosophical exchange.
(6) There will always be the highest respect for the student’s thoughts and expressions.
(7) I would expect a decent exchange as we investigate our quest for truth.
(8) Papers are to be typed. (If you are not able to use a word processor, find that person to assist you in this process.)
(9) There will be no make up exams or quizzes unless you have severe hardship that is documented as an emergency. (Medical
slips must be provided) I will consider every request. Please note that any delays in fulfilling the class requirements may
lower your final grade.
Web Site Assignments: Some assignments can be accessed on my web site on the “Phi. 1” Page
I shall inform you during the class period of instruction when various assignments can be downloaded. If you do not own a PC you
can utilize the College Library Computer labs.
Attendance:
Each student should attend every class session in order to gain the full objective of the lectures and course material. Each week my
grade sheet will retain a well documented record of your attendance for this class. It is very important that you come to the class on
time if you are to gain the information needed to attain a high point score which corresponds with all of the material offered in this
class instruction. I shall deduct points each time a student is late after the class has been in session for fifteen minutes. Attendance
has a value of “100” points.
Essays: “600” Points Two Essays worth “300” points each
During the sessions of lectures, you will be assigned certain reading assignments. The texts; ask certain questions concerning
philosophy. You will be asked to present papers in the forms of essays on given information. Each essay will be worth “300”
points. If you write the essay in a way which meets the requirement of the course, your grade points for the essays will be “600”
points. Your final grade will depend upon your responding to the questions or propositions that are presented during the lecture
periods. The Mid Term and Final will also have some essay questions. The class discussion prompts the query of on the spot essays
for extra points throughout the semester. You will find that I will ask you to write an assignment from the discussion of said
lectures.
Video Assignments:
Each video has been chosen for its philosophical content. Though they are entertaining in some aspects, they teach moral and
ethical lessons. They also pose philosophical dilemma. It is up to you to see the video assignments at your connivance and produce
papers that answers the questions as you address philosophical content. Each video in some form addresses the questions about
God, thought and conscience. Pay very close attention to the question sheets. If you miss the video on the date that it is shown in
class, you may attempt to view the film on your own time. Go to my web site: www.johnecoleman.org to obtain the assignment
sheets on the Philosophy 1 Page
Films that I use In This Class For Essays
(1) The Mission / Robert De Niro & Jeremy Irons
(2) 1984 / Richard Burton
(3) Theologians Under Hitler / Bonnhoffer The Pacifist
(4) Short Stories / Philosophical Content
PowerPoint Lessons:
Most of the instructive argument for Philosophy will be presented on PowerPoint lesson formats. It is important to take notes. Most
of the material you will be tested on will come through means of the PowerPoint formats. These formats are right out of the text
itself. Due to the nature of the class, the time and speed at which we move through the instruction; I highly suggest you attend each
class and read all of the material.
Student Learning Objectives For introduction Of Philosophy 1 / 2011
(1) Students should be able to distinguish between properly philosophical approaches to the questions of knowledge
and reality and the approaches taken either in science or in theology.
(2) Students should demonstrate improvement in understanding a developed philosophical argument.
(3) Students should be able to identify positions taken on the nature of knowledge and the human person by some of the
most important figures in Western philosophy (above all, Plato and Descartes).
(4) Students should be able to identify the central issues involved in any debate over the existence of God or human
free will.
(5) Students should show an awareness of alternative approaches to philosophy appearing in non-Western thought.
My Grading Scale:
Quizzes Total “4” 25 Pts. Each = “100” Total “100” Points
Mid Term Total of “ 100 ” Points Total “200” Points
Final Exam Total “100” Points Total “300” Points
Essays & Video Investigation “2” Essays Total = “600” Total “900” Points
Attendance “100” Points Total “1000” Points
Grade Scale
1000-900 = A
899-800 = B
799-700 = C
699-500 = D
499-000 = F
As you can see, each student starts off with “1000” points. You determine how well you do as you fulfill the requirements of the
course. At any time during the course of study you are able to weigh your grade on a week to week basis. I believe this is a
workable system.
Harbor College fall Semester 2011
Professor John E. Coleman
Student Learning Objectives For Philosophy “1”
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes that follow are the observable/measurable knowledge, skills, and
values that students taking the OAC in Philosophy are expected to have acquired and
demonstrated by the end of the course. Students should demonstrate achievement of learning
outcomes in both written and oral forms, as appropriate.
It should be stressed that, although the outcomes are listed under the separate categories of
knowledge, skills, and values, they are interrelated and can be achieved and demonstrated in
a wide variety of learning activities.
Each Student must accomplish the following:
Have an understanding of the central figures and themes in the history of philosophy.
Possess the critical reasoning skills necessary to effectively analyze and critique
abstract concepts and arguments that Philosophy “1” proposes.
Be able to develop and defend philosophical arguments, both orally and in writing.
Be able to apply critical reasoning skills in a wide range of career settings. These
will be discussed during the later part of the semester.

Writing The Philosophy Paper For Mr. Coleman’s Class

1. Have you studied what you want to say and can you speak it philosophically?

2. Having your thoughts together, now you must construct your argument in terms that I would understand your Philosophical argument.

3. Each part of your paper or thesis must present an argumentative from the cause of your statements.

4. Make sure that you fully understand the terms that you are attempting to confront with your paper.

5. Weigh your argument against what we have studies thus far in Phi “1”.

6. Example your argument with terms that we have covered in the class. (This is what I am looking for in all of your papers.

7. Ask yourself the question; “Do I fully understand what I’ve just written? Is there a way that I might make my argument clearer?

8. Now after you have formulated these ideas; begin to construct your paper in outline form. (I have found this method the best in construction of formal outlines in analysis of subject matter.

9. Have another person in your family (friends) read your paper. If they can’t make up or down of the writing; how would you expect me to fully understand what you are saying.

10. Proof read the paper long before you turn it in and please note all papers are due on the date prescribed. (There will be no exception to this given rule.)

The Philosophy Of the Essay

Ø The essay differs from a summary.