Humanities B: Introductory Philosophy
Guidelines to Determine and Justify Inclusion of Course

These courses introduce the student to philosophy.  Students will be provided an overview of various theoretical and methodological approaches used by the discipline.  Students will be exposed to an overview of the history of philosophy and to critical reasoning skills.  They will read complex argumentative prose; write in a reasoned, persuasive, and argumentatively effective manner; and gain insight into their most deeply held convictions.  Typically, introductory philosophy courses will contribute to the following General Education outcomes:

I. Skills: 

Students should be able to:

A. think critically, reason soundly, and argue effectively, as demonstrated by the ability to:

(1) analyze arguments according to standard criteria
(2) assume and defend a position on a given topic
(3) use systematic processes, including the collection and analysis of evidence, to form and support conclusions
(4) read and analyze complex texts, including the analysis of rhetorical devices and modes of inference

II. Knowledge: 

Students should know:

C. History, literature, art, music, and philosophy,

(1) demonstrating a general knowledge of the nature, origins, and contributions of major civilizations
(2) demonstrating a more detailed knowledge of formative influences in the recent past
(3) demonstrating a general knowledge of the methods and traditions of analysis in the humanities

III. Values: 

Students should value:

C. Ethical behavior,

(1) acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for ethical judgment and its application to everyday life
(2) developing the habit of reflecting on their own values and fulfilling their ethical and civic responsibilities

 

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