PHH 2000: Introduction to Philosophy

Discussion Sections 3, 7, & 10

Instructor: Peter Kahn Office Phone: (813) 974-5545
Office: FAO 236 E-mail: pkahn@mail.usf.edu
Office Hours: Wed. 1:00-3:00 and by appointment

Section Objectives:

The primary goal of our discussion section meetings and assignments will be to reinforce and, when possible, to enhance the learning gained from the course lectures and assigned readings and papers. Additional objectives may include the development of students' critical thinking and writing abilities, but these goals are subordinate to and will be achieved through work towards the primary goal.

Assignments and Grades:

Papers: Three to five short papers will be assigned in discussion sections throughout the semester. Some of them I will expect students to complete outside of class and others will be assigned and written in class. Guidelines for papers to be completed outside of class will be distributed when students are notified of the first such assignment. Please refer to Dr. Guignon's syllabus for course policy on late papers and plagiarism.

Quizzes: If the section instructor determines that a sizeable share of the section has not been doing the assigned reading for the course, then he reserves the right to give a quiz for credit without notice. He will make this determination on a section-by-section basis.

Grading: Class participation and attendance: 50% of section grade (10% of course grade)

Papers and quizzes: 50% of section grade (10% of course grade)

Section Policies:

Participation: The primary goal of the discussion section cannot be achieved unless students come to section meetings with the material they were responsible for at that week's lecture read and with a willingness to engage in civil, thoughtful discussion of the question at hand.

Preparedness and Tardiness: As such, students are expected to attend section meetings on a regular basis, bring their book to class, and be prepared to contribute reasoned questions, comments, and responses to the discussion when the section is assigned to meet. Recurrent tardiness will adversely affect your participation and attendance grade.

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. If you know in advance of class that you will be absent, please notify me before we are scheduled to meet by e-mail or by voicemail. Note that this does not constitute an excuse. Please refer to Dr. Guignon's syllabus for course policy on absenteeism and for excuses for religious observances. Each absence beyond three without a medical excuse will cost the student one percentage point from his or her final overall course grade.

Miscellaneous: You may consume beverages, but not food in class.

Refrain from talking unless you are participating in the class discussion at hand (i.e., no private conversations).

Cell phones and all other electronic devices will be turned off before entering class. Under no circumstances will students be permitted to answer their cell phones should they ring. For each instance of a cell phone ringing or other disturbance by a similar electronic device, one percentage point will be deducted from the student's final overall course grade.

Audio and/or video recordings of section meetings are prohibited.