COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will investigate Plato’s conception of philosophy through close examination of several dialogues. Because each text supports a myriad of interpretations, it takes time and careful reading to develop a rich understanding of the meaning(s) of a dialogue. There are a great many approaches to Plato’s works – but our goal is to examine the texts in order to reveal the philosophical themes within the dialogues.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Plato: Complete Works, ed. John M. Cooper, Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 1997.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

It should go without saying that attendance is expected, indeed, mandatory, and that the final grade for the course may be affected by absences. However, to be legalistic about it, please note the following:

Students are expected to attend all class meetings (of course). Any student who misses four or more class meetings cannot expect to receive a grade higher than a 'B' for the course; students missing six or more classes cannot expect a grade higher than a 'C'; students missing eight or more classes cannot expect a grade higher than a 'D'. Obviously, plagiarism or cheating will not be tolerated; this can hardly come as a surprise. Students who anticipate being absent from class due to religious observance should inform the instructor by the second class meeting.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Each student will be required to write two examinations and one paper of 8-10 pages. Students must choose the topic in consultation with the instructor. This paper is not a research paper and subsequently no sources other than the original text are allowed. I am interested in your ideas. During the last week of classes, you will give a summary presentation of your paper. Preparation (completing the assigned readings) and participation is mandatory.

25% Midterm Examination

25% Final Examination

10% Presentation

30% Paper

10% Participation

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE & PROHIBITIONS

▲ Silence your cell phone/all noise-makers before class begins. Every time your cell phone rings during class, I will deduct one point from your final grade. For the record, do not answer your cell phone while in class.

▲ I encourage both questions and discussion – within the following guidelines: At any time during class you may raise your hand to ask a question or make a pertinent/intelligent comment. I will call on you at an appropriate juncture. This means that I may not call upon you immediately. Be patient. You are not to conduct conversations with other students during class. Your attention should be directed towards the instructor, an acknowledged (called upon) student speaker, and the discussion/lecture in general.

▲ Bring your book to every class.

▲ Recordings of class are prohibited with no exceptions.

▲ Disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to noisemakers, whispered conversations between students (or hollered ones for that matter), thrown objects, abusive language or gestures, whirling dervishes, etc.

While I cannot prevent students from falling asleep in class, once you are asleep it is my duty to encourage you to wake up and participate. Translation: If I think you’re sleeping, I will ask you a question.

▲ In general, people want the most product for their money. This generalization does not hold true in education. As upperclassmen, I’d like you to consider that the idea of being educated less (skipping class, sleeping in class) while still paying an exorbitant amount of tuition is nonsense.

GRADING POLICY

INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILIY

The easiest and best way to reach me is email. If you need to schedule an appointment outside of my office hours, email me. Feel free to stop by my office, with or without a question.

PLAGIARISM

The penalty for plagiarism or cheating will be at least automatic failure in the course. Review USF’s policies on academic dishonesty at http://www.ugs.usf.edu/catalogs/0203/adadap.htm and/or see me for further explanation.

S/U GRADING

The request for a grade of S/U must be made by the 10th week of the semester.

INCOMPLETE POLICY

Incompletes will be given at the request of the student and the discretion of the instructor in accordance with the policy on incompletes stated in the Undergraduate Catalog.

PHP 4000 Plato, Syllabus

Subject to change.

8/26 Introduction

8/28 Ion

9/2 Lysis

9/4 Charmides

9/9 Laches

9/11 Meno

9/16 Protagoras

9/18 “

9/23 Symposium

9/25 “

9/30 Phaedrus

10/2 “

10/7 Euthydemus

10/9 “

10/14 Review

10/16 Midterm

10/21 Theaetetus

10/23 “

10/28 Sophist

10/30 “

11/4 Statesman

11/6 “

11/11 – Veteran’s day

11/13 Apology

11/18 Apology

11/20 Phaedo

11/25 Phaedo & Review

11/27 Thanksgiving

12/2 Presentations

12/4 Presentations, continued

Paper due

Final exam date TBA