Course Syllabus

Mr. Burns

Room 317

Email: burnsj@wellesleyps.org

Introduction to Philosophy

  Welcome to our Philosophy Canvas page! Here you will find unit syllabi, assignments, and resources for the Intro to Philosophy course.  I hope you find this a rewarding way to invest your time and effort this semester.

  Assignments and supportive materials are listed on the page for each unit. When due, they will referenced on the calendar by unit and assignment number, followed by a shortened title. For example, "I.,2, Aristotle," would refer to unit 1, assignment 2, on the subject of Aristotle.

  If you need to reach me by email, please make sure to identify your course title and section in your message. This will allow me to give you a more rapid and precise response.

 - Mr. Burns                                                                                                                      

 

Course Description

Introduction to Philosophy is an honors-level course which asks the student to reflect on his/her intellectual experience and to consider the nature of knowledge and the purpose, methodology, and dilemmas involved in the various areas of study. Major themes include logic and rationalism; the senses and empiricism; ethics and freedom; and the relationship between intuition, science and faith. Writings will include selections from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Arendt, Sartre, Nietzsche, Rand, and Sagan, among others. 

 

This course is writing- and discussion- intensive and requires students to critique several philosophical essays and other scholarly works. Students are expected to demonstrate a high degree of mastery of these readings in seminar-style discussions. Consistent, active participation is critical to success in this course.

 

Grading Policy and Course Expectations

          Major Assignments (2-3 per term): 50%    

          Minor Assignments (8-9 per term): 50%    

         There is no final exam. Your year grade is calculated by averaging your two term grades.

 

There are various types of minor assignments. They may be assigned to be completed either as homework or in class as reading quizzes the day the relevant assignment is due. Often they are short, written responses not to exceed one, single-spaced, typewritten page. They are focused upon a narrow theme or question, often reflections upon reading assignments. A typical short paper may require you to summarize a major element of a source’s perspective on a question, then give your reaction to it. Do you agree? Why or why not? Do you have lingering questions or concerns?  These papers will be used often as catalysts to our daily discussions. As such, they will not be accepted after these discussions have occurred. You are guaranteed to have at least ten minor assignment opportunities per term, of which you are required to complete SIX  each term. A minimum of THREE of these minor assignments must be completed by the middle of each term. In the event that you choose to complete a seventh assignment, it will be averaged with the required six.

 

Major projects, by contrast, are opportunities to demonstrate what you have learned by the end of units. For example, you may be asked to explore a major theme or problem and lead a graded discussion on the application of various models to address it. Alternatively, major papers are generally 2-4, single-spaced, typewritten pages. These papers should represent your application of philosophical methods or systems to various situations. Major projects and papers differ from minor assignments in that they are generally summative; they should demonstrate considerable reflection on themes across the entire unit. 

 

Participation is a particularly significant part of this course. Student contributions drive our class meetings and will be the primary determinant in how worthwhile an experience this course becomes. However, you may have noticed that our grading system does not factor participation as its own category in term grades. Instead, I have adjusted for this as follows: Students who lead particular discussions and demonstrate mastery or model engagement can earn credit for that topic in the place of the relevant written response. The reason for this adjustment is so that the graded coursework can prioritize a student’s strength or preference for verbal or written demonstration of mastery.

 

Attendance & Absences

It is your responsibility to be on time, to submit collected homework, get assignments and handouts, and reschedule any assessment you may have missed. This is high school; you are expected to shoulder this level of responsibility. If you are absent, check with a classmate first to see what we did and to borrow any notes that may be useful. Make sure that you always check our Canvas page (especially the Calendar) for any new information. Remember that you can always check with me if there is any confusion at all. Similarly, if I am ever absent, always check Canvas for class instructions, homework updates, etc.

 

Extra Help

It is expected that you will find various components of this course challenging. If you feel you are struggling, do not wait for an invitation! If you need help with a concept, skill, or assignment, make time to work with me or with another teacher in the Social Studies Lab. Can't get to the lab? I also have set aside prescribed Office Hours. No appointment is needed. You can see these times marked on Mr. Burns’s Schedule, linked below. 

 

Accommodations

District accommodations (DCAP)Links to an external site. are available to all students, and in the 26-27 school year, WHS is committed to moving this forward with fidelity.

 

While some accommodations can be offered in the moment, others require advanced notice.

 

For example: Extended time on an in-class assessment is a collaborative decision made by the teacher, student, and family to meet individual student needs.  The WHS guideline is up to 25% extra time.  This accommodation relies on proactive student communication prior to the date of the assessment.  The student and teacher must establish how the accommodation will be provided. 

Accommodations

District accommodations (DCAP)Links to an external site. are available to all students, and in the 26-27 school year, WHS is committed to moving this forward with fidelity.

 

While some accommodations can be offered in the moment, others require advanced notice.

 

For example: Extended time on an in-class assessment is a collaborative decision made by the teacher, student, and family to meet individual student needs.  The WHS guideline is up to 25% extra time.  This accommodation relies on proactive student communication prior to the date of the assessment.  The student and teacher must establish how the accommodation will be provided. 

Cell Phones

Per school policy, all cell phones need to placed in the phone holders and are not to be used at any time unless specifically directed to do so.

 

Final Thought – The One Rule That Rules Them All!

At all times, respect for yourself and others is required.

Important Links:

Schedule: Mr. Burns's ScheduleLinks to an external site.

Social Studies Lab Schedule: Social Studies Resource Room ScheduleLinks to an external site.