CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

PHILOSOPHY 309

Fall Semester, 2003

• INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Scholz Ph.D.
• TIMES: TuTh 11:20 - 12:45
• PHONE:515-6173
• ROOM: Winston 005
• E-MAIL: sgscholz@unity.ncsu.edu
• OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10:00AM ­ 12:00PM
• OFFICE: Winston 109

REQUIRED TEXTS:

• Rawls, J. A Theory of Justice, Harvard University Press, 2001
• E-Readings http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/rbr/ (type PHI309)
• On Liberty
• Utilitarianism

 

PAPER ASSIGNMENTS

• PAPER #1 (Due 10/7)
• PAPER TOPIC #1 (For Students with no Approved Paper Topic, or those wishing to abandon their own topics)
• PAPER TOPIC #2 (and Optional Final Paper Assignment)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

In this class we will examine the underlying philosophies of modern liberal democracy. The class will center around the seminal text of liberalism John Rawls's A Theory of Justice. We will also read various critiques of his work coming from the libertarian, feminist, and communitarian camps.

 

 

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:

This class will rely on short lectures and extended class discussion of the various theoretical and practical arguments presented in the text . Since most of the class time will be dedicated to student led discussion, it is imperative that students complete all the assigned readings BEFORE the day that they are discussed. Also, since the issues discussed can be somewhat volatile students should demonstrate respect for each other by listening to each speaker, and by not making personal comments. All written work, including discussion questions, and papers must be typed, double spaced, and without spelling or grammar errors. Quizzes will be given at random intervals, your best 6 grades will apply towards the final grade. If you miss a quiz because of an unexcused absence you cannot retake it. If you miss because of an excused absence, you can take a make up quiz the day you return with your excuse.

GRADES:

Grades will be determined on the basis of the following point scheme:

 

Grades will be based on the percentage of total points received. Grades can be challenged in a written argument (no email) within 1 class day of when returned, but there are no guarantees that challenged grades will improve.

GRADE SCALE

A+: „97% A: 96%-93% A-: 92%-90% B+: 89%-87% B: 86%-83% B-: 82%-80% C+: 79%-75% C: 74%-70% C-: 69%-65% D: 64%-50% F:<50%

Tests can be made up for legitimate emergency or medical excuses only. Papers and Review Questions will be reduced one full grade (A to B, B to C, etc..) for each class day late.

ATTENDANCE/TARDY POLICY:

Attendance is mandatory. Roll will not be taken each day, but pop quizzes will be given which cannot be made up. If you are more than 5 minutes late for class you are not to enter the class, unless you've made prior arrangement with the professor (this counts as an unexcused absence). Athletes, performing artists, and those in student government with institutionally excused absences must provide a full list of days you will miss in the first two weeks of class, and complete all reading and writing assignments.

 

COURSE WORK:

It is your responsibility to stay current on all readings. If you have questions or confusion about the materials it is your responsibility to bring them to the attention of the instructor, either in class, by e-mail, or by scheduling an appointment. Students will also write at least two 6-8 page papers during the semester. Students will also be responsible for determining and confirming the topics of those papers at least two weeks before the due date with the instructor. Topics must demonstrate an appreciation of significant philosophical problems and the arguments in the text.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

You are responsible for doing your own work, for familiarizing yourself with the NCSU's policy on academic integrity (http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/stud_affairs/policies/code95.html) and for satisfying me that you have adhered to the requisite standards of honesty. That means, basically, that you must do your own work, credit the work of others you cite, and not assist others to otherwise.

FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES OR SPECIAL NEEDS

It is my policy to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, accommodations to those who have disabilities, or special needs (because of having children for example) that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to contact me in the first week of classes if they think their disability may interfere with their coursework.

CLASS SCHEDULE TuTh

TOP OF PAGE