Methods of Instruction

1. Lectures and discussion
2. Small group work
3. Films, plays,  and public forums

Course Practices Required

1. There will be three quizzes. I will distribute a brief study guide before each quiz.  The quizzes will consist of questions that will require brief answers of one to three sentences.  I always return quizzes during the next class period.  If you miss a quiz, you may take a make-up by coming to my office before the next class or by making an arrangement to take the quiz in the testing center.  If you cannot make up the quiz at this point, you will need to make special arrangements with me to take an alternative quiz later in the semester.  This alternative quiz will be an essay exam.
   
2. You will keep a philosophical journal. In this journal you will record your reactions to the assigned readings and your responses to questions that we may pose in class. The journal should not consist of notes or summaries of the readings. Rather, you should take positions and offer arguments for those positions. You may also consider ways in which the material we read in class relates to your own experiences. You should also use your journal to explore the connection between the two classes that make up this tandem. Your journal will be collected at a number of times during the semester. Your final journal should be at least 15 typewritten pages. In the interest of preserving trees, your journal should not be more than double-spaced, should not use larger than 12-point type, and should not have extra-large margins or large blank spaces between sections. The precise format for your journal is up to you. I will frequently suggest questions to you, but you may choose to focus on other topics. 
   
3. Class attendance and participation is essential for success in ethics.  You now have an A for participation.  To keep this A you need to attend class and to attend three Oakton events relating to ethics, social justice, or philosophy in general.  (I will give you a number of events from which you can choose.) In terms of class attendance, for every three classes you miss, your participation grade will drop by one grade.  On most days participation credit will simply be based on attendance.  If you come to class after I have taken attendance, talk to me after class, and I will give you partial credit for the day.  On days when we do small group work, participation credit will be based on the successful completion of that work.   I will offer some extra credit opportunities to make up for absences by attending Oakton events such as Women's Day and Men's Day.  I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences.  However, if you need to be absent because of something such as religious holidays or family emergency, I will absolutely guarantee that you will have ways to earn the extra credit that will compensate for your absence.
   
4. There will be a final exam that will involve an essay.  I will let you know the possible questions in advance.  You may use your notes for this exam.
          

     1. Quizzes.....30% of the final grade
     2. Final exam.....20% of the final grade
     3. Participation.....20% of the final grade
     4. Journal.....30% of the final grade

Disabilites

If you have a documented learning, psychological , or physical disability, you are  entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services.  To requestion accommodation or services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services.   All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements.  The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

Discrimination

The Oakton Community College Catalog states:
           Oakton Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or marital status in admission to and participation in its educational programs, activitiesand services, or employment practices. The College does not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual assault by or of its students or employees.

            In keeping with this policy of tolerance and non-discrimination, in this class all of us (myself included) should strive to listen and give careful consideration to all ideas expressed in class, especially those that are different from our own, without attacking or demeaning the people who have those views.  We should also strive to avoid using insulting terms or telling offensive jokes when talking to or about individuals or groups.

Office Hours

Des Plaines Office……3614

Author: Hollace Graff,
Oakton Community College
Last Updated: August 16, 2003