1. J. Christopher Maloney Trad 104 Mind, Matter, God
Department of Philosophy
Social Sciences 213
Office Hours T/TH 12:30 – 2:00pm

2. Graduate Teaching Associates
All questions about grades should conveyed by to
Daniel Sanderman
Social Sciences 138
Office Hours
Tuesdays: 12:15 – 3:15pm

3. Graduate Teaching Associates
Questions about course content should be addressed to Helen Daly Social Sciences 130 Office Hours Thursdays: 12:15 – 3:15pm

4. Add/Drop
I’ll sign Add forms only through January 20, 2009

5. D2L Course Site http://d2l.arizona.edu/
See for syllabus & lecture notes
Consult schedule of assignments weekly
Note various links
See D2L for your grades

6. Secondary URL Now Accessible
Please use this URL to access the syllabus today!

7. CATCARD at every class Required Materials
Book: Philosophical Reflections on Mind, Matter and God, 2002 or later; Second Edition or later
A number 2 pencil for exams
CATCARD at every class

8. What You Can Expect
Critical examination of the great philosophical ideas in western history on
the fundamental nature of the self
the ultimate structure of reality
the nature of human knowledge
existence and nature of God

9. You Can Expect Me To:
Present, evaluate, and explore the fundamentally important issues in our readings
Where appropriate, show how these crucially important and ideas bear upon our time and experience
Urge you critically to develop and assess your own relevant ideas

10. What I ask of You Your best efforts critical reflection on readings
rigorous but considerate argumentation
participation in discussion
attendance; no late arrivals or early departures
decorum: “chatters” may be asked to depart

11. Neuron Protection Program
Here’s a deal:
I promise always to end class three minutes early if
Good decorum
No premature “shuffling”
No late arrivals and early departures

12. Course Requirements Readings from assigned text
Three Exams, including the Final Exam
Drawn from readings, lectures and study guides on web
Each exam is multiple choice and/or True/False
Each exam covers only material since previous exam
Final exam is not cumulative

13. Course Requirements (Continued)
Unspecified number of pop quizzes on D2L
not to exceed 10 quizzes
each quiz worth 10 points
Two lowest scores “dropped”
only those attending may take the quiz
each quiz, including “dropped” quizzes, carries 4 points in extra credit earned by completing the quiz
Attendance Policy
No late arrival/early departures (point deductions)

14. Course Grade Percentage Range Letter Grade 90 – 100% A 80 – 89.999% B
70 – % C
60 – % D
Below 60% E

15. Attendance
Absences
No formal deduction, but potential adverse consequence on exams and quizzes
No unexcused quiz make-ups; so, if you are absent and miss a quiz, you won’t get the extra credit for taking that quiz

16. Schedule of Deductions for Late Arrivals or Early Departures
Late Arrival & Early Departure Are Not Permitted and Require CatCard Identification
Schedule of Deductions for Late Arrivals or Early Departures
Occasion
Deduction
With CATCARD
Without CATCARD
First -3 -6
Second -5
-10
Beyond Second
-20

17. How To Prepare For Exams
Attend all lectures; complete reading assignments
See lecture notes on-line
Review Study Guides on Web
Office Hours
Collaborative Study Groups Encouraged!
Weekly Optional Review Sessions
In a room soon to be specified on the website
Wednesdays, 6:00pm-7:00pm, beginning Jan. 28

18. Travel and Make-up Exams
Travel, unless authorized by the Dean of Students for official University activities, is not an automatic excuse for a missed assignment, including exams and quizzes
Documented serious problems, including illness, will serve as excuses for missed exams and allow for make-up exams if I’m notified in a timely manner

19. Class Discussion Class discussion is warmly welcomed and encouraged!
Ask Questions!
“Help ! I don’t understand this at all ! ”
“Is Plato being consistent when he says X?”
Challenge the author; Challenge me!
Compare scientific and philosophical frontiers where uncertainty lives

20. How to Read Philosophy Think for yourself and question what you read!
Give yourself lots of uninterrupted time
Mark the text & take notes as you read to indicate
Important Ideas
Arguments
Distinguish Premises (Reasons) from Conclusions
Assess the arguments!
Assess your assessment!