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PHIL 217

I. Course Title: Modern Philosophy: Renaissance to the Present (GE)

II. Course Number: PHIL 217

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

History of philosophy courses offer foundational literacy in the history of ideas and in key figures and cultural events shaping philosophical thought. Students will study primary texts of major philosophers from Kant to Nietzsche, with some secondary texts also included. Emphasis is placed upon the complex relations of philosophy to the development of modern science, the social and political history of the West, and man鈥檚 continuing attempt to achieve a satisfactory worldview.

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

History of philosophy courses offer foundational literacy in the history of ideas and in key figures and cultural events shaping philosophical thought. This course traces the development of Western philosophy from the Renaissance to the present. It seeks to examine influential philosophers and schools of thought, emphasizing both unifying themes and important contrasts between eras. The Early to Late Modern section traces the development of Western philosophy from Montaigne and Descartes in the early 17th century through Locke, Hume and the empiricists in the mid-18th century. The Late Modern section traces the development of Enlightenment ideals, and European and American philosophy, and may include Kant, Mill, Nietzsche, de Beauvoir, Arendt, James, and Dewey. Philosophical movements which may be examined include German Idealism, Positivism, 19th Century Materialism, Existentialism, and Pragmatism. This examination will function at two levels. First, students will examine individual thinkers in the context of their times. The second level of analysis will seek to understand the contributions of these thinkers and the schools of thought which they led to our contemporary world. Emphasis is placed upon the complex relations of philosophy to the development of modern science, the social and political history of the West, and man's continuing attempt to achieve a satisfactory worldview.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

Course format will be both lecture and discussion, with students occasionally responsible for focusing class discussion. The Renaissance to Early Modern section of the course traces the development of Western Philosophy from the Southern and Northern Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation to the Modern era. This course will include careful examination of primary and secondary sources. Among the learning activities students can expect, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Lecture and discussion led by the instructor
  2. Small group discussion
  3. Formal or informal debates
  4. Individual and group oral presentations
  5. Informal and formal writing assignments
  6. Journals
  7. Individual and collaborative research activities involving library and Internet searches
  8. Written and oral analysis of cases and/or texts
  9. Written summaries/evaluations of out-of-class events
  10. Guest lecturers/presenters

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

  1. Identify major philosophical thinkers and the theories and movements they fostered.
  2. Demonstrate analytical writing skills through focus on philosophical issues and arguments. 
  3. Critically evaluate philosophical arguments, through examining multiple sides of a complex problem or debate.
  4. Demonstrate verbal reasoning skills, through expression of diverse perspectives within humanistic inquiry. 

VIII. Assessment Measures:

A variety of assessment tools will be used.  These may include quizzes/exams, writing assignments, presentations, and research papers, among others.

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021

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