Philosophy 1020: Introduction to Philosophy

Last Update: April 4

Intelligence is incremental results of better performance. You will be smarter if you work harder. The more work you do, the more qualities of intelligence you will have.

Below is a list of policies, rules, and expectations that apply to our tutorial section.

E-mail Policy

I should be able to reply to e-mails within 24 hours. Before sending me an e-mail about logistical items, please check to make sure the course documents on OWL do not already have the answer to question.

In writing your e-mail, please be sure to place your course title in the subject of your email, followed by a brief description of why you’re contacting me (e.g., PHIL1020: Office Hours Request), as it helps flag your e-mail to me. Include a polite salutation (e.g., Hi Melissa), use complete sentences (emails are not text messages), and sign the email with your full name, so I know who you are. In this digital age, e-mail becomes a part of your professional identity as a student and it should be used professionally.

 Classroom Rules & Decorum

• Students are expected to have completed the previous week’s readings before coming to tutorial.
• Students should bring their book to class.
• Students are allowed to use laptops, but I do ask that if you do, that you do not be distracting to others (don’t be on Facebook, etc). I personally would suggest not using a laptop if able for the many reasons outlined in this article and in this article. Research indicates that those who do not bring a laptop do better in class.
• Tutorial is to be a respectful, constructive, and inclusive space for philosophical discussion. This means…
  • Be a nice person. Do not interrupt, talk while others are talking, roll your eyes, make faces, laugh at a participant, etc.
  • Don’t present objections as flat dismissals (leave open the possibility that there’s a response). Objections are fine, but it’s also always OK to be constructive, building on a speaker’s project or strengthening their position. Even objections can often be cast in a constructive way.
  • Monitor your own participation in class. If you like to talk, make sure you do not dominate the discussion.  If you are more reflective thinker, try to challenge yourself to contribute your thoughts in class.
• If at any point you have any concerns about tutorial, please feel free to talk to me.

 Tutorial Participation

Participation in tutorials is worth 5% of your final grade each semester (for a total 0f 10%). Of each term’s 5%, 2% will be determined by attendance. Everyone will be granted two free missed tutorials—we hope that you use these only if necessary, and in good faith. The remaining 3% will be determined by the amount and quality of your participation. If you are concerned about how you are performing for this 3% please feel free to talk to me.

Papers

• Paper topics, grading rubric, and paper guidelines can be found online in the course OWL site.
• I do not have any preference for citation style, all I ask is that you are consistent. If you are at a loss for which style to choose, go with in-line citation of the philosopher’s last name followed by page number such at this (Jacquart, 43).
• As a reminder, I cannot read complete paper drafts. I can read your introductory paragraph and broad outlines and discuss your paper with you. If you would like me to take a look at an outline or intro, I do ask that you try to find a time to meet with me in person.
  • Students can talk to me about their paper up until 2 days before the due date (if the paper is due on a Thursday, the last day I will meet with students is on Tuesday). So, don’t procrastinate on getting started.
• I do not require that you turn in a paper copy. All paper comments and grades will be provided online in OWL. If you would prefer to receive written feedback (verses electronic feedback) please let me know.