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LOGOS |
Location: Office: FL 1244
Day/Time:
Office hours: W, 2-4pm
Instructor: Paul Leclerc
Office Tel.: 333-7294
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
E-mail:
logos53@juno.com
Tel.: (401) 886-4107
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GOALS: This course is designed to introduce the
student to the theoretical orientations, central concepts, basic problems, and
classical arguments of Western philosophy of religion. We will systematically
clarify and critically analyze a representative range of topical problems in the
philosophy of religion. These include the concept of God, traditional arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil,
mysticism, and philosophical atheism. Students will engage in theoretical
discussions, develop critical reasoning skills, and gain reflective insight into
their personal philosophy of religion. Consequently, course goals include:
1. Basic comprehension of systematic concepts and central arguments of
Western philosophy of religion.
2. Development of critical reasoning skills applicable to a variety of
topical problems and basic arguments in the philosophy of religion.
3. Acquisition of a theoretically informed, reflective, and critical
perspective on one’s personal philosophy of religion.
REQUIRED TEXT
John Hick, Classical and Contemporary Readings in the
Philosophy of Religion, 3rd edition. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Prentice-Hall Publishing Co., 1990.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Readings in the course texts and supplementary materials provided in
class.
2. Brief written assignments (1-3 typed pages approximately) based on course
readings, student questionnaires, and philosophical exercises. Typed papers are
highly recommended, but I will accept legible handwritten papers.
There will be five (5) written assignments worth 5% of your course
grade. Evaluation will be on a pass/fail basis. Standards of evaluation include:
COURSE GRADE FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
| PASSED | POINTS | LETTER GRADE |
| 5 | 5 | A |
| 4 | 4 | B |
| 3 | 3 | C |
| 2 | 2 | D |
| 1 | 1 | F |
EXAMS: There will be three (3) exams during the semester and a
final exam during exam week. They will consist of T/F, multiple choice, short answer,
and essay questions. An exam review handout will be provided one week prior to
exams. Exam percentages of the course grade are listed in the Calculation of
Course Grade section below.
EXAM MAKE-UP POLICY: Permission to be excused from a scheduled exam will be granted only for family emergency or serious medical
reason, and must be given prior to the exam. If you believe you have a
legitimate reason to be excused, please request permission as soon as possible
in order to facilitate rescheduling plans. An unexcused absence from a scheduled exam will result in
a failing grade for that exam.
TENTATIVE EXAM SCHEDULE
| EXAM | DATE |
| 1 | 10/1 |
| 2 | 10/29 |
| 3 | 11/26 |
| Final | TBA |
CALCULATION OF COURSE GRADE
| Exam 1 | 20% |
| Exam 2 | 20% |
| Exam 3 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Written Assignments | 10% |
ATTENDANCE POLICY: You are expected to attend class, be prepared to ask and answer questions,
and participate in class discussions. If you miss a class for any reason
you are still responsible for material covered and assignments given (which can
be easily accessed on my web page). You will be granted three (3)
unexcused absences, if class meets three times a week, and one (1) if
class meets once a week. Each additional absence will result in a 1/3 reduction in
your course grade (for example, a B to a B-).
Consistent attendance and class participation will weigh in your
favor if you are on the border between two grades.
CLASS FORMAT: Lecture, class discussion, and small-group discussion. Class participation is an integral part of the course and is highly
encouraged.
ONLINE RESOURCES: You are strongly encouraged to visit my
LOGOS web page for course
materials and links to helpful online resources:
http://faculty.ccri.edu/paleclerc/
PLEASE NOTE: As a courtesy to the professor and your
peers, please shut off any electronic communication devices prior to
entering the classroom.
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