Phil-002: Contemporary Ethical Issues
Prerequisite: Eligibility for or completion of ENGL 100
An introduction to ethics that focuses on classical ethical theories and their application to selected contemporary ethical issues such as environmental protection, reproductive rights, genetic engineering, and affirmative action.
This course meets the General Education requirement for Ethical Inquiry.
Units: 3 Units
Transfer: UC, CSU Gen. Ed. Area C2, IGETC Area 3B
Phil-033: Introduction to the History of Political Thought: The Problem of Democracy
Same as POLSC 33LS.
This course will examine a 2,500 year old tradition of political thought and experience with special reference to the antecedents, critiques and variable models of world democracy. A comparative review of certain non-democratic political traditions will also be made . The primary goal is to lead students toward reflection on the multiple problems that must be faced when developing viable democratic regimes in the 21st century. Foremost among these regimes is the American Constitutional Republic, both the world's oldest "democracy", and perhaps the contemporary world's most imperiled "democracy". Students will critically evaluate the theoretical status of the American regime. Course uses pedagogical methods common to advanced humanities and social science course including: in-depth reading and writing; collaborative/dialogical learning; and oral presentation. The course uses an inter-disciplinary, cross-cultural and comparative approach.
Meets LMC General Education requirement for Humanities.
Units: 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU Gen. Ed. Area C2, D8, IGETC Area 3B, 4H
Phil-040: Introduction to Philosophy
This course introduces the student to philosophy in both the Western and non western traditions. Treatment of the Western tradition emphasizing an historical development that begins with Classical Greece and ends with 20th century existentialism. Discussion of philosophers between these two periods will focus on the tension between faith and reason during the Middle Ages, the eventual triumph of a paradigm uniting reason and empirical science since the Renaissance, and attempts to remodel this paradigm in modern times. Spinoza, Kierkegaard, and existentialist philosophy serve as a bridge to the spiritual paths offered by Buddhism, Taoism and other philosophies of the Eastern tradition. The application of metaphysical principles to everyday life is also demonstrated through certain North American shamanic systems. Meets the LMC General Education Requirement for Humanities.
Units: 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU Gen. Ed. Area C2, IGETC Area 3B
Phil-041: Critical Thinking
An understanding of how the principles of critical analysis can help to solve pressing current issues. The course will stress methods of locating arguments and critically evaluating their structural elements. The interrelationship of knowledge across disciplines will be demonstrated, particularly linkage of the reasoning process with other disciplines. Reasoning skills will be applied to the arguments of major thinkers from a variety of cultures, and opportunities will be provided for students to create arguments for and against a current issue of their choice.
Meets the LMC General Education Requirement for Communication / Critical Thinking.
Units: 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU Gen. Ed. Area A3
Phil-042: Comparative Religion
Comparison of the great religions of the world, first in regard to their ethical teachings and then in regard to their theory of first principles, ultimate reality, the nature of being, and the structure of the universe. Comparisons will be primarily drawn from Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Units: 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU Gen. Ed. Area C2, IGETC Area 3B
Phil-098: Independent Study in Philosophy
Provides students an opportunity to design and pursue their own interests within a particular area. Projects reflecting cultural diversity and/or societal issues will be greatly encouraged. A contract must be drawn between the student and the instructor stipulating the goals of the independent study, the content, the method of approach, the estimated time involved, and the periodic evaluation to be used. This course may be repeated for credit. (Minimum 1 hour per week with instructor plus 54 hours of contracted work for each unit of credit.)
Units: 1-5 units
Transfer: Independent Study courses may be DA or transferable depending on specific course.
See your counselor.
Phil-099: Cooperative Education in Philosophy
Under agreement of an employer and a faculty member, a contract will be developed for supervised cooperative education as to goals, content, methods, and evaluation. Approved application and enrollment in at least 7 units (including up to 4 for this course). No more than four units may be taken each semester. A maximum of 16 units may be earned. Cooperative education is offered by instructional area.
Units: 1-4 units
Transfer: CSU