Discipline: Philosophy Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Philosophy 21


COURSE DESCRIPTION
21 History of Western Philosophy II: Modern and Contemporary Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Advisory: PHI 10 and PHI 12 and/or PHI 20
A survey of the history of Western philosophy beginning with the transition from the medieval period and ending with contemporary philosophy. Topics covered will include renaissance humanism, the rise of modern science, continental rationalism, British empiricism, the Enlightenment, German romanticism and idealism, and such contemporary movements as Marxism, existentialism, positivism, American pragmatism and analytic philosophy. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Survey of philosophy beginning with the renaissance and ending with contemporary philosophy.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Describe and explain some of the key philosophical questions and
      assumptions that underlie the modern and contemporary world
      views.

2.   Give an account of the important features of the historical
      development that link many of the various questions, answers, and
      philosophical figures of these periods together.

3.   Analyze and assess some representative philosophical arguments 
      and texts from these movements.

4.   Write critically about the historical development of some of the key 
      ideas and themes in these philosophical traditions.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. General introduction.  Renaissance, Reformation, and the rise of modern science. 
  2. Descartes and Continental rationalism
  3. British empiricism
  4. Enlightenment and revolution
  5. Kant, romanticism and German idealism
  6. Late 19th century reactions: positivism, Marx, and Nietzsche
  7. Contemporary European philosophy
  8. Contemporary Anglo/American philosophy
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class lectures which develop the historical context of the ideas
  • Textual analysis
  • Class discussion
  • Class exercises
  • Small group activities/discussion
  • Handouts
  • Cooperative learning tasks
  • Individual conferences
  • Guest lecturers
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Quizzes and examinations
  • Written assignments
  • Group and individual projects
  • Participation and regular attendance
  • Final examination
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • W.T. Jones, Robert J. Fogelin . A History of Western Philosophy,Volumes III and IV. 2 ed. any: Thomson Publishing, 1969.
  • Hume. An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. any: Oxford University Press, 1999.
  • Kant. Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics . any: Cambridge University Press , 1997.
  • Marx. Communist Manifesto . any: Signet Classic, 1998.
  • Sartre. Existentialism and Human Emotions. any: Lyle Stuart, 1984.
  • Quine and Ullian. The Web of Belief. any: McGraw-Hill, 1978.
  • Descartes. A Discourse on Method, Meditations on the First Philosophy. Everyman Paperback Classics, 0.
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