Syllabus for PHIL 109/ THEO 109 – Perspectives on Western Culture I
Fall 2019
Instructor: Katie Rapier
Office: Stokes 253N
Office Hours: W 4-5:30PM
Email: katie.rapier@bc.edu (24 hours to reply)
Classroom: Stokes 211S
Class Hours: T & TH, 10:30-11:45AM, W 6-8:30PM
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Course Website:
https://www.katierapier.com/perspectives-i
Course Description:
This course offers a critical journey through Ancient Greek, early Christian, and Medieval thought. Students will engage contemporary and historical ideas through careful analytical writing and in discussion with peers, the professor, and guest lecturers. Supplemental materials will feature cross-cultural and interdisciplinary readings. This course also makes use of student submissions and multi-media to enrich the learning experience.
Learning Objectives:
In this course students with learn to (1) read historical texts, (2) critically engage historical authors through careful, analytic writing, and (3) form meaningful connections between contemporary and seminal works in philosophy and theology.
Required Materials:
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Plato, Republic(G. M. A. Grube, Trans.) [ISBN: 9780872201361]
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Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics(Ross, Trans.) [ISBN: 9780199213610]
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New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha, 5thEdition [ISBN: 9780190276089]
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Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning[ISBN: 9780807014271]
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Anselm, Proslogion with the replies of Gaunilo and Anselm (Thomas Williams, Trans.) [ISBN: 9780872205659]
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Augustine, Confessions(Henry Chadwick, Trans.)[ISBN: 9780199537822]
***If you choose to purchase these materials via Amazon, please consider using Amazon Smile (smile.amazon.com) to donate a portion of your purchase to a charity of your choice ***
Assessment
Participation: Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the readings, assigned activities, and case studies. You will need to bring copies of the daily reading to each class – printed or electronically. Participation will be assessed by contributions to the class discussion. Please be mindful of other students to allow everyone an opportunity to express their opinions.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be assigned throughout the semester to assess reading comprehensions. Quizzes are timed (30 minutes) and can be completed on Canvas. Students are allowed to use the course material but should not consult classmates or outside sources. Quizzes should be completed beforethe start of class to receive credit. No late quizzes will be accepted.
Moral Exercise Journals: To practice the principles discussed in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (and supported in many other course readings), students will choose one moral exercise to cultivate throughout the course. The moral exercise should be tailored to the values of each student – if you are concerned about your carbon footprint you can eat vegetarian or vegan, if you want to cultivate courage you can practice avoiding the word “sorry,” if you want to be more compassionate you can pledge to engage in conversation with the homeless – the possibilities are endless. In the first weeks of the course you will develop your moral exercise and submit it for approval to the instructor by September 26th.
You will write a total of 8 journal entries for the course. They must be at least 350 words each. The entries can be informal but should describe you experience cultivating your moral exercise. You will be graded on your participation rather than your success (e.g. if you return to eating meat but describe the struggle you will not lose points). Your proposal and journal entries should all be submitted via Canvas.
Reflection Essays: Students will be responsible for completing 5 reflection essays throughout the course. Reflection essays should be approximately 2 pages long (1 ½-2 ½), double-spaced. Reflection essays are due at the beginning of class and should discuss the readings assigned for that day. Students may focus primarily on one reading or discuss all of the readings for that day equally. If you choose to focus on one reading be sure to include a brief discussion of how the other readings relate. You should cite the daily readings and any external sources using APA or Chicago style.
Essays will be graded based on (1) demonstrated knowledge of the readings and (2) thoughtful engagement. Students may choose to critically analyze an argument in one of the reading and discuss how it relates to past class readings and/or other assigned readings for the day, discuss an argument that you do not fully understand and why it seems perplexing, or use some other organization structure that accomplishes the two goals discussed above. We will discuss examples in class.
You should write at least one reflection essay for each of the three sections of the course: (1) Greek Literature and Thought, (2) The Biblical World, and (3) The Early Christian Centuries and the Middle Ages. Your other two essays can come from any section(s) of your choosing. You may also write one reflection essay about a Wednesday evening guest lecture.
Exams:There are three exams throughout the course. Each exam will cover one section of the course: Greek Literature and Thought, The Biblical World, and Early Christian/Middle Ages. The exams are weighted equally. They may feature some short answer or fill in the blank items but will consist primarily of essay questions to promote critical engagement of course materials. Potential essay questions will be distributed prior to each exam.
Grade Calculation:
Participation: 15%
Quizzes: 15%
Moral Exercise Journals: 20%:
Reflection Essays: 20%
Exams: 30%
Attendance and Lateness Policy
Reflection essays on the daily readings are due at the beginning of class. Students should turn in a paper copy of their essay. Missed exams cannot be made up unless the student discusses options with the instructor prior to missing class. Absolutely no late work will be accepted.
Classroom Policies
Laptops, iPads, and other means of electronic notetaking are permitted. Please refrain from browsing the internet or sending emails while in class. Phones should be on silent and yes, I can see you texting. Food and drink are permitted in class given that they are in quiet packaging and do not produce distracting aromas. Do not bring food to class on guest lecture days.
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Academic Integrity
“The pursuit of knowledge can proceed only when scholars take responsibility and receive credit for their work. Recognition of individual contributions to knowledge and of the intellectual property of others builds trust within the University and encourages the sharing of ideas that is essential to scholarship. Similarly, the educational process requires that individuals present their own ideas and insights for evaluation, critique, and eventual reformulation. Presentation of others’ work as one’s own is not only intellectual dishonesty, but it also undermines the educational process.”(quoted from Boston College’s Policies and Procedures Website).
All violations of this policy will be reported to the academic integrity officer. Particularly relevant to this course, the final essay and reflection essays will be monitored for plagiarism. Students should not collaborate on assignments or essays. We will review the policy in class and students are encouraged to refer to the policy on the University’s website: https://www.bc.edu/offices/stserv/academic/univcat/undergrad_catalog/policies_procedures.html#integrity
If a student is suspected of an academic integrity violation, the instructor will contact the appropriate authorities within the student’s degree program.
Accommodations
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities can request different kinds of accommodations. To learn more, please visit: https://www.bc.edu/offices/dos/subsidiary_offices/disabilityservices.html. If you need accommodations, please follow the instructions on the website and contact the instructor as soon as possible.
Accommodations Based Upon Sexual Assault: Boston College is committed to offering reasonable academic accommodations to students who are survivors of sexual assault. Students are eligible for accommodation regardless of whether they seek criminal or disciplinary action. If you need to request such accommodations, please direct your request to the Title IX Office (https://www.bc.edu/offices/diversity/compliance/TitleIX.html). The Title IX Office is a confidential resource; however, requests for accommodations will be shared with the appropriate administration and faculty. The professor for this course is not a confidential resource and is required to report to the Title IX Office.
Other Resources:
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 800-841-8371
Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program:
617-243-6521
Victim Rights Law Center:617-399-6720
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-HOPE (4673)
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Bias Reporting: The University has a process through which students, faculty, staff, and community members who have experienced or witnessed incidents of bias, prejudice or discrimination against a student can report their experiences to the University’s Bias Response Team. See: https://www.bc.edu/offices/dos/bias_response.html
Mental Health: University Counseling Services work with students to resolve personal and interpersonal difficulties, many of which can affect the academic experience. These include conflicts with or worry about friends or family, concerns about eating or drinking patterns, and feelings of anxiety and depression. See: https://www.bc.edu/offices/counseling
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Schedule
*All assignments are subject to change. Please check the course website regularly.
Tuesday, August 27th:
Introductions
*Please take the following brief survey before class: (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FQFDWVB)*
Reading: “How to Write a Reflection Essay” (distributed in class)
PART I: GREEK LITERATURE AND THOUGHT
Wednesday, August 28th:
Reading: Vaughn, “How to Read an Argument”(Canvas)
Activity: How to Have an Argument
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Thursday, August 29th:
Looking Up: Greek Idealism
Readings:Plato, Meno
Supplementary: Perspectives Workbook (pg. 3-5)
*Quiz 1 on Canvas*
Tuesday, September 3rd:
Looking Up: Greek Idealism
Readings: Plato, Republic(Books 2-4)
Supplementary: Călian, “Plato’s Psychology of Action and the Origin of Agency” (Canvas)
Wednesday, September 4th:
Looking Up: Greek Idealism
Readings: Plato, Republic(Books 5, 7)
Activity: Illustrating the Cave
Thursday, September 5th:
Looking Up: Greek Idealism
Readings: Plato, Republic(Book 9)
***Moral Exercise Proposal Due Via Canvas by 11:59PM***
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Tuesday, September 10th:
Looking Up: Greek Idealism
Readings: Plato, Phaedo(to pg. 126, 88c before Echecrates begins)
Wednesday, September 11th:
Looking Up: Greek Idealism
Readings: finish Plato, Phaedo
Supplementary:Film, “Death Row U.S.A.” (in class)
Thursday, September 12th:
Looking Out: Greek Empiricism
Reading: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics (Book I)
Supplementary: “Happiness,”Science Vs, ABC Radio (Podcast)
Tuesday, September 17th:
Looking Out: Greek Empiricism
Reading: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics(Books 2-4)
Wednesday, September 18th:
Readings: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics(all of Book 8 and Book 10 chapters 6-9)
Assignments: MEJ #1 Due
Supplementary: Brown, “Call to Courage” (in class)
Thursday, September 19th:
Looking Out: Greek Empiricism
Readings: Doris, “Persons, Situations, and Virtue Ethics” (Canvas)
*Quiz 2 on Canvas*
Tuesday, September 24th:
Looking out: Greek Empiricism
Readings: Epicurus, Letter to Menoec, Letter to Herodotus, and Principles
http://classics.mit.edu/Epicurus/menoec.html; http://classics.mit.edu/Epicurus/princdoc.html
Wednesday, September 25th:
General Lecture: Professor William Wians on Aristotle and Virtue
Assignment: MEJ #2 Due
Thursday, September 26th:
Thinking Greek: Wrap up and Lingering Questions
Readings: Exam 1 Potential Essay Questions (Canvas)
PART II: THE BIBLICAL WORLD
Tuesday, October 1st:
Old Testament, Old World
Readings: Genesis 1-3, 6-9
Supplementary:Perspectives Workbook (pg. 34-40)
Assignments:Creation Story Activity (in class); MEJ #3 Due
Wednesday, October 2nd:
*Exam 1 in Class*
Thursday, October 3rd:
Old Testament, Old World
Readings:Genesis 11-18; 21-22
Supplementary: Perspectives Workbook (pg. 42-48)
Tuesday, October 8th
Old Testament, Old World
Readings:Exodus 1-14
Assignment: Artistic Representation of Exodus (upload to Canvas by Sunday, October 6that 11:59PM)
Wednesday, October 9th
Old Testament, Old World
Reading: Deuteronomy 5-11
Supplementary: Code of Hammurapi (workbook)
Film: scenes fromThe Good Place (2019)
Thursday, October 10th
Old Testament, Old World
Readings: Selections from Edwards, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” (Canvas)
Activity: Understanding the God of Genesis and Exodus
Assignment: MEJ #4 Due
Tuesday, October 15th:
NO CLASS – FALL BREAK
Wednesday, October 16th:
Old Testament, Old World
Reading: Job 1-10
Supplementary: Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl (pg. 3-39)
Thursday, October 17th:
Old Testament, Old World
Reading: Job 32-42
Supplementary: Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl (pg. 137-154)
Activity: Updating Our Notion of OT God
Tuesday, October 22nd:
New Testament, New God?
Readings:John 1-10
Supplementary: Perspectives Workbook (pg. 68-91)
*Quiz #3 on Canvas*
Wednesday, October 23rd:
General Lecture: Pheme Perkins (TBD)
Assignment: MEJ #5 Due
Thursday, October 24th:
New Testament, New God?
Readings:John 11-21
Tuesday, October 29th:
New Testament, New God?
Readings: Matthew 5-28
Assignment: MEJ #6 Due
Wednesday, October 30th:
Exam 2 Review Session
Readings: Exam 2 Potential Essay Questions (Canvas)
Thursday, October 31st:
New Testament, New God?
Readings:Book of James, Galatians; Potential Exam 2 Essay Questions
Supplementary: “Justification, the Sole Criterion?” Lane
Tuesday, November 5th:
New Testament, New God?
Assignment: Popular Representations of Messiah Story (upload to Canvas by Sunday at 11:59PM)
Activity: The Contemporary Christ
PART III: The Early Christian Centuries and the Middle Ages
Wednesday, November 6th:
*Exam 2 in Class*
Thursday, November 7th:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings:Confessions, Augustine (Book I)
Supplementary: Perspectives Workbook (pg. 128-131)
Assignment: MEJ #7 Due
Tuesday, November 12th:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings: Confessions, Augustine (Books II and III)
Supplementary: The Seven Storey Mountain, Merton (pgs. 97-125 on Canvas)
Wednesday, November 13th:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings: Confessions, Augustine (Book IV and VI)
Supplementary: The Seven Storey Mountain, Merton (pgs. 175-182 on Canvas)
Thursday, November 14th:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings: Confessions, Augustine (Book VII)
Assignment: MEJ #8 Due
Tuesday, November 19th:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings: Confessions, Augustine (Book VIII)
Activity: Summarizing the Confessions
Wednesday, November 20th:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings: Anselm, Proslogion
Activity: How do we argue about the existence of God?
Thursday, November 21st:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings: Aquinas, “Excerpts from Part IA of The Summa Theologiae” (pgs. 212-217, 219-225 Perspectives Workbook)
Supplementary: Perspectives Workbook (pgs. 182-184)
Assignment: MEJ #9 Due
*Quiz #5 on Canvas*
Tuesday, November 26th:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings: Aquinas, “Excerpts from Part IIA of The Summa Theologiae” (pgs. 228-234, 236-241)
Activity: Writing Like St. Thomas
Wednesday, November 27th – Thursday, November 28th:
NO CLASS – THANKSGIVING BREAK
Tuesday, December 3rd:
Meeting in the Middle Ages
Readings: Aquinas, Summa Contra Gentiles: Book I, Chapters 1-9 (pgs. 199-210, Perspectives Workbook)
Activity: St. Thomas, Plato, and Aristotle
Wednesday, December 4th:
General Lecture: Jeff Bloechel, Faith and Reason in Synthesis and as a Problem
Thursday, December 5th:
What does it all mean?
Reading: Exam #3 Potential Essays (Canvas)
Activity:Moral Exercise small group discussion
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: (no class)
MEJ #10 due by 11:59pm (Canvas)
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Final Exam (Exam #3) TBA