REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

No textbooks are required for this course.  This is a Zero Textbook Course.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Each week we will be discussing BIG questions—how do we create a just society?  What is reality?  How do we KNOW something is true?  Is the mind separate from the body?  This course will provide an introduction to several major divisions in philosophy: ontology (the study of ultimate reality or being), epistemology (the study of human knowledge), moral philosophy, and basic logic and argumentation.  You will take two exams to test your understanding of the material, and you will submit two papers asking you to analyze, evaluate, and engage with the philosophical ideas in the course.  We’ll complete a series of argumentation and logic lessons to learn the tools of critical thinking, and we’ll put these tools to work each week discussing mind-boggling philosophical questions in a discussion board.  The course will be discussion-based, and you will be assigned to a discussion group in each unit.  These groups can help you navigate the philosophical topics, the assignments, and college life in general. 

DISTANCE EDUCATION

Please review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

Blackboard

The online class will use ACC’s Blackboard website.   If you do not already know how to access Blackboard, begin with the student login instructions at the following link: http://itdl.austincc.edu/blackboard/stlogin.htm.

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Skills that Contribute to Success in Distance Learning Classes

There are skills you can develop and actions you can take to contribute to success in distance learning courses. 

• Set goals and deadlines
• Remain on track and on time
• Complete projects
• Seek assistance (from instructor and/or classmates) when needed
• Improve reading and writing skills
• Communicate comfortably via email and other online platforms
• Develop strong problem-solving skills
• Plan in advance to provide adequate time for completing readings and assignments
• Have a designated, distraction-free place to work on assignments
• Keep a record of assignments and due dates
• Plan to login to the online class daily

THIS IS NOT A SELF-PACED COURSE!  Success is dependent upon keeping up with the material in the course in the order listed on the syllabus, just as it would be in a classroom section.  Note that the time requirements are the same, as well.  Plan to spend 10-20 hours a week on the 16-week online course, or 15-25 hours per week on a 12-week course, or 25+ hours on a 5- or 8-week course.

COURSEWORK AND GRADING

5%       What is Wisdom? Video Project

10%      Logic Project

10%     Mid-Term Exam    

5%       Community Dialogue Participation and Reflection (Remote)                                            

10%      Descartes Demonstration Video

15%      Paper:  Answering a Great Philosophical Question

15%      Final Exam       

10%     Videos and Quizzes

20%      Weekly Discussion Board Forums

The total points possible will be 1000.  An A will be awarded for 900 points and above.  B’s will be awarded for 800-899 points.  C’s will be awarded for 700-799 points.  D’s will be given for 600-699 points, and 599 points and below will receive an F. 

What is Wisdom? Video Project

In Plato’s Apology, Socrates is charged with finding someone wiser than himself.  He interviews people from all walks of life to investigate what wisdom truly is.  For this assignment, you will also investigate wisdom by interviewing one or more people and then create a 5-minute video with your findings. 

Logic Project

A series of online lessons will help you develop skills in logic and argumentation, and you will discuss what you learn in a group discussion board and/or in group Zoom meetings.  You may continue to improve your score on the Lesson modules throughout the semester. By the end of the week, you’ll prepare and post an argument analysis video individually or in a group (your choice).  You may not use AI, such as Chat GPT, to assist with your project.

Exams

Exams will be cumulative and will cover the philosophical material as well as argumentation and logic.  Exams will contain multiple choice as well as short answer and essay questions.  Study questions will be provided in advance.  You must have appropriate and documented justification for missing a test in order to avoid receiving a zero on the test.  Make up exams will be by professor’s discretion.  You may not use AI, such as Chat GPT, to assist with your exam.

Community Dialogue Participation and Reflection

While philosophy is often pursued alone, following logical conclusions and developing arguments in response to the great ongoing conversations throughout history, many philosophers find that the pursuit of wisdom cannot be done without others—we must put ourselves in positions to interact with and be in dialogue with others.  You will be asked to attend an in-person, Zoom, or fully remote community dialogue and then to reflect on that experience in light of our course materials.   This project gives you an opportunity to interact with other people regarding important questions of the day or regarding timeless values. There are options for in-person, Zoom, and fully remote experiences that you will then reflect on in a short journal assignment.

Descartes Video

After you’ve read Descartes’ Meditations I-II, you’ll create a 5-10-minute video demonstrating his argument, adding your own personal style to the project. 

Paper:  Answering a Great Philosophical Question

This assignment will allow you to identify a philosophical problem in one of the epistemological areas that most interests you—such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, the separation of the mind and body, etc.  You will read assigned texts, summarize and respond to the texts in discussion board posts, and write a paper comparing the texts.  Finally, you’ll make and support a claim regarding what YOU think the answer to this great question might be.  Instructions and a grading rubric are provided.

Quizzes

For each module, you’ll watch a series of videos and take a series of short quizzes (some of which may be embedded in the videos).  You’ll have an opportunity to improve your score on each quiz. You may not use AI, such as Chat GPT, to assist with your quizzes. 

Discussions

Our weekly Discussion Boards will allow you to reflect on your readings, ask clarifying questions, and raise open-ended questions for others in your group to answer.  You will be assigned to an online Discussion Group for the semester, and, while not required, you are encouraged to meet virtually or even on-campus to keep asking the ‘Great Questions.’  

Community Forum (Ungraded)

In addition to the Unit Forums, an additional Forum for Social Connections and Questions is also established.  Please use this Forum to introduce yourself to the class, set up study groups, ask questions about the exams, etc.

Course Policies:

Attendance/Participation

Our class depends upon each class member’s respectful participation in the open exchange of ideas, so your online attendance and participation is crucial.  When one student fails to participate, the entire class suffers as a result.  Regular and punctual online class attendance (and in discussion board forums) is expected of all students. 

Withdrawals

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is November 20, 2025.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Missed Exams and Late Work

ALL WORK HAS A SPECIFIC DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION—usually the time is midnight on the date specified.  This is not a self-paced course!  Late papers will be accepted with a minimum late penalty of one-half letter grade.  Make-up exams are offered only in documented emergency situations with prior approval of the instructor. 

Incompletes

A grade of Incomplete is awarded only in extraordinary circumstances, which must be documented.  To receive a grade of Incomplete you must request it at, or prior to, the last class meeting and provide documentation of a compelling reason for granting an incomplete.  Please refer to the College’s policy on requesting grades of “incomplete” for more criteria and information.  As per ACC policy, “An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester.  The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.”

Problem Resolution

If you are having a problem related to this course or related to me as your professor, your first step generally should be to speak with your professor. If I cannot resolve the problem or satisfy your concern, or, if for some reason you would prefer not to address the issue with your professor, you may contact the Chair of the Department, Grant Potts for help. Email: .

COURSE CALENDAR

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

See the end of this document for the current Course Calendar.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  While some health & safety protocols are no longer mandatory, the college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.
  
   
• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available.
  
   
• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.
  
   
• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19.  The college cannot mandate indoor masking, but is encouraging it during this spike in cases as a result of the Delta variant.
  
   
• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
  
   
• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.
   

Because of the everchanging situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Any course specific policies, expectations, or procedures could be included here.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state, and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Class grades should be posted in Blackboard, and this could be mentioned here.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an outbreak of illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. 

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-1231.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

For Fall, 2021, the Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing
• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)
• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)
• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests

• Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

The instructor should provide additional information about how they will conduct examinations and other assessments here.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support 

Student Accessibility Services

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS.

Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided.  Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class.  

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

An online tutor request can be made here:

https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC Library Services will be offering both in-person and extensive online services for Fall 2021, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change this fall, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email, and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Library Information & Services during COVID-19: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help.  However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Some faculty may consider adding a student sign-off page at the end of the syllabus to be removed and handed back to the instructor providing evidence that the student received a copy of the syllabus and had an opportunity to ask questions, but such a page is optional.

Note on course content:

At times this semester we will be discussing historical events and issues that may be disturbing, even traumatizing, to some students. If you are aware of particular course material that may be traumatizing to you, I’d be happy to discuss any concerns you may have with it before it comes up in class. Likewise, if you ever wish to discuss your personal reactions to such material with the class or with me afterwards, I welcome such discussion as an appropriate part of our coursework. If you ever feel the need to avoid one of these discussions, either for a short time or for the rest of the class session, you may always do so without academic penalty. You will, however, be responsible for any material you miss.

Readings

COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Credit hours: 3
• Weekly assignments with due dates most Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays
• All exams may be taken from a home computer, not a testing center

Students will be introduced to various significant philosophical issues and thinkers and to the practice of philosophical analysis. There are no course prerequisites for this class. A passing score or the equivalent on the reading and writing portions of the TASP is required.

COURSE RATIONALE

Philosophy is one of the principal forces that have shaped Western civilization and history, so a basic understanding of the methods and subject matter of philosophy affords a deeper understanding of ourselves and an informed grasp of the present. In addition, critical thinking skills are so central to the methods of philosophy that the study of philosophy provides an excellent opportunity to learn and practice those skills in a focused way.

DEPARTMENTAL COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

After successful completion of this course a student should be able to do the following:

• Identify, demonstrate understanding of, and describe various major figures, divisions, theories, and concepts in philosophy
• Analyze written texts from philosophy
• Apply concepts from philosophy to issues of both individual and universal significance
• Develop and defend a philosophical argument in a written essay

INSTRUCTOR COURSE LEVEL OUTCOMES

After successful completion of this course a student should be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of philosophical figures, divisions, theories, concepts by recalling, summarizing, comparing, contrasting, and applying their main ideas and arguments.
2. Write effective essays that are relevant, accurate in their philosophical content, well-organized with a strong thesis, clearly formulated, supported by sound arguments and/or strong evidence, and mechanically strong.
3. Expand, evaluate, and clarify your views and opinions by engaging in respectful discussions that ask questions, listen to other perspectives, raise potential objections, and articulate the outcome of this process effectively.
4. Analyze an author’s argument by distinguishing whether the argument is deductive or inductive, differentiating the premises from the conclusion, clarifying the argument, and evaluating whether the argument is sound (if deductive) or cogent (if inductive).
5. Develop an awareness and commitment towards effective citizenship and social responsibility by acknowledging and valuing human and civil rights, peaceful protest, and social justice. 
6. Develop knowledge and awareness of intercultural fluency around identities, cultures, and society by comparing a variety of global perspectives on philosophical questions.

GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

After successful completion of this course a student should be able to do the following:

• Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
• Personal Responsibility: Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences.
• Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness): Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.