1. Learning about the the History of the Idea of Evolution.
    Students who complete this course successfully will be able to critically consider the theory of evolution and its implications.   In particular students will be prepared to address the following questions:

   1. What is the theory of evolution? 

   2. What questions is the theory of evolution supposed to answer?

   3. What is teleology?

   4. What is the Argument from Design, and why was it so convincing to Aquinas and Paley?

   5. Why was the Argument from Design not convincing to Hume and Darwin?

   6. What is a "theory" in science?   How is it different from a guess,  or a hypothesis, or a belief, or a fact?

   7. How is the existence of design in nature explained by the theory of natural selection?

   8. Why is the theory of evolution still controversial to some people?

   9. What are the different kinds of creationist theories?

   10. What are the best arguments for and against Intelligent Design?

   11. Some argue that the theory of evolution is not compatible with religion and morality,  other disagree.  What are some of the arguments offered?

   12. What is Evolutionary Psychology?

   13. How is evolutionary theory applied in medicine?

   14. What can evolutionary theory tell us about music? 

   15. What are some of the ways researchers in other fields are applying evolutionary thinking to understand more about the human condition?

   16. What was Social Darwinism?

   17. Why do people who have studied the theory of evolution say things like, "Darwin changed everything?"

2. Learning to Think Critically.
   Students will learn to identify and evaluate  assumptions and arguments -- those of others as well as their own.   They will learn to analyze concepts and lines of reasoning, and to identify differing points of view.   Students will learn to draw logically valid conclusions from statements,  and other forms of evidence. 
    

3. Learning to Communicate Effectively.
   We will develop and practice the skills of listening and reading critically and with comprehension, and of writing and speaking with precision and clarity so that students may confidently and effectively form and express their own positions with respect to complex issues. 
    

Course Requirements and Policies:

Ten  “Critical Notes,” 10 points each:   The Critical Notes will be short written responses to the Question of the Week.  They should be typed, unless they are completed as an in-class assignment.  Critical notes will be evaluated for the demonstration of effort to think critically about the question of the week.   Standards for  critical thinking.

Two midterms exams -- 100 points each; a final exam -- 150 points

See also the  Exam  Grading Standards  

Students are responsible for submitting required assignments in accordance with instructions, in the correct format, and on time.  Assignments will not be accepted after the due date except under the most extreme and unforeseeable circumstances.   

Attendance and participation, 50 points.  Roll will be taken once at the beginning of each class.  Students present will receive attendance credit for that day. 

Total of  500 points, see grading scale.

Anyone who may need special accommodations should know that Highline Community College can provide assistance for those with a disability.  

There are only a few things in life that are really worth pursuing:  integrity is one of them.   Plagiarism and cheating are disrespectful to your classmates,  and to the institution, and will not be tolerated.   Please read and understand  the class policies on Plagiarism or Cheating

For daily assignments,  weekly reading assignments,   writing assignments,  exam schedule, and changes to the schedule you should refer to the Weekly Schedule.

Philosophy  class can be challenging.  If you would like to build on the experience of past students and my own experience teaching over 125 philosophy courses, then definitely read the  Tips for Success in Philosophy Class