Moral Choice
Philosophy 152: Moral Choice
professor S. Joel Garver
linked with
English Class
professors Craig Franson & Brian Narendorf
Winter/Spring 2009
doubles description:
Drawing upon themes and theories in moral philosophy, the English classes will employ diverse readings and a variety of writing assignments, particularly attempting to draw out and illustrate the practical implications of ethical systems. The two course will be linked closely through writing as well as video, common readings, and integrated final projects.objectives:
La Salle University's program of linked courses for all first year students serves several purposes. Two important aims include:[1] Fostering cross-fertilization between two disciplines. Contemporary education remains specialized to such a degree that each discipline becomes isolated from others. Our goal is to show connections between English and Philosophy, particularly their common interest in human values, character development, personal expression, and practical wisdom.
[2] Creating a small-scale learning community within the larger community of La Salle University. In typical courses, classmates often do not get to know one another as well as they should. In Doubles, however, the classes are smaller and you are together for six hours each week. Consequently, you have opportunity to know and respect one another better and thereby become an important part of the classroom dynamic. When students depend upon and learn from one another, they learn more effectively.
In addition to these aims, the Doubles remain a central element of the core curriculum. As such they are guided by La Salle's heritage as a Catholic university, reflecting its commitment to the interdependence of intellectual and spiritual growth. Doubles should also help you link up what you learn to everyday life, reveal ways in which various aspects of your own life are connected, and assist you by reinforcing common themes.
doubles assignments:
The links between what you are doing in English and Philosophy will continue throughout the semester. These links will be made more explicit in the following ways:Informal writing: Some Fridays during the semester, I may ask you to submit a one-page, informal, hand-written reflection paper. You will be given time in class to complete the assignment. These informal writing assignments are not meant to be personal reflections. Instead, they should be used to make/discover connections between the two classes, clarify your thinking about readings or assignments, or evaluate your reactions to course material or class discussions.
Homeworks: Some homework assignments may be focused upon links between philosophy and English.
Reading: Readings in your English class will draw upon themes that are being explored in philosophy, perhaps even using the same author or by examining literary and other illustrations of philosophical ideas.
Video: At some point in the semester, we will watch at least one video connected with moral philosophy and which will serve as the basis for an assignment in English.
Group Presentations: In your English class you will be giving group presentations at various points in the semester in which your analysis of a text will be deploying themes from moral philosophy.
Final projects: Your final essay in Philosophy and your final project in English will be related, though distinct.