Basic Expectations

The Basic Expectations for Philosophy Classes

Academic Expectations

Students should expect to be challenged. You will need to be diligent in order to succeed in this course. Philosophy is not easy and it is not my goal to "make it easy." Part of the opportunity afforded by a university education in the liberal tradition is the possibility of being "stretched," which is directly related to being challenged. Expect to work hard from the beginning of the course and to remain committed throughout the semester. Your diligence and commitment to the study of philosophy will be rewarded with something much more significant than a good GPA.
Students are responsible for their own education. Success in my class will require effort on your part. Philosophy is not the kind of thing that I can "give" you; it it something one does and, therefore, it requires your active participation. Philosophy is not a monologue (i.e., I speak, you listen); it is a dialogue between you, your professor, your peers and the philosophers we will be reading. Responsibility for your own education extends to all of the various requirements for our class. If you have a question, ask. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to make up the material, to find out if any work has been assigned and to turn in such work on time. I will not re-lecture to you in my office hours; it is your responsibility to do the reading, get notes you may have missed, and to come to office hours prepared to ask intelligent questions (N.B. "What did we do on Friday?" is not an intelligent question).
Students should seek help whenever they need it. I appreciate your questions, thoughts and examples even when you are not having difficulty. I enjoy conversing with students and I want to see you in my office. However, in addition to our regular interaction, students are strongly encouraged to seek advice and assistance from the instructor if they are having trouble.
Students must dedicate sufficient time to their classes. Being a full-time college student is a full-time job; therefore, it is expected that students approach their studies with the seriousness of a profession. Expect to spend three hours of study outside of class for every hour we are in class.
Students must be conscientious. Assignments must be submitted to me by the indicated deadline. Late assignments will not be accepted. Unless you have made specific arrangements with me in advance, your work is considered turned in when it is in my possession, not slipped under my door, given to a friend to turn in, or strapped to a carrier pigeon. Do not email me your assignment.
Students will be evaluated on the same criteria as their peers. There will be no extra credit work. Students are graded on the quality of their work, not the quantity of their work.
Students must conduct themselves with integrity. No violation of academic integrity will be tolerated. Any violation will result in a failing grade in the class and immediate notification of the appropriate dean.

Classroom Etiquette

Students should show a basic level of respect for the professor and for their peers. To that end:

Do not behave in an inappropriate or distracting manner. Use your common sense. The activity that goes on in a philosophy class is serious business and I expect your conduct to reflect this. I am not a "talking head" and our class is not a television program; it is not acceptable to "tune in and out," especially willfully. Distracting activity includes, but is not limited to: arriving to class late; engaging in private conversations; studying material for another class; eating food (a discrete bottle of water or cup of coffee is OK); getting up without excusing yourself; and packing up to leave before the end of the class period. Never allow your cellular phone to ring during class and, I can't believe I have to say this, never use any mobile device to IM during class. Any of these behaviors will negatively affect your participation grade, sometimes very dramatically. You will save us all--you, me, the rest of the class--a lot of grief if you keep the following principle in mind: If you are unable to focus on class, do not come to class and distract others.
Come to class prepared. Do all assigned reading before class, think about it, and be prepared to participate in a discussion on the topic. Always bring the text we will be discussing to class.
During class discussions, respect your peers. Although we will be discussing topics about which you may feel strongly, language or other activity that does not maintain a level of respect and civility are not permissible. Ad hominem attacks will not be tolerated.

I know these points seem obvious to students with common sense and decent manners, but you would be surprised at how some people behave.