Answers to FAQ’s and things you should know (in no particular order)

1. Thank you for being in this class.  I think that teaching is a lot of fun and it would be hard to do without you.
2. Everyone has to treat everyone else with respect and compassion.  This goes for me as well as all of you.  Be kind to each other.
3. This school is trying to help you become both smart and good (as in “a good person”).  Both activities will be a part of this class.
4. Part of respect is being on time for class.
5. Part of respect is being prepared for class with something to write on, something to write with and your Philosophy notebook.
6. No one in this class will lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate anyone who does.
7. We will often discuss or edit papers in small groups and there is a group project at the end of the class. Almost everyone almost all the time contributes to helping each other and doing their best.  However, while I will be disappointed if you let down yourself I will be very upset if you let down other students.  You should be upset too.
8. Grades are a fact of life at this school.  However, you will have more fun and will learn more if you can forget about the grades every so often.
9. I usually round grades up but that is not a guarantee.  93.999 is not an “A.”  94 is.   The question for rounding, and even more substantial bonuses, is- Who is a good citizen of this class?  Who has made the class experience better for all of us?
10. I almost never give extra credit.  Don’t ask.
11. All of our class assignments are on the web page.  Bookmark it.
12. Everyone will keep a Philosophy notebook.  It will contain each monthly calendar, a printout of each homework assignment, your answers to those questions, old tests, handouts, etc.  At the end of each quarter a small number of points will be given for those who have it complete.
13. Philosophy is a subversive activity which requires that we examine all of our beliefs and assumptions.  Everyone has opinions, but some opinions are well thought out and backed by reasoning and/or evidence.  They have “weight.” Other opinions are fluff.
14. Your philosophy text is a guide book to what wise people have said in the past.  They were not always right and some of their wisdom doesn’t apply to today.  Think.
15. This is a class based on discussion not just about philosophy from the past but on current issues and events in the United States and around the world.  Stay informed and keep your eyes open for good topics.
16. To discuss is to speak together in order to determine the truth. That is what we do in philosophy. To debate is to win points for your position.  We do not do that.  You can always be sure that I will oppose your point of view.
17. Go to the bathroom when you have to.
18. Eat and/or drink if you are hungry or thirsty but food cannot smell or make noise or distract.  Sharing with the class is a good idea.  No soda allowed- water and juice only. Clean up.
19. Tests are short answer and essay worth 50 points.  Homework is a few questions based on a chunk of reading and is worth 10-30 points per set.  Short papers are worth 10-20 points.  Big projects or papers are worth 30-60 points.  High quality in written or spoken work is always the goal.  Stretch.
20. Learn to write, speak, and analyze very well. Focus.  No whining!
21. Talk to me if you have any problems or concerns or if your group is not working well.  If I don’t know about it I can’t help fix it.