(as of 1/24/2022)
In his 1907 address to the Alumnae Association at Radcliffe College, William James suggested that the aim of a successful college education is that those who have it will be able to recognize a good person when they are fortunate enough to encounter one. This course shares that aim. It will involve varied readings from world literature, augmented by some extra readings from philosophy and psychology in search of responses to the question, “What makes a person great?” Of central concern will be the issue of the nature of the heroic; we will also be concerned with some other philosophical problems which arise in connection with this question (such as: the problem of evil; personal identity; determinism, free will and fatalism; death; the mind-body problem and the problem of other minds; philosophical anthropology and philosophical psychology as well as some philosophy of psychology; philosophical analysis of religious experience). Students will be encouraged and expected to bring their own learning from other disciplines to this quest.
The main purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to bring their disciplinary training and life experience to develop their own answers to the question, “What makes a person great?” It is hoped that giving students a chance to address this problem while seeing its inter-connections with fundamental philosophical issues will help them integrate their heroic visions into their own philosophies of human existence and/or philosophic religious faith.
Students in COR 400G are expected to develop their own approaches to the goals of this course, encounter new ways of approaching texts and problems, and to bring their own backgrounds and disciplinary training to bear on specific questions raised in the readings. Students are expected to develop, present, and demonstrate:
Students will also demonstrate critical speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as they present interdisciplinary reflections and arguments.
Core objectives at Le Moyne College for this course:
COR 400 sections include all of Le Moyne's Core Learning Outcomes except Quantitative Reasoning. The full list is appended below in the "Some of this page's links and other important information" section. This semester, assignments related to the following three core learning objectives may be read by core evaluators in the Core 400 assessment process.
SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: You are to select and complete three or four (the top 3 scores count for grading purposes) of the eight short writing assignments. A reading question is given along with each assignment. Unless otherwise indicated, please answer the reading question in less than one TYPED page (all assignments, except in-class writings, are to be typed). Make sure you are working with the current version of this syllabus.
STUDENT PRESENTATIONS: For every presentation, you will be required to turn in an outline or abstract of your presentation [if you are using Google Slides or PowerPoint, a copy of your slides will take care of this requirement], complete with a list of all works used. Please submit this material on Canvas before your presentation. Also, if you use any web pages, not only should these be listed on the outline with the rest of your bibliography, but you are also required to turn in a printout of all web pages used in preparing the presentation. If your group divides the work into separate parts, each member of the group will need to provide his or her own outline/abstract and printouts.
Outlines/abstracts and printouts are to be given to me BEFORE the presentation. Failure to do so BEFORE the presentation will result in a 30% deduction from the relevant presenter’s presentation grade. If the outline and printouts are not turned in by the next class, there will be an additional 30% deduction. You may use up to but not more than 2 minutes of videotaped material for your presentation. In the event of a technical glitch, power failure, or delivery problem, make sure you can present without the computer/videotaped material.
STUDENT PRESENTATIONS ON READINGS: All
students are expected to do all readings and to share their
understanding with one another in class discussions by leading their
own and participating in other students’ presentations on the various
readings. Student presentations on readings begin after the second week
of class, and will be scheduled during the first week. The subtopics
will be divided up into student groups whose size will be determined by
the class size.
For every reading presentation, you will be required to
turn in an outline or abstract of your presentation [if you are using
Google Slides or PowerPoint, a copy of your slides will take care of
this requirement], complete with a list of all works used. Please
submit this material on Canvas before your presentation.
Also, if you use any web pages, not only should these be listed on the
outline with the rest of your bibliography, but you are also required
to turn in a printout of all web pages used in preparing the
presentation. If your group divides the work into separate parts, each
member of the group will need to provide his or her own
outline/abstract and printouts.
Remember: You have less than an hour to present. Focus on the aspects your group finds most interesting and important. Do not try to cover everything. Your presentation will be improved if you make it easier for others to participate. (Please try to help others’ presentations by participating!) Please feel free to meet with me to discuss your presentations. If the posted office hours do not work with your schedule, please email me at kagan@lemoyne.edu. Although you can always leave a voice mail message at 314-445-4489, I tend to check email more often.
THE PROJECT might involve further investigating the issue of human greatness and heroism, a philosophical essay concerning some related issue of philosophical interest in a work of literature, a creative literary work of the student’s own (e.g., a short story, 1st chapter of a novel, etc.), or a philosophical analysis of some related issue present in one of the works we studied, detailing the position(s) set forth in the work, and developing and defending one’s own philosophical response. Students are encouraged and expected to bring their own learning from other disciplines.Please make sure to cite all your sources. I expect the length of most written projects to be about 5-7 typed pages. If you’re interested in doing a project that will be significantly longer, please let me know in advance.
25% of the grade is based on participation, in-class writings, and the optional journal and other optional writing assignments. Since you are not participating when you don’t attend class, you will need to make up any absences with extra-credit assignments and journaling.
25% of the grade is based on the presentation on the readings.
25% for the top three short writing assignments (the grade will be the average of the best three out of four).
25% is determined by the project and its presentation (this can be done as a presentation, a paper, or both).
Grades are based on a 10 point scale as follows:
Failure to complete any of (1)-(4) above can result in a failing grade.
Plagiarism will result in a failing grade.
In coordination with the Academic Support Center (ASC) and Disability Support Services, reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified students with disabilities. Please register for disability verification and determination of reasonable accommodations. After receiving your accommodation form, you will need to make an appointment with me to review the form and discuss your needs. Please make every attempt to meet with me within the first week of class so your accommodations can be provided in a timely manner. You can either stop by the ASC, Library, 1st floor, or call (445-4118-voice or 445-4104-TDD) to make an appointment.
A copy of a recent Le Moyne College
COVID-19 Syllabus Statement and the Le Moyne College Student Support
Statements can be found below the course schedule in the links and other
imprtant information section.
If you miss class for any obligation or religious observance throughout the semester, please let me know (so it gets recorded as an excused absence).
No classes or office hours on the following dates:
March 14-18, Mon.-Fri.- Spring break
April 14-18 Thurs. - Mon - Easter Weekend Break
Mon., May 9, last day of class.
PROJECT PROPOSALS DUE MON., MAR. 7.
OPTIONAL (for those who present their projects), WRITTEN PROJECTS DUE WED, APR. 20
OPTIONAL (for those who write their projects), STUDENT PROJECT PRESENTATIONS BEGIN WED., APR. 20.
This semester (Spring 2022) the plan is to start meeting synchronously for the first two weeks using Zoom, and after that, to begin meeting in person in the classroom. Please check your email and Canvas for information and the links to the Zoom sessions. I will attempt to record the lectures for student use.
When campus/dorms are closed due to flu or other circumstances, my intent is that the course continue. Assignments continue to be due electronically (if Canvas is down, email to kagan@lemoyne.edu may still work). Presentations will be replaced by papers, virtual presentations, or extended descriptions of presentations. In addition to notes and group work already available there on-line, I will post updates, lecture notes, etc., to Canvas and to my Le Moyne College website.
As at other times, if your situation results in your needing an extension, please let me know. Also, if internet service is down or there are other infrastructure problems, please complete the assignments and turn them in when services are restored.
‘*’ indicates student presentation.
WRITTEN PROJECTS DUE: MON., APR. 20.
Broad Knowledge
Students will
explore meaningful
questions, both practical and transcendent, through study in the arts,
humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Students
will synthesize knowledge drawn from different
fields of study (the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social
sciences).
Intellectual Skills
Students will
comprehensively
evaluate issues, ideas, events, and works before making informed
conclusions.
Students will
produce coherent
arguments in writing.
Students will
prepare and
present in a variety of contexts, as speaker and listener.
Students will
analyze numerical
or graphical information.
Using
technologies integral to information access,
students will identify, locate, evaluate, and responsibly use
information that
is relevant to a given problem.
Personal and Social Responsibility
Students will make
reasoned
ethical decisions by assessing their own moral values, recognizing
different
ethical perspectives, and thoughtfully analyzing ethical and moral
dilemmas.
Students will
investigate
complex challenges involving cultural and social diversity, and the
individual's role in developing just solutions.
The
following information describes the health and safety guidelines for
classrooms, which are subject to change. The
College may adjust health and safety protocols pending prevalence of
the COVID-19 virus and its transmissibility on campus and within our
local community.
Summary
of Key Classroom Health and Safety Protocols:
1. Appropriate
face coverings (defined below) are required to
be properly worn (i.e., covering both mouth and
nose) in the academic buildings until
further notice.
2. No eating or drinking is permitted in
classrooms.
3. All eligible undergraduate
and graduate students are required to receive a COVID-19 booster
vaccination by the start of classes for the spring semester (see
details below).
4. Students who received an exemption from vaccination MUST adhere
to the health and safety protocols detailed below.
Viral Transmission Levels. The
NYS Department of Health has adopted and implemented guidelines
provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The
CDC monitors levels of community viral transmission of the coronavirus
by county and state. Viral transmission levels are classified as low,
moderate, substantial, or high. The CDC provides guidance for the
implementation of Covid-9 prevention strategies for each transmission
level and within the context of each community’s vaccination coverage.
For example, when viral transmission is low, fully
vaccinated members of the Le Moyne Community who certify their
vaccination status may not be required to wear a face covering or
physically distance. However, when viral
transmission is substantial or high,
the CDC recommends that fully vaccinated individuals wear a face
covering in public indoor settings. Additionally, the CDC recommends
that fully vaccinated individuals may choose to wear a face covering
regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are
immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from
COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is
immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully
vaccinated. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after
receiving their final dose schedule of an FDA-approved vaccine, i.e.,
two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series (e.g.,
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or two weeks after receiving a single-dose
vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson). Regardless
of transmission level, and in accordance with NYS Department of Health
requirements, unvaccinated individuals must continue to properly wear
face coverings and be socially distanced.
College
Face Covering Requirement. Within
the context presented above, and given the prevalence
and high transmission of the
Delta and now emerging Omicron variants in Onondaga County, and in
compliance with a recent determination by NYS’s Department of Health, appropriate face coverings
are required to be properly worn (i.e.,
covering both mouth and nose) in
the academic buildings, which include all classrooms and public spaces
(i.e., lounges, hallways, stairwells, and elevators), until further
notice. Appropriate
and recommended face coverings include KN95 or KF94 respirators,
surgical masks, and face coverings made of at least two layers of
cloth. Above all else, a snug fit (no gaps, wired nose bridge,
adjustable ear loops), offers the best protection to the user and the
community. Most importantly, face coverings with an exhalation/release
valve, single-layer gaiter-style neck fleeces, and bandanas should NOT be
worn on campus.
In-Class
Eating and Drinking Policy. Eating and/or drinking is
not permitted in classrooms. Students however may
seek a medical accommodation.
Certain medical conditions may require a student to have something to
eat or drink at specific times, including during a class period. For
medical accommodations, students should contact the Office of
Disability Support Services [Roger Purdy, dss@lemoyne.edu,
(315) 445-4118]. Students granted a medical accommodation may lower
their mask to drink/eat and then the mask must be immediately raised.
Covid-19
Vaccine and Booster Requirement. All
undergraduate and graduate students (together with faculty, staff, and
administrators) were required to have the COVID-19 vaccine by the
opening of the fall 2021 semester. As part of the
College’s strategy to reduce the risk of transmission and serious
illness, Le Moyne is now requiring all eligible undergraduate
and graduate students to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccination by the
start of classes for the spring semester. Individuals
are eligible to receive a booster vaccination five-months after the
second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, six-months after the second
dose of the Moderna vaccine, and two-months after the first dose of the
Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Students not eligible to receive a booster
by the start of classes due to the date of their second dose of
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines or first dose of Johnson and
Johnson must receive their booster vaccination as soon as they are
eligible. Students who received an exemption to the COVID-19
vaccination in the fall semester are encouraged to get vaccinated to
protect themselves and the community from the spread of the virus.
Responsibilities
of Those Granted an Exemption. Though
an overwhelming majority of the College Community was vaccinated by the
fall, some exemptions based on medical and religious reasons were
approved. In accordance with NYS
Department of Health regulations, students and
other members of the college community who received an exemption and
who are not fully vaccinated MUST adhere
to the following health and safety protocols, which
are subject to change based
on campus, county, and state disease prevalence.
· Properly wear (i.e.,
covering both mouth and nose) an appropriate
face covering in all campus
buildings and classrooms.
· Complete COVID-19 testing with the College testing
program, at a
minimum, two times a week on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday or
submit proof of negative PCR test results from an external official
testing location once a week to the COVID Office at coronavirus@lemoyne.edu.
· Follow all New York State and CDC regulations
pertaining to unvaccinated individuals.
For
students, these requirements protect the student’s own health and
safety as well as the health and safety of their classmates, their
instructor, and the entire Le Moyne community. Students granted an
exemption and who are not fully vaccinated and who refuse to wear
appropriate face coverings properly or to adhere to other stated
requirements will be subject to disciplinary action for Community
Standards violations.
If
a student granted an exemption is unable to wear a face covering due to
a disabling condition, they should contact the Office of Disability
Support Services [Roger Purdy, dss@lemoyne.edu,
(315) 445-4118] to discuss accommodations.
COVID-19
Symptoms. Regardless
of vaccination status, students who are experiencing COVID-19-related
symptoms must not attend class and are encouraged to contact the
Student Health Center [healthservices@lemoyne.edu,
(315) 445-4440] or their primary medical provider. COVID-19-related
symptoms may include one or some combination of the following:
· Fever or chills
· Cough
· Shortness of
breath or difficulty breathing
· Fatigue
· Muscle or body
aches
· Headache
· New loss of
taste or smell
· Sore throat
· Congestion or
runny nose
· Nausea or
vomiting
· Diarrhea
Finally,
in keeping with our values as a Jesuit college, each member of the
community is expected to act honestly and ethically regarding both
their vaccination status and any experienced COVID-19-related
symptoms. A
well-vaccinated and attentive community better protects the vulnerable
amongst us and loved ones at home who cannot be vaccinated.
Students are encouraged to speak up, be engaged, and participate in class. Classes will represent a diversity of individual beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. We may not share the same views on some topics, but we converse in a respectful manner. Le College is a zero-tolerance campus.
9. ACADEMIC STANDARDS: Students are expected to observe at all times the highest ethical standards as members of the academic community. Any form of dishonesty makes a student liable to severe sanctions, including expulsion from the College. For details see the Community Standards section of the Student Handbook.
10. BIAS-RELATED INCIDENTS: Le Moyne College defines a bias-related incident as behavior that constitutes an expression of hostility against the person or property of another because of the targeted person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Bias-related incidents include, but are not limited to, non-threatening name calling and using degrading language or slurs that are directed toward a person because of his or her membership or perceived membership in a protected class and that create a hostile environment for that person.
Students who believe they have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to report the incident. Please refer to Le Moyne’s Bias-Related Incident Reporting webpage to submit a report and for further information.
11. OBSERVANCE OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS: Students who are unable to attend class, participate in any examination, study or classwork requirements on a particular day because of his or her religious beliefs are eligible for an equivalent opportunity to make up any missed examination, study, or classwork requirement, without penalties or additional fees. Students who require such an opportunity must contact their instructor at least two weeks in advance. A full copy of the College’s policy on the observance of religious holidays can be found in the deans’ offices.
12. SPECIAL NEEDS: Your access in this course is important. Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss your specific needs. You should also meet with someone from Disability Support Services (DSS) about your disability and accommodation needs. The DSS office is located on the first floor of the library (315-445-4118; dss@lemoyne.edu). This should take place within the first 2 weeks of the semester.
13. TITLE IX: Students who believe they have been harassed, discriminated against, or involved in sexual violence should contact the Title IX Coordinator (315-445-4278) for information about campus resources and support services, including confidential counseling services.
Le Moyne faculty are concerned about the well-being and development of our students and we are available to discuss your concerns. As faculty, we are obligated to share information with the College’s Title IX coordinator to help ensure that the student’s safety and welfare are being addressed, consistent with the requirements of the law. These disclosures include, but are not limited to, reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Please refer to Le Moyne's Sexual Misconduct Resources webpage for contact information and further details.
14. STUDENTS WITH PERSONAL/MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS: Students who encounter personal problems of any kind, especially problems that might affect their academic performance, are encouraged to contact the Wellness Center for Health and Counseling (https://www.lemoyne.edu/Student-Life/Student-Services/Wellness-Center). The Center is located on the 2nd floor of Seton Hall; appointments may be arranged by phone at 445-4195 or e-mail at counselingservices@lemoyne.edu. The Center provides both individual and group counseling on a strictly confidential basis. The Counseling staff is also available on an emergency basis.
15. TUTORING: Tutoring is located in the Student Success Center on the first floor of the library, to the right of the art gallery. It is open M-Th 10am-9pm, F 10am-4pm, and Sun 3pm-9pm. Peer tutors are available for most subjects. To sign up, go to the Student Success Center webpage to create an account and log in to select the current semester’s schedule. If you need tutoring for a subject not listed, please email tutoring@lemoyne.edu. Tutoring is free for all students and is available from the second week of classes through the last day of classes.
16. WRITING CENTER: Writing well is difficult. One of the best ways to become a better writer is to talk with other, smart writers about your work. Le Moyne’s Writing Center provides you with just such a resource. Whether you’re getting started, drafting paragraphs, revising ideas, or proofreading, you can make an appointment to meet face-to-face or online with a writing tutor to talk about any academic or professional writing assignment. More information, including the Writing Center’s hours, are available on the Writing Center’s webpage. You can sign up for an appointment through WCOnline or email writingcenter@lemoyne.edu with any questions.
17. QUANTITATIVE REASONING CENTER: The QRC supports students taking courses that require numerical manipulation and/or analysis. We offer collaborative tutoring (clinics) with trained peer tutors for course content and we can help you develop learning strategies for these subjects as well. You can find our schedule at lemoyne.edu/qrc or email qrc@lemoyne.edu with any questions.
18. CAREER ADVISING AND DEVELOPMENT: It’s never too early to think about your career path. Your future is worth the investment of time and effort! We understand that each Dolphin is unique, and we work to develop a personalized plan that encompasses one's passions, skills and opportunities. Whether it’s choosing a major, deciding what to do with the major you’ve got, finding an internship, or landing a job, we have resources and expertise to help. www.lemoyne.edu/careers
19. NOREEN REALE FALCONE LIBRARY: The Library offers the space, the valuable resources and the people to support you in your research here at Le Moyne, both in person and online. For more information about Library resources, or to find your Subject Librarian visit the Le Moyne Library Online. You can ask a librarian a question at any time by visiting Ask Us By Chat.