Philosophy

Gallatin High School—Course Syllabus 2021-2022

“I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.”

-Socrates

Course Description:

This course explores the various branches of philosophy and influential thinkers who have impacted history, culture, literature and life itself. This class presents students the opportunity to bridge the ideas taught in class and connect them to their own lives. Students will work to hone their critical thinking, public speaking, reading and conversation skills. Special attention will be placed on interacting with multiple texts. Discussion and writing assignments will evaluate the nature of reality and knowledge, as well as uncover the link between ideas, politics, art and ethics in the search for meaning. Students will gain valuable insight into their own lives that will require contemplative thinking, reading and writing.

Your mastery of content is important, but you will also develop skills in: 1) study and research, 2) critical analysis of sources, 3) construction and evaluation of philosophical archetypes, 5) formulation, development, and defense of argumentation, 6) empathy for cultures and individuals, 7) academic writing and rhetoric. You will find these abilities invaluable in adult life, regardless of your ultimate vocation.

Required Course Materials:

Notebook
Blue or black ink pens
Pencils
Charged Computer

Class Activities (In-class and remote):

Logical Thought Experiments
Tests, quizzes, in-class essays
Small and Large Group discussion
Research projects
Individual and group presentations
Socratic seminars

Your well-being is my highest priority. Please communicate with me if you have special circumstances or concerns, and I will do everything we can to support you.

The best way to contact me is via email.

Dave Budt

Room A176

Email: dave.budt@bsd7.org

Schedule:

Period 1: World History Room A176

Period 2: World History Room A176

Period 3: Philosophy Room A176

Periods 4-7: Activities Coordinator Room C127

Because of the unique nature of this school year I have asked that your parents/guardian email me (dave.budt@bsd7.org ) with the following information:

Who you are and the name of your student
A brief statement letting us know that you and your student have gone over the disclosure document
Some of your student’s positive attributes and areas of growth.

I believe open communication with parents is essential to the learning process, so please don’t hesitate to contact me! I look forward to hearing from you.

Expectations/Requirements

Please initial each item.

Guardian	Student
		1. I will take responsibility for my own education in this course, and I have the will and the work ethic to succeed in this course. I also understand that any parental questions/concerns should be addressed with the instructor.
		2. I understand that I am accountable for any work missed or not wholly understood during this course. I know that it is my responsibility to make up missed work or to seek clarification.
		3. I will accept responsibility for any choices made regarding my priorities or behavior.
		4.This class will be a place where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions. It is important that everyone feels heard and included. Sometimes core, supplemental and incidental resources will focus on newsworthy and/or controversial topics. This is not to promote a particular political perspective, but rather to foster increased student engagement while facilitating deeper understandings. As your teacher, I have absolutely no intention of trying to convert you to my belief system on any controversial topic. Remember that reasonable people often disagree. Our challenge and responsibility will be to maintain civil discourse. In other words, we will be respectful of each other and avoid inflammatory, derogatory and insulting words, phrases and labels. Everyone in this class deserves respect. This includes being physically respectful of others’ space, and being respectful of others’ opinions and ideas. I value each of you.
		5. I understand that work time in this course is to be used for materials relating to this course. Misuse of work time will result in not being given work time.
		6. I understand that academic integrity in this course is paramount. I realize that all assigned work is to be completed individually unless the instructors specifically denote an assignment as open to collaboration. Students found to have engaged in cheating or plagiarism shall be subject to district and school discipline policies (see GHS Student Handbook).
		7. I understand that active participation is a vital element in a course of this nature, both online and in-class.
		8. I understand no late work will be accepted without contacting my instructors prior to the class period during which the assignment was due, and that full credit for late work will be given only when contact regarding the assignment is made between teacher and student prior to the class period when the assignment is due.
		9. I understand that for any group activity or assignment involving scheduled class time, if I am absent, a zero grade will be assigned unless the instructors are contacted by a parent, guardian, physician, police officer, etc. before school begins on the due date.
		10. I understand that rubrics will be used as a means of feedback on all writing assignments in class. If I need clarification or further explanation, I will seek help.
		11. We will read and evaluate some of your pieces of writing, while others will simply provide opportunities for you to warm up or improve your fluency. We will read your best drafts, the ones you have chosen to revise and to submit as graded work. Make sure you are comfortable with the drafts you choose for feedback so that you don’t reveal in your draft anything that might embarrass you or others. Should your writing reveal that you or others have been, are, or could be at physical or emotional risk, we are obligated, by law, to refer you to either a GHS counselor or Child Protective Services to ensure that you and others are healthy and safe. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, make sure to ask before a draft is due.
		12. I understand that my grades can be checked electronically viaPowerschool, that this document and other class related documents are available via Google Classroom, and that the instructor strongly encourage parents and students to check both sites.
		13. I understand that communication is an important part of being successful in this class. Should I have any questions/concerns/issues, I will contact Mr. Budt and communicate with him.

I have read and understood, and I agree to comply with the 2020-2021 school year course responsibilities for Philosophy

Student’s Printed Name and Signature_________________________________________________

Printed Guardian Name _________________________________________