Minds & Brains

Course Description

This course deals with philosophical questions concerning the human mind, its relation to the body, the brain, consciousness, what is sometimes called the "soul," etc. This course also provides foundational skills necessary for academic success at UNCG. Prerequisite: Must have fewer than 60 credits to enroll or can enroll by Written Permission.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

The Foundations SLOs:

  • Develop academic skills and demonstrate the ability to identify and use campus services and resources.
  • Develop goals and plans related to personal purpose, interests, or values between self and community.
  • Build connections between self and peers, faculty, and staff.
  • Critically evaluate information and media sources in a variety of formats.
  • Incorporate and cite sources accurately and correctly.

Course-Specific SLOs:

  • Develop the ability to distinguish the argument given for philosophical position from the position itself.
  • Compare the principles at the center of first-order philosophical theories.
  • Apply first-order philosophical theories to individual cases.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Reading Quizzes 40%
Midterm Exam 30%
Final Exam 30%

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
100 % to 94.0%A
< 94.0 % to 90.0%A-
< 90.0 % to 87.0%B+
< 87.0 % to 84.0%B
< 84.0 % to 80.0%B-
< 80.0 % to 77.0%C+
< 77.0 % to 74.0%C
< 74.0 % to 70.0%C-
< 70.0 % to 67.0%D+
< 67.0 % to 64.0%D
< 64.0 % to 61.0%D-
< 61.0 % to 0.0%F

Attendance/Participation:

Students who consistently ask sincere questions in response to the readings and video lectures, and who make thoughtful and constructive comments, will have their grades bumped up.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.