PHIL 131: History of Modern Philosophy
Citrus College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2022 |
| Credits: | 3 |
| Total Contact Hours: | 54 |
| Lecture Hours : | 54 |
| Lab Hours: | 0 |
| Hours Arranged: | 0 |
| Outside of Class Hours: | 108 |
| Strongly Recommended: | ENGL 101. |
| District General Education: | C2. Humanities |
| Transferable to CSU: | Yes |
| Transferable to UC: | Yes - Approved |
| Grading Method: | Standard Letter |
Catalog Course Description
A study of selected works in the modern period of philosophy in the Western tradition (1600-1800), including major figures from Descartes to Immanuel Kant. 54 lecture hours.
Course Objectives
- read and understand philosophical texts by several major figures in the history of modern philosophy
- discuss the meaning of philosophical texts
- evaluate philosophical arguments contained in a philosophical text
- write a persuasive essay on a philosophical thesis inspired by reading of a philosophical text
Major Course Content
- An historical approach to philosophy
- medieval philosophy
- modern philosophy
- The views of major figures in modern philosophy
- Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
- Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
- Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)
- Benedict Spinoza (1632-1677)
- John Locke (1632-1704)
- Gottfried Leibniz (1646-1716)
- George Berkeley (1685-1753)
- David Hume (1711-1776)
- Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
- Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
Examples of Required Writing Assignments
Short essays
Final essay exam
Example of an essay prompt:
How does Berkeley criticize Locke's distinction between primary qualities and secondary qualities?
Example of an essay prompt:
How does Berkeley criticize Locke's distinction between primary qualities and secondary qualities?
Examples of Outside Assignments
Readings from the texts
Homework assignments to demonstrate reading comprehension
Example:
Read the introduction of the required text, "Bacon to Kant." Write a short essay in which you contrast the approach of the medieval period with the approach of the modern period in philosophy.
Read the introduction of the required text, "Bacon to Kant." Write a short essay in which you contrast the approach of the medieval period with the approach of the modern period in philosophy.
Instruction Type(s)
Lecture, Online Education Lecture
IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities
3B. Humanities