Liberal Arts Perspectives: Philosophical

Philosophical Perspectives

Core Course Description

In an effort to increase student understanding of the purpose of and interconnectivity between core courses, the syllabus should include the following statement (which is not a Catalog text):

"In this course, you will further pursue fundamental human questions about topics such as knowledge, morals, and politics by investigating how great philosophers have addressed these questions. You will have the chance to read, discuss, and critique classic works of philosophy. In this way, you will be invited into a long tradition of reflection on the meaning of our shared humanity, of the world, and of our relation to it."

Student Learning Objectives

Student Learning Objectives are assessable and must be included in all syllabi. SLOs will be measured through the efforts of the Core Curriculum Assessment Committee and possibly through student evaluations. Each syllabus should contain the following:

"This course is part of the Xavier Core Curriculum, which aims to develop people of learning and reflection, integrity and achievement, in solidarity for and with others. It addresses the following core learning objectives at the intermediate level:

1a: Students recognize and cogently discuss significant questions in the humanities, arts, and the natural and social sciences.

[Instructors are also highly encouraged to include one or both of:]

3a: Students identify and critically assess multiple dimensions of an ethical issue in an attempt to reach a conclusion.

3b. Students examine the nature of beauty, truth, and virtue as means of gaining a sense of the divine.

[The above is a minimum for Philosophical Perspectives. Individual instructors are encouraged to add other core SLOs as appropriate.]

In addition to Xavier core learning objectives, this course includes these other key learning objectives:

[Additional SLOs to be determined by individual instructors/departments]"

Course Principles

Course principles are to be addressed substantively through topics and graded assignments in every course fitting the description. While these need not be stated in the syllabus, faculty are encouraged to regularly point out how assignments are achieving these goals.

• Students will study some primary texts in philosophy.

Approval Procedure

Philosophical Perspectives courses are offered by the Philosophy Department. If you would like to teach a Philosophical Perspectives course, submit your request to the Philosophy Department Chair, who will review it and make a recommendation to CCC.