Course Syllabus

Summer 2011
The Nature of Intellectual Inquiry - BIS 3320

Professor Contact Information

(Instructor: Dr. Arlene Sachs

Phone: 972-883-2323 or 972-404-9522
Office Hours: By Appointment
Email: asachs@utdallas.edu

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Course Description
This course is concerned with the systematic study of science and the academic experience.
Science is a part of the search for knowledge and each approach to science contributes to the
totality of knowledge. This course will assist students in understanding the pervasive influence of
science in our culture and will aid in selecting courses and areas of study. This class is designed
to:

- increase the student’s breadth of intellectual inquiry (the process and purpose of
knowing).

- assist the student in understanding the importance of clear communication,

documentation, and the use of detailed information to support arguments.

- assist the student in understanding the intellectual structure of universities in

general, UTD
in particular.

Course Objectives

This course requires the student to debate, report and analyze, question, and resolve important
aspects of intellectual inquiry. Science is thoroughly examined as a method of intellectual
inquiry and alternatives may be presented. The faculty of the School of General Studies view
writing as a necessary skill that is central to the pedagogy of learning. Accordingly, a minimum
of two 8-page writing assignments is required. The two papers will be critiqued and returned for
revision and resubmission. There are also tests and exercises in class.

Course Objectives:

1. Students will be able to locate primary sources and evaluate

the usefulness of each source based on the criteria discussed in class.

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 2. Students will be able to concisely paraphrase the findings of studies
and properly document sources according to the guidelines set
forth by the APA manual.

3. Students will be able to develop a thesis statement and write a paper

that discusses the scientific studies that support their claims.

4. Students will be able to describe the differences and similarities

between philosophical ideas and scientific facts and/or theories.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Diana Hacker. The Bedford Handbook (eight edition).

Jostenn Gaarder. Sophie’s World

Paul Kurtz, Editor. Science and Religion: Are They Compatible.

CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES: THE TYRANNY OF COMPULSORY SCHOOLING

by John Taylor Gatto
http://www.spinninglobe.net/condunces.htm

Philosophy of Science
http://www.philosopher.org.uk/sci.htm

The Enlightenment
http://www.philosopher.org.uk/

Romanticism
http://www.philosopher.org.uk/rom.htm

Philosophy and the Proof of God's Existence

http://www.philosopher.org.uk/

Philosophy of Mind
http://www.philosopher.org.uk/

Moral Philosophy
http://www.philosopher.org.uk/

Course Calendar

May 24 Introduction
Grammar Test

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May 31 APA Instruction
Discuss Confederacy of Dunces
APA Assignment Given

June 7 What is the Nature of Intellectual Inquiry?

What is Science and Philosophy?
Kurtz p. 11-24
APA Assignment Due June 7
Read-Sophie’s World- p. 1-139

June 14 Read-Myths of Science

Discuss Sophie’s World p. 1-139

June 21 Bring Article June 21

Read- Kurtz 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11
Read Selection 4 –Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy and the Proof of God’s Existence
Rough Draft Due

June 28 Mid-Term Exam

Second Paper Assigned

July 5 Read Kurtz-27, 34

Read Sophie’s World p. 140-384
irst Paper Due
Rough Draft of Second Paper Due

July 12- NO CLASS

Read Sophie’s World p.385-513
Read Kurtz 24, 25,26,28,29

July 19 Read Kurtz-21, 22, 23

Read Selection 6-Morals and Ethics
Psuedo-Science
Evolution
Read Kurtz 9,10,11,12,13,31,32

July 26 Paper Due and EXAM

Assignments

1. APA Assignment: Objective assignment to be completed by each student to assist in

learning the specifics of the American Psychological Format.

2. Research Position Papers: Each student is required to submit two 8 page-writing

assignments as a basic requirement of this course. A rough draft is submitted for each
paper. The rough draft must be submitted to turnitin.com. The final paper must be
submitted into turnitin.com. In addition, the rough draft must accompany the final paper. If
the rough draft is not turned in with the final paper, the final paper will not receive a grade.

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3. Tests: In order to participate fully, it is imperative that you keep up with the reading
assignments. In an effort to encourage this, you can expect to have two tests. There are
NO make-up tests.

4. In Class Exercises: Assignments will be given throughout the semester.

5. Participation: Refer to “student responsibilities.” A percentage of your grade will be

based upon your attendance, your preparedness, and your willingness to contribute to class
discussions. Woody Allen once said, “85% of life is just showing up.” There’s some truth
to that, but in this class, it’s the other 15% of what you’ve got to offer beyond merely
“showing up” which will most impact your grade.

Guidelines for the First Paper

The first paper must state your position concerning the following topic:

Advances in science in the past 100 years have significantly changed the world. Discuss one
advance in science that you believe has significantly changed the world.

Part One of your paper should include, in your own words, an introduction to your topic
discussing how your topic has changed the world and why you think it is important to
society. Conclude this section with your thesis ( 1 page, typed APA style, double-spaced,
about 250 words).

Part Two of your paper should include a discussion of two scientists who have greatly
influenced the advances in science. A brief description of the scientist’s work and theory
should be included in this section (3 pages).

Part Three of your paper will be a presentation of the current research that is influencing
the changes in the world. This part of your paper will include a minimum of 4 journal
references from scholarly publications. These references should support your thesis and the
scientists’ theory that you presented in part two (4 pages). You must include a conclusion
section in the paper.
Part Four of your paper will be a reference page using APA format to list all of your
resources.

The second paper will be discussed later in the semester.

Grading Policy

APA Assignment 5 points

Research Position Papers

Rough Drafts 10 points each
Final Paper 25 points each

Tests 20 points each

In Class Assignments 5 points total

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Total Possible Points 120 points

Course & Instructor Policies

Students are required to attend class. Active participation in class is an integral part of the
learning process and is considered a basic expectation of the course. “Active participation”
means more than just showing up and occupying a seat in the classroom. It means arriving to
class ON TIME and being prepared to participate in class discussions and/or exercises. (Missing
class can have a significant adverse effect on your grade.)

Proper citation of sources is an ABSOLUTE expectation. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. All
papers must be submitted to turnitin.com.

In addition to the requirements listed above, I expect every student to thoroughly read this
syllabus. Only you can decide whether the workload of this course will be too demanding (or not
challenging enough). Additionally, I expect students to review the course schedule and catalogue
for information on withdrawals, incompletes, and academic dishonesty. Remember that academic
dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and falsifying academic records. I expect all
work to reflect each student’s individual efforts. Please see the UTD Web Page under Scholastic
Dishonesty for further information. If you have any questions about this, please see me.

LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING CLASS

http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies

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