Philosophy, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies

York University

Fall Winter 2016-2017 Course Outline

AP/PHIL 2015
Term: Winter 2018

ENROL HERE

Course Timetable Information is available from the Course Schedule at the

York Courses Web site. Please ensure you print or note your Course Type,
Day, Start Time, Duration, Location and Cat#.

IMPORTANT DATES

Course Instructor Contact: Professor Gerard Naddaf

Calendar Description: (auto populated)

Prerequisite / Co-requisite: None

Required Course Text / Readings:

Selections from Readings in Ancient Greek Philosophy. From

Thales to Aristotle (5th edition (eds. Marc Cohen, Patricia Curd, and C.D.C. Reeve),
Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Co., 2016 (=5th edition).

Expanded Course Description:

The course will focus on some of the most influential works by Plato and Aristotle, the two
pillars of western philosophy. It will begin with an overview of Greek philosophy to
contextualize Socrates and his most famous pupil, Plato. Following this, we will turn to
Plato’s Apology which is the best account of the life and philosophy of Socrates, the
archetype of a philosopher in the western tradition. We will then examine some snapshots of
Socrates in several of Plato’s early dialogues. Next, we will examine selections from several
of Plato’s so-called middle dialogues including the Phaedo (for the notion of philosophy as a
preparation for death, and the first arguments for the immortality of the soul), the Republic
(for a critical analysis of the origin, structure and meaning of the first and most influential
paradigm of a utopian society in western literature), and the Symposium (for the meaning and
analysis of Platonic love as the pathway to true philosophy). After Plato, we will focus on
his most famous pupil, Aristotle. We will begin with an analysis of the structure of his
corpus, and the fundamental principles behind it. We will then turn to selections from some
of Aristotle’s most important works in view of understanding how the universe as a whole
operates on the one hand, and on a human being’s nature, function, and place in this universe
on the other hand. The primary focus will be on selections from Aristotle’s Physics (for the
nature and doctrine of the fours causes), On the Soul (for the definition and functions of the
soul), Nichomachean Ethics (for happiness as the supreme end or good), and Politics (for a
human being as a political animal, and the best state).

Organization of the Course:

This course will consist of two weekly one-hour lectures by the course director, and one
weekly tutorial with a teaching assistant. The lectures will focus mainly on the weekly
readings (see syllabus).

Course Learning Objectives:

Students will have a good background into some of the most influential works of the two
pillars of western philosophy: Plato and Aristotle.

Students will become engaged with the material and understand why these philosophers and
their works have been so influential throughout the ages.

Students will develop the ability to formulate and defend a coherent critical thesis within an
essay.

Weighting of Course:

Participation: 10% (This includes your attendance, and contribution to class discussion
during tutorials.)

One mandatory in-class exam: 15% (In-class test will consist of several questions based on
the lectures and readings. The answers may vary from one paragraph to one page.)

One five page essay: 25% (A choice of topics will be assigned by the course director. The
aim of the essay is to encourage students to develop a critical argument from issues discussed
in the course.)

Final take home exam: 50% (The take-home exam will consist of several questions that will
cover all material discussed in the course. Each reply should be no more than 400 words,
and should consist of a short critical argument. The purpose is to examine the student’s
comprehension of the course material without the added pressure of an in-class exam.)

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IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

The Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards Web site provides an
important read, the: STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET.

The Student Information Sheet includes:

• York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
• Access/Disability
• Ethics Review Process for Research Involving Human Participants
• Religious Observance Accommodation
• Student Conduct Standards

Additional information:
• Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
• Alternate Exam and Test Scheduling
• Grading Scheme and Feedback Policy
The Senate Grading Scheme and Feedback Policy stipulates that (a) the grading scheme (i.e. kinds
and weights of assignments, essays, exams, etc.) be announced, and be available in writing, within
the first two weeks of class, and that, (b) under normal circumstances, graded feedback worth at least
15% of the final grade for Fall, Winter or Summer Term, and 30% for ‘full year’ courses offered in the
Fall/Winter Term be received by students in all courses prior to the final withdrawal date from a
course without receiving a grade (see the policy for exceptions to this aspect of the policy -
http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/gradfeed.htm

“Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to Program or Faculty grades distribution profiles.”
If Term Test will be held outside of regularly scheduled class time, include announcement of day,
date and time here (e.g., Saturday, October 28, 2006, 10 am to 11:30, room TBA).

•
"20 % Rule"
No examination or test worth more than 20% of the final grade will be given during the last two weeks
of classes in a term, with the exception of classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on the
weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday at any time). (Approved by Senate, November 28, 1996)