Requirements: Contemporary European Political Philosophy
a) Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions, 20%
This course is conceptualized as a seminar that is discussion- (and not lecture-) based. Students are expected to come regularly to class prepared and in a position to discuss the assigned texts. Being prepared implies first, that students need to have read all the assigned texts before our class meets. Second, it means that students are ready to refer to passages in the texts that pertain to questions posed by the presenting student or myself and come up with new questions that can frame our discussions.
Attendance: Each student will be allowed up to two absences (regardless of reason). The class participation grade will be reduced by 1/3 of a letter grade for each additional absence. After three absences the student will receive a formal warning; one more absences after such warning will cause the instructor, in conformance with College policies, to drop the student from the course.
The absence policy implies that students need to save their absences for emergencies, such as sickness, which does NOT count automatically as an excused class. If you must miss a class due to an emergency, please email me about it, preferably before you miss the class.
Lateness: Three times late (more than a couple of minutes) will equal one absence.
b) Two (9-10 pages double-spaced) papers, on assigned topics, 20% each
Students need to first, provide a clear statement of their question and thesis; second, outline a thorough reconstruction of the thinker’s arguments; third, engage in a critical evaluation of the discussed thinker; and fourth, provide a clear conclusion. Students also need to properly cite and use textual evidence to support their arguments.
Late Papers: Late papers will be penalized 1/3 of a letter grade for each day that they are late. Extensions will be granted only if you have made arrangements with me at least 24 hours in advance of the due date and ONLY in exceptional circumstances.
c) Three in-class presentations
1) Each student will be responsible for presenting (maximum 10 minutes) the main ideas/arguments and a critical evaluation of the arguments found in the assigned text for one session. The student will also distribute an outline of her/his presentation for all members of the class at the time of presentation, 10%
2) Each student will also be responsible for presenting (maximum 5 minutes) both of her/his two research papers, 5%
Missed Presentations: A make-up presentation will be granted only if you have made arrangements with me at least 24 hours in advance of the due date and ONLY in exceptional circumstances.
d) Several Pop-up quizzes: The points of all of your pop-up exams will be added and divided by the number of pop-up exams you have, 10%
e) Final exams, 10%
Students answer five questions pertaining to the entire material we covered. You will receive five questions 24 hours in advance of the exams. During this 24-hour period you can email me if you have any questions concerning the exams. I will choose three questions you need to answer on the day of your exams.
General Course Policies:
Absences: You can only complete the course if you complete ALL requirements (active class participation, two research papers, in-class presentations and the final exams).
Professionalism: Students need to come to class on time and prepared, contribute to class discussions, take notes in class, listen to others while they speak, not sleep in class, not interrupt the class by talking to peers, and not leave the room during sessions, except in the event of an “emergency.”
Electronic Devices: No electronic devices may be used in class and during tests. Cell phones must be silenced prior to class.
Academic Integrity: Enrollment constitutes acknowledgement of the rules and standards pertaining to academic integrity at Roanoke College. Students are expected to be aware of the principles in the College Academic Integrity Handbook.