Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Summer 2011
The Nature of Intellectual Inquiry - BIS 3320
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).
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:
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 of Mind
http://www.philosopher.org.uk/
Moral Philosophy
http://www.philosopher.org.uk/
Course Calendar
May 24 Introduction
Grammar Test
Assignments
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.
Grading Policy
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.
http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies