Philosophy Course Descriptions and Books
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PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE MULTICULTURAL COURSE
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite)
This course is a theoretically diverse introduction to the study of ideas, including arguments and investigations about abstract and real phenomena. The basis for this inquiry is drawn from history, theories, their application, methods of reasoning, and carried forward to more recent thinkers and issues. (HCC Catalog). Included is the growing emergence of women’s, minority, and non-western voices in philosophy. Accordingly, this course should not be construed as history-bound, or strictly western in its perspective. Its thematic elements are contemporary, including the nature and abiding presence of philosophizing in human discourse, and this discipline's impact on current developments in science, the humanities, and political/social order in world cultures. Fulfills philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC CORE Multicultural Area, or Elective.
PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy (Philosophy of Knowledge) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE MULTICULTURAL COURSE
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite)
A general introduction to critical and reflective thinking that emphasizes the philosophy of knowledge across the curriculum. While incorporating the general aims and purposes of Introduction to Philosophy, this special section focuses on logic, emphasizing the methods of correct reasoning and critical thinking, definition, deductive and inductive inferences, fallacies, language analysis, scientific inquiry, and organizing both written and oral arguments. The context of this inquiry is derived from the perspective of logic's practical applications in everyday language and problem solving. Prepares students for postgraduate testing, such as the Graduate Record Examination analytical writing section or the Law School Admissions Test. Fulfills critical thinking requirement for select four-year college majors, including many business and communications programs; and also Fulfills philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC CORE Multicultural Area, or Elective.
PHIL 1304 World Religions (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE MULTICULTURAL COURSE
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite)
This course is a diverse survey of world traditions and religions, including African traditions, Native American traditions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Tao and Chinese Philosophy, Christianity and Judaism (HCC Catalog), As such, students are provided a comprehensive survey of world religions and traditions, and may incorporate some study of ancient, seminal mythologies. When possible, course activities include on-site learning at diverse greater Houston area houses of worship and presentations by guest speakers. Fulfills HCC CORE Multicultural Area requirement, HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan elective, and can count toward the HCC Global Studies certificate.
PHIL 2303 Symbolic Logic (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) Texas State CORE COURSE
Prerequisites: Must be placed intocollege-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite)
An introduction to Symbolic Logic, focusing on both Propositional and Predicate Logic, emphasizing the rules of translating language into symbols, the rules of inference and replacement, and the mechanism of reasoning used by computers. (HCCS Catalog). Accordingly, this course settles on the technical side of deductive reasoning and its correct applications for the construction and testing of formal symbolized arguments. Students learn how to recognize and analyze the intricacies of relational meaning in language while they acquire the tools to best express such meaning in a systematically ordered, clear and concise fashion. Fulfills State of Texas CORE Mathematics requirement (Check transfer institution requirements).
PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
This course provides a practical, community-minded introduction to questions of character and human excellence in a multi-cultural, global environment. Traditional and contemporary views concerning the nature of goodness, happiness, duty, and freedom (HCCS Catalog) serve as points of departure for this largely thematic inquiry into right conduct and ways of thinking that leads to that conduct. Particular emphasis is placed on the scope and problems of sound reasoning and decision-making and may include correlative inquiries into current social, workforce, and professional moral issues. Fulfills ethics requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective.
PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics (Issues in Bioethics) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
This course provides a practical, community-minded introduction to questions of character and human excellence in a multi-cultural, global environment. Traditional and contemporary views concerning the nature of goodness, happiness, duty, and freedom (HCCS Catalog) serve as points of departure for this largely thematic inquiry into right conduct. Particular emphasis is placed on the scope and problems of sound reasoning and decision-making. In this class we will analyze and discuss some of the major ethical issues surrounding the practice of medicine, the allocation of medical resources, the use of animals in research and medicine, and life and death decision-making. Fulfills ethics requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective.
PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics (Integrity in Business) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
This course provides a practical, community-minded introduction to questions of character and human excellence in a multi-cultural, global environment. Traditional and contemporary views concerning the nature of goodness, happiness, duty, and freedom (HCCS Catalog) serve as points of departure for this largely thematic inquiry into right conduct in business. Particular emphasis is placed on the scope and problems of sound reasoning and decision-making and includes correlative inquiries into current economic, workforce, and professional issues of ethical importance. Fulfills ethics requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective.
PHIL 2307 Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or Department Approval
This course is a critical analysis of political theories and social issues. Consideration will be given to historically significant and contemporary systems, problems, and thinkers (HCCS Catalog). Questions of justice, human rights, and economic rights serve as points of departure for this largely thematic inquiry into the formation and fabric of social and civil order. Particular emphasis is placed on the scope and problems of sound reasoning and decision-making and may include correlative inquiries into current social, workforce, and professional moral issues. Fulfills introductory Social and Political Philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC CORE Social Science area and/or elective.
PHIL 2316 Survey of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
An historic survey of critical and reflective thinking as applied to the basic problems of existence and the meaning of human life and institutions; begins with the Greek and Roman philosophers, continues through the Middle Ages, and ends with the Renaissance; a study of the nature of philosophy as applied to the development of the scientific method, the existence of God, and the political structures of society (HCCS Catalog). Fulfills philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan history of philosophy sequence. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective.
PHIL 2316 Survey of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (Aristotle and Aristotelianism) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
An historic survey of critical and reflective thinking as applied to the basic problems of existence and the meaning of human life and institutions; begins with the Greek and Roman philosophers, continues through the Middle Ages, and ends with the Renaissance; a study of the nature of philosophy as applied to the development of the scientific method, the existence of God, and the political structures of society (HCCS Catalog). Particular emphasis is placed on the tests of ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, especially their influence on Islamic and Christian thinkers of the Middle Ages, and subsequent impact on thinking today. Fulfills philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan history of philosophy sequence. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective
PHIL 2316 Survey of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (Plato and Neoplatonism) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
An historic survey of critical and reflective thinking as applied to the basic problems of existence and the meaning of human life and institutions; begins with the Greek and Roman philosophers, continues through the Middle Ages, and ends with the Renaissance; a study of the nature of philosophy as applied to the development of the scientific method, the existence of God, and the political structures of society (HCCS Catalog). Particular emphasis is placed on the tests of ancient Greek philosopher Plato and his followers, especially the Neoplatonists and that group's influence on Medieval philosophy. Fulfills philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan history of philosophy sequence. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective
PHIL 2317 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
An historic survey of critical and reflective thinking as applied to the basic problems of existence and the meaning of human life and institutions; begins with the Renaissance, continues with the major philosophers of the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and ends with an examination of the analytic and existential philosophers of the 20th century; a study of the nature of philosophy as applied to the development of the scientific method, the existence of god, and the political structures of society (HCC Catalog). Fulfills philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan history of philosophy sequence. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective.
PHIL 2317 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy (Women In Philosophy) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
An historic survey of critical and reflective thinking as applied to the basic problems of existence and the meaning of human life and institutions; begins with the Renaissance, continues with the major philosophers of the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and ends with an examination of the analytic and existential philosophers of the 20th century; a study of the nature of philosophy as applied to the development of the scientific method, the existence of god, and the political structures of society (HCC Catalog). Particular emphasis is placed on the inclusion of women in the history of ideas and the epistemological, social, and political issues this inclusion raises. Fulfills philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan history of philosophy sequence. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective.
PHIL 2317 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy (Art and Aesthetics) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE HUMANITIES COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or Department Approval
An historic survey of critical and reflective thinking as applied to the basic problems of existence and the meaning of human life and institutions; begins with the Renaissance, continues with the major philosophers of the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and ends with an examination of the analytic and existential philosophers of the 20th century; a study of the nature of philosophy as applied to the development of the scientific method, the existence of god, and the political structures of society. Particular emphasis is given to the emergence of aesthetics as a separate branch of philosophical inquiry in the 18th century and the influence of contemporary philosophers on the development of criticism in the arts and humanities, and how we understand the idea and concepts of culture. Fulfills philosophy requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors, and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan history of philosophy sequence. HCC CORE Humanities area and/or elective.
PHIL 2321 Existence and Faith (Contemporary Issues in Philosophy of Religion) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) CORE MULTICULTURAL COURSE
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or Department Approval
This course provides a critical investigation of major religious ideas, experiences, and questions that form the basis for a philosophy of religion and faith (HCC Catalog). Writings by contemporary philosophers and theologians provide points of departure for students to reflect on and cultivate a broader, more open and critical understanding of their own beliefs and spiritual sensibilities. Fulfills HCC CORE Multicultural Area requirement, HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan elective, and can count toward the HCC Global Studies certificate.
PHIL 2389 Cooperative In Philosophy (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) SERVICE LEARNING COURSE
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite)
An instructional program designed to integrate on-campus study with practical hands-on work experience. In conjunction with class seminars, the student will set specific goals and objectives in the study of philosophy (HCC Catalog). Students will volunteer service with HCC-approved agencies and non-profit organizations within the greater Houston area. Fulfills Service Learning requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC Service Learning elective.
PHIL 2389 Cooperative In Philosophy (Aesthetics in the Community) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) SERVICE LEARNING COURSE
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite)
An instructional program designed to integrate on-campus study with practical hands-on work experience. In conjunction with class seminars, the student will set specific goals and objectives in the study of philosophy (HCC Catalog). Students will volunteer service with HCC-approved agencies and non-profit organizations within the greater Houston area that area associated with the arts and culture, historic preservation, and built and natural environment. Fulfills Service Learning requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC Service Learning elective.
PHIL 2389 Cooperative In Philosophy (Gender and Community Values) (3 Credit Hours - Lecture) SERVICE LEARNING COURSE
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite)
An instructional program designed to integrate on-campus study with practical hands-on work experience. In conjunction with class seminars, the student will set specific goals and objectives in the study of philosophy (HCC Catalog). Students will volunteer service with HCC-approved agencies and non-profit organizations within the greater Houston area that are associated with programs targeting women's and gender issues, and human rights. Fulfills Service Learning requirement for various academic and professional four-year college majors and HCC Philosophy AA-degree plan. HCC Service Learning elective.
PHILOSOPHY BOOK ADOPTIONS
The HCC Philosophy Discipline Committee is responsible for all texts required for our courses. Every effort has been made to assure a first-rate selection of quality works at a reasonable cost to students. We have accomplished this to a large extent by adopting classic primary texts (both ancient and contemporary) from the history of ideas, as opposed to textbooks. The savings to our students amount to 50% or more. A complete listing of our current book adoptions on a course by course, college by college basis can be found HERE. Select the term you are registering for from the links at the top of the page, then scroll down to find Philosophy and click on the document link. Book Adoptions open as navigable webpages in Internet Explorer. Philosophy instructors may supplement these selections with related E-books and other online resourses, or hand-outs of relevant scholarly materials.
