Philosophy 211 (Internet Version)

Frequently asked questions

Are there any on-campus or classroom activities scheduled for Phil 211 (Internet Version)?

How do I contact the professor?

I plan to be away for a couple of weeks during the semester. Can I make-up work when I return?

Is it possible to make alternative arrangements for satisfying the course requirements?

Is "extra credit" possible?

I see that papers have to be submitted by email attachment in *.rtf or *.doc format. What does that mean?

I am having trouble with the Canvas Software. Can you help?

Will you confirm receipt of email that I send to you?

I am a computer novice. Will the professor help me get up to speed with the computer, the operating system, my web browser and so on?

Question:  Are there any on-campus or classroom activities scheduled for Phil 211 (Internet Version)?

Answer: No. There are no meetings, nor any activities at all which are not listed on the "Course Regulations and Information" page. In general, it is a good idea to think that the course website and (after the course begins) the Canvas "Modules" contains any and all information you need about how the course proceeds. back to top

Question: How do I contact the professor?

Answer: Use college email prior to the semeser and the internal Canvas email during the semester. Do not telephone. Please be sure to follow the rules concerning email which are posted on the course homepage. Also, please do not contact the instructor to ask for information that has already been posted, or contact him to "confirm" posted information unless you have a good reason for thinking the information is in error. If you do email the professor be sure to write at sufficient length for your particular issue to be clear. This is especially important in a philosophy class in which how you are thinking about philosophical issues is where any exchange with your professor will always start. back to top

Question: I plan to be away for a couple of weeks during the semester. Can I make-up work when I return?

Answer: The nice thing about internet courses is that you can connect with them almost from the planet Mars. There is absolutely no requirement that you be within a fifty mile radius in order to do your coursework. However, no special arrangements can be made about when you login, or when work is due.  back to top

Answer: The rules, requirements, and practices described in "Course Information and Regulations" are what guide the course. Simple considerations of justice demand that there be one set of rules for everybody, so no alternatives are available. If you find yourself unable to complete the course as outlined you should drop the course rather than asking the professor to change the course. The final date for dropping is  Monday, August 10. back to top

Question: Is "extra credit" possible?

Answer: Yes and No. The Professor is happy to recommend supplementary reading for students who wish to take things beyond the discussions in the course texts. All you have to do is ask. But such 'extra' work can have no impact on the student's grade, since the formal grading system depends on performance with the regular course materials only.  back to top

Question: I see that papers have to be submitted by email attachment in *.rtf or *.doc format. What does that mean?

Answer: Those are file extensions associated with standard word processing formats. Your papers would have to be put into one of those standard formats and sent as attachments through WebStudy email. If you don't understand what that means you probably don't have the requisite level of computer competence for an Internet Course.back to top

Question: I am having trouble with the Canvas Software. Can you help?

Answer : Questions about the Canvas Software should be directed to Canvas Support, which is accessible from the login page.back to top

Question: Will you confirm receipt of email that I send to you?

Answer : No. One nice feature of Canvas email is that you can check your 'Sent' box to see if your recipient has received the email you sent. Hence there is no need to confirm receipt of anything, including papers sent by way of email attachment.back to top

Question: I am a computer novice. Will the professor help me get up to speed with the computer, the operating system, my web browser and so on?

Answer : No.  Computer novices can be predicted to have a lot of trouble generally with their hardware and software. Since systems vary so widely, you have to have competencies with those in place prior to trying to deal with the intricacies of Canvas. The Professor does not offer beginning computer support, nor any computer support at all.back to top