Preliminary Considerations

Is this course for you?

There are no formal course prerequisites or co-requisites for Phil 211.

However, there are some very important facts about the course to consider before committing yourself to it.

The Internet version of Philosophy 211 is entirely conducted by text. For students, this implies that no one should attempt the internet version of Philosophy 211 unless he/she already has strong abilities in reading and writing.

This course requires significantly more–and better–reading and writing achievement than an ordinary classroom based course. Similarly, expect to spend significantly more time on this course than on an ordinary classroom based course.

Do not take this course:

·       On the expectation that it will be easier than a classroom based course — it will not be.

·       On the expectation that it will require less time than a classroom course. It will require more time.

·       If your reading and writing competency is not very high. Any reading or writing problem will likely make the course impossible to pass. Philosophy is entirely a language based discipline and in the internet course it is entirely text based. Attention will be paid to strategies of reading and writing in Philosophy but those are mapped onto strong initial competencies.

·       Unless you can consistently devote significant time to the course. The course has a consistent, even relentless, work plan. There is no possibility of setting it aside for a week or two and then “catching up.”

Do take this course:

·       If reading and writing are your strong suits.

·       If you are consistently able and willing to devote about 10 hours per week to the course.

·       If you have an interest in the abstract and theoretical underpinnings of contemporary ethical debates.