Philosophy 014 (PHIL014): Philosophy of Love and Sex
This course is an examination of theories and attitudes concerning love and sexuality that have been prevalent in the Western world. Course topics will include philosophical and theological conceptions of sex and love along with ethical issues related to these topics, that include monogamy, same-sex marriage, cultural differences, pornography, and consent. The course will focus on contemporary US beliefs and practices examined through the lens of the different beliefs and practices concerning intimacy within the cultures of the US. The lens of gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation will be ongoing themes of the class and included in all topics.
The course has no prerequisites and assumes no background in philosophy. It is an excellent introductory course for students interested in learning the skills of doing philosophy. The course will focus on linked ethical issues that will be investigated through readings, essays, and group projects and are designed to encourage students to cultivate ethical awareness and inquiry by understanding and investigating diverse viewpoints and developing a richer understanding of their own positions. The course will provide opportunities for gathering information, analyzing arguments, synthesizing diverse viewpoints, and developing a richer understanding of and support for one's own beliefs and practices.
What will I learn in this course?
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- DISCOVERY: When confronted with a specific passage in a philosophical text, the student will be able to articulate a response (question, cross-reference, or confrontation) to the passage (Spark Points, Dialectics).
- ANALYSIS: Given a section of a philosophical text, the student will be able to distinguish the six elements (topic, question, significance, main claim, reasons, evidence) of the text’s argument. (Problem Synopses, Argument Analyses).
- KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION: Having studied a given philosophical text, the student will be able to define key terms from the text and explain the connections between them (Big Terms, TextMaps)
- SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION: The student who has demonstrated a thorough understanding of a philosophical text will be able to formulate and present a written counter-argument to the text (Dialectics, Philosophical Paper.)
This course meets the General Education Humanities (GH) requirements and the United States Culture (US) requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking PHIL 014.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for PHIL 014, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
An online course, however, is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:
- Have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- Be comfortable with navigating the Internet
- Be able to create an ePortfolio from a template
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units, each containing 5 Lessons, 1 Exam, 1 Quiz, 1 Large-Group Discussion, and a Dialectic.
Each Lesson is designed to fill one week of a normal semester. Since the summer session is condensed the summer schedule is very intense. Students will participate in a series of activities such as discussions, quizzes, blogs and small group work. PHIL 014 online is very flexible, but there are certain dates that students must adhere to in order to stay “on track” with the course.
See course outline.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about PHIL 014 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access PHIL 014 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
A soul kiss.
Diotima of Mantinea plays an important role in Plato's Symposium. Since our only source concerning her is Plato, we cannot be certain whether she was a real historical personage or merely a fictional creation.
Descartes
The cogito, which Descartes supports with the"evil genius" hypothesis and the illustration using wax, is his answer to the metaphysical and epistemological question, "what, if anything, is truly certain?"
Eros is the Greek god of love and sexual desire.