PHL104 - Defining Human Nature

Subject Title
Defining Human Nature

Subject Description
In an attempt to understand ourselves, to discover what it means to be human, we do, at times, have momentary flashes of vision, and, at other times, we are left confused and frustrated. In the first half of the semester, in our effort to understand human nature, we will take a philosophical approach and explore a variety of topics such as instinct and intelligence, believing and knowing, and the immaterial self.One significant source for understanding huiman nature is to be found in Greek mythology and tragedy. In the second half of the course, we shall be discussing the most provocative of the Greek myths and discovering what they - and the tragedies based on them - still tell us about the complex business of being human.

Credit Status
General Education Option-Category One: Literature, Culture and Communications

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Knowledge: Students can recognize the essential themes of the class dialogue and can describe and analyze the different philosophical topics which we have studied.

Skills: Students can make notes on the class dialogue, write short essays in response to questions on class content and fully participate in a group-based preparation of a research paper.

Attitudes: Students can appreciate the history of many of the dominant ideas which shape our present behaviour.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.