Course Syllabus

PHIL 110: Introduction To Social And Political Philosophy

Instructor: José Jorge Mendoza (he/him/his)

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Syllabus Sections

The following sections of the syllabus offer information about this course. Scroll down to each section or click on the section title below.

• Welcome and Course Description
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Course Mechanics
• Course Policies and Student Services Resources
• Course Schedule and Summary

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Welcome and Course Description

Hello! My name is José Jorge Mendoza, and I am an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Washington. I received my B.A. from the University of California at San Diego (2002), M.A. from San Francisco State University (2006), and Ph.D. from the University of Oregon (2012). Before arriving at the University of Washington (Autumn 2020), I was a visiting professor at Wheaton College (2012) and an assistant professor at both Worcester State University (2012-2015) and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (2015-2020). I teach and research primarily in social and political philosophy.

Welcome to PHIL 110: Introduction To Social And Political Philosophy!

This course is a broad introductory survey of some of the key authors, texts, ideas, concepts, and problems found in the canon of Western social and political philosophy. The course will begin in Classical Antiquity and from there move chronologically to the present. It will deal with questions about justice and human nature; the individual and the community; liberty and equality; religious versus secular justifications of political authority; and the virtues (and vices) of a secure society versus an open society. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Statement

Everyone has something to add to philosophical discussions and conversely also something to learn. I aim to create a learning environment where everyone feels welcome and is taken seriously, regardless of race, religion, gender, economic status, or political affiliation. I have found that studying philosophy can be intellectually empowering and can help us find common ground, while also bringing to the forefront important differences in perspective and experience. Positive, welcoming learning environments are fragile, and I invite you to help me in creating and maintaining such an environment for this course.

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Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe key political theories (e.g., natural law, divine right, social contract, utilitarianism). 
• Identify major political thinkers (e.g., Plato, Hobbes, Marx) and their contributions to political philosophy. 
• Explain major philosophical schools of thought (e.g., conservatism, liberalism, socialism). 
• Analyze and interpret philosophical texts to develop informed readings. 
• Reconstruct and evaluate philosophical arguments presented in course materials. 
• Produce introductory written work that demonstrates philosophical reasoning and clarity. 

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Course Mechanics

Course Organization

This course is broken down into 9 weekly sessions of study, which are found under Modules. Each module includes various readings, lecture videos, activities, and assignments, which you will need to complete in a particular sequence. 

Course Dates

The course starts on June 22 and ends on August 21. 

Course Materials

We will use the following textbook:

eBook
Princeton readings in political thought: essential texts from Plato to populism
edited by Mitchell Cohen. 2018; Princeton, New Jersey; Woodstock, Oxforshire: Princeton University Press

Note: You may be prompted to use your UW NetID to access the book through the UW Libraries. 

Required Technology and Supplies

You will use a variety of learning technologies in this course, and you may need to arrange access to these and additional supplies. These are listed in the table below.

Assignments

Below is a list of assignments you will complete during this course. These assignments will have fuller purpose statements, instructions, and rubrics in Canvas.

• Weekly Quizzes: Each module has 1-2 quizzes, including a varying number of questions (usually 1 point each) that check your understanding of the readings. The quizzes are designed to serve as a reading guide, so please complete them as you read the assigned chapters from the book.
• Weekly Discussion Boards: Each module has a discussion board that is worth 5 points and is designed around one specific topic related to the module content. You will be given a prompt and be asked to respond to the prompt and comment on at least two other posts by your classmates.
• Argument Reconstruction and Debate Assignments: Most modules include assignments that allow you to practice reconstructing arguments, conducting debates, and evaluating debates. These assignments are worth 10 points each. 
• Writing Assignments: There are two writing assignments in this course: one is a short paper where you share your thoughts on a specific topic, and the other is a final reflection paper that is designed to help you review and evaluate your learning throughout the course.

Grading

Final Grades

Your grade in this course is based on the following assignments and their weights, as noted in the table.

Feedback

I will do my best to grade assignments within one week of the submission date. Feedback will be provided that may be used to improve work.

Late Work Policy

Late submissions will carry grade penalties equal to 5% for each day (or part of a day) the submission is late.

Participation

Active participation in, and engagement with, the learning environment and course content are fundamental requirements for success in asynchronous online courses.

You are expected to engage actively with the course material and complete assigned readings, interactive exercises, assessments, and discussion boards. This requirement aims to create an interactive and immersive learning environment where you are active participants in your educational journey and benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences of others.

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Course Policies and Student Services Resources

Jose Jorge Mendoza's Specific Policies

• We live in politically charged times, and philosophy classes offer a rare opportunity to discuss differences respectfully. Sometimes, discussions in philosophy classes can be tricky. Please help create an inclusive conversation!
• We will not hide our opinions, but also you should never feel pressured or obligated to agree with your instructor or classmates. If you do, please talk to your instructor or the Philosophy Department Chair, Sara Goering: sgoering@uw.edu.
• Unexcused late work receives no credit. 
• Plagiarism on any assignment will be reported to Community Standards and Student Conduct (CSSC) and will be penalized. It is your responsibility to know what counts as plagiarism. (It is easy to avoid plagiarism in this class.)
• Check the end of the syllabus for additional, department-wide policies.

UW Department of Philosophy Policies

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct, including plagiarism, is prohibited by the Student Conduct Code for the University of Washington and is taken very seriously by the UW. According to the student conduct code, academic misconduct includes:

1. Cheating, which includes, but is not limited to:
   1. The use of unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations, or completing assignments;
   2. The acquisition, use, or distribution of unpublished materials created by another student without the express permission of the original author(s);
   3. Using online sources, such as solution manuals, without the permission of the instructor to complete assignments, exams, tests, or quizzes; or
   4. Requesting, hiring, or otherwise encouraging someone to take a course, exam, test, or complete assignments for a student.
2. Falsification, which is the intentional use or submission of falsified data, records, or other information, including, but not limited to, records of internship or practicum experiences or attendance at any required event(s), or scholarly research.
3. Plagiarism, which is the submission or presentation of someone else's words, composition, research, or expressed ideas, whether published or unpublished, without attribution. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
   1. The use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment; or
   2. The unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or acquired from an entity engaging in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
4. Unauthorized collaboration.
5. Engaging in behavior specifically prohibited by an instructor in the course of class instruction or in a course syllabus.
6. Multiple submissions of the same work in separate courses without the express permission of the instructor(s).
7. Taking deliberate action to destroy or damage another's academic work in order to gain an advantage for oneself or another.
8. The recording of instructional content without the express permission of the instructor(s), unless approved as a disability accommodation, and/or the dissemination or use of such unauthorized records. (Source: WAC 478-121 - Academic Misconduct)

Plagiarism may lead to disciplinary action by the University against the student who submitted the work. Any student who is uncertain whether his or her use of the work of others constitutes plagiarism should consult the course instructor for guidance before formally submitting the course work involved.

Incompletes 
Incomplete grades may only be awarded if a student is doing satisfactory work up until the last two weeks of the quarter and has furnished proof satisfactory to the instructor that the work cannot be completed because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control. (Sources: Office of the Registrar – Incomplete Grades), UW General Catalog, Student Guide – Grading System) 

Grade Appeal Procedure
A student who believes that the instructor erred in the assignment of a grade, or who believes a grade recoding error or omission has occurred, shall first discuss the matter with the instructor before the end of the following academic quarter (not including Summer Quarter). If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s explanation, the student, no later than ten days after their discussion with the instructor, may submit a written appeal to the chair of the Department of Philosophy with a copy of the appeal also sent to the instructor. The chair consults with the instructor to ensure that the evaluation of the student’s performance has not been arbitrary or capricious. Should the chair believe the instructor’s conduct to be arbitrary or capricious and the instructor declines to revise the grade, the chair, with the approval of the voting members of his or her faculty, shall appoint an appropriate member, or members, of the faculty of the Department of Philosophy to evaluate the performance of the student and assign a grade. The Dean and Provost should be informed of this action. Once a student submits a written appeal, this document and all subsequent actions on this appeal are recorded in written form for deposit in a School file. (Source: UW General Catalog, Student Guide –Grading System)

Concerns About a Course, an Instructor, or a Teaching Assistant
If you have any concerns about a philosophy course or your instructor, please see the instructor about these concerns as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable talking with the instructor or not satisfied with the response that you receive, you may contact the chair of the program offering the course (names available from the Department of Philosophy, 361 Savery Hall).
If you have any concerns about a teaching assistant, please see the teaching assistant about these concerns as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable talking with the teaching assistant or not satisfied with the response that you receive, you may contact the instructor in charge of the course. If you are still not satisfied with the response that you receive, you may contact the chair of the program offering the course (names available from the Department of Philosophy, 361 Savery Hall), or the Graduate School at G-1 Communications Building (543-5900).

Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran in accordance with University of Washington policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.

Access and Accommodations
Your experience in this class is important to the instructor. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please communicate your approved accommodations to the instructor at your earliest convenience so you can discuss your needs in this course. If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but are not limited to: mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DRS at 206-543-8924 (Voice & Relay) or uwdrs@uw.edu or disability.uw.edu. DRS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and DRS. It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is defined as the use of one’s authority or power, either explicitly or implicitly, to coerce another into unwanted sexual relations or to punish another for his or her refusal, or as the creation by a member of the University community of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment through verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. 
If you believe that you are being harassed, seek help—the earlier the better. You may speak with your instructor, your teaching assistant, the undergraduate advisor (363 Savery Hall), the graduate program advisor (366 Savery Hall), or the chair of the philosophy department (364 Savery Hall). In addition, you should be aware that the University has designated special people to help you. For assistance, you may contact: SafeCampus; Office of the Ombud (339 HUB, 206-543-6028); Title IX Investigation Office (for complaints that a University student has violated the sexual misconduct provisions of the Student Conduct Code or for complaints concerning the behavior of University employees, including faculty, teaching assistants, and other student employees).

Integrity
The Office of Research Misconduct Proceedings (ORMP) coordinates the University’s handling of allegations of research misconduct against members of the University community, in consultation and cooperation with the University’s schools, colleges, and campuses. University rules define scientific and scholarly misconduct to include the following forms of inappropriate activity: 
intentional misrepresentation of credentials; falsification of data; plagiarism; abuse of confidentiality; deliberate violation of regulations applicable to research. Students can report cases of scientific or scholarly misconduct either to the ORMP, to their faculty adviser, or to the department chair. The student should report such problems to whomever he or she feels most comfortable. (Sources: Executive Order No. 61 – Research Misconduct Policy; Office of Research Misconduct Proceedings; minutes of Grad School Executive Staff and Division Heads meeting, 7/23/98.)

SafeCampus
Preventing violence is everyone's responsibility. SafeCampus is the University of Washington’s Violence Prevention and Response Program. They support students, staff, faculty, and community members in preventing violence. SafeCampus staff will listen to your concerns and provide support and safety plans tailored to your situation. Caring, trained professionals will talk you through options and connect you with additional resources if you want them. If you're concerned, tell someone.

• Always call 911 if you or others may be in danger.
• Call 206-685-SAFE (7233) to report non-urgent threats of violence and for referrals to UW counseling and/or safety resources. TTY or VP callers, please call through your preferred relay service.
• Don't walk alone. Campus safety guards can walk with you on campus after dark. Call Husky Night Walk 206-685-WALK (9255).
• Stay connected in an emergency with UW Alert. Register your mobile number to receive instant notification of campus emergencies via text and voice messaging. Sign up for UW Alert
• For more information, visit the SafeCampus

Religious Accommodations
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/). Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).

Food Insecurity and Hardship
Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the UW Any Hungry Husky Program. Any Hungry Husky provides hunger relief free of judgment or stigma. Go to https://www.washington.edu/anyhungryhusky/ for information about the food pantry and food security grants. In addition, UW offers emergency aid for students experiencing unexpected financial hardships that may disrupt their education or get in the way of completing their degree. Go to https://www.washington.edu/emergencyaid/ for more information about how to apply.

Guidance to Students Taking Courses Outside the U.S.
Faculty members at U.S. universities – including the University of Washington – have the right to academic freedom, which includes presenting and exploring topics and content that other governments may consider to be illegal and, therefore, choose to censor. Examples may include topics and content involving religion, gender and sexuality, human rights, democracy and representative government, and historic events.
If, as a UW student, you are living outside of the United States while taking courses remotely, you are subject to the laws of your local jurisdiction. Local authorities may limit your access to course material and take punitive action against you. Unfortunately, the University of Washington has no authority over the laws in your jurisdictions or how local authorities enforce those laws. If you are taking UW courses outside of the United States, you have reason to exercise caution when enrolling in courses that cover topics and issues censored in your jurisdiction. If you have concerns regarding a course or courses that you have registered for, please contact your academic advisor who will assist you in exploring options.

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Course Schedule and Summary

READING SCHEDULE:

Unit One: Justice as Reality

Plato (Selections from The Republic) Chapter 2: pp. 38-76

Unit Two: Nature and Politics

Plato (Selections from The Republic) Chapter 2: pp. 76-95

Aristotle (Selections from The Politics) Chapter 3: pp. 96-106

Unit Three: God and Politics            

St. Augustine (Selections from City of God) Chapter 5: pp. 115-123

St Thomas Aquinas (Selections from Summa Theologica) Chapter 6: pp. 124-130

Unit Four: Justice as Security

Thomas Hobbes (Selections from Leviathan) Chapter 11: pp. 176-207

Unit Five: Justice as Property

John Locke (Selections from Second Treatise of Government) Chapter 13: pp. 213-243

Unit Six: Justice as Equality

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Selections from On the Social Contract) Chapter 17: pp. 270-297

Unit Seven: Economics and Politics

Karl Marx (Selections from various works) Chapter 32: pp. 428-454

Unit Eight: Justice as Utility

Jeremy Bentham (Selections from An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation) Chapter 27: pp. 365-368

John Stuart Mill (Selections from On Liberty and On the Subjection of Women) Chapter 28: pp. 369-387

Unit Nine: Justice as Fairness

John Rawls (Selections from A Theory of Justice) Chapter 59: pp. 685-708

 

Below is an automatically generated schedule of assignments and due dates for this course. Hovering over that date will highlight the corresponding assignment in the Schedule table.