PHIL3140 · Philosophy
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
A systematic exploration of thinking about America, in both its actual history and its possible futures, including traditions of thought that reflect upon the founding principles and the unfolding American experiment. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will be studied with an eye to their philosophical content and sources. The course will also examine works of philosophers, artists, writers, and other thinkers who address conflicts over the meaning of founding principles in the course of the nation's history, from the struggle over slavery to America's contemporary role in the world. Because this course intends to apply theoretical understanding to actual events, students will be expected to read contemporary journalism on a regular basis and assess the controversies of today in the light of the nation's philosophical and historical currents.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
Organization
4.6 / 5
How well the course was organized
Challenge
4.9 / 5
How intellectually challenging students found it
Attendance
4.9 / 5
How necessary attendance was
Assignments
4.9 / 5
How helpful assignments were
Weekly effort
~5
hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect only recovered evaluations connected to this course.
Across time
Section-level results available in the recovered archive.
Spring 2024
1 sectionSpring 2020
1 section