Mary I. Bockover

BSS 558
Phone: 707-826-5752
email: mib1@humboldt.edu

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Practical Learning Requirement [PLR]

For courses that have a Practical Learning Requirement [PRL], students have to do their own independent research to fulfill this requirement.  This can be done in a number of ways, or combination of ways, which are described below.  Also be sure to go to the relevant course, following these general instructions, for more detailed instruction about that course’s PLR.  The rationale for the PLR is to have students take philosophy out of the classroom and into the world in which they live.  It is to get students to develop – and hopefully practice on a regular basis – the skill of experiencing and evaluating life in a reflective fashion.  This requirement is an important part of the course, and so it should NOT be taken lightly.  Students should be thinking about, and working on the PLR throughout the entirety of the semester.  The self-directed nature of this requirement is meant to foster personal responsibility as well as creativity, but not passing this requirement can result in a poor grade or even failing the course.

General Instructions for the PLR

On the cover page of your “practical learning portfolio”, state the name of your project, your name and the course and semester the PLR is for.  Also give a general “table of contents” which states which option, or combination of options, you used to fulfill this requirement, as well as how much time was spent doing so.

What follows the cover will be an essay discussing the philosophical significance you found connected with your practical learning experience.  The essay must involve conceptual analysis and critical evaluation of the material you have chosen.  Your essay must include an explanation and evaluation of the material you have selected to express a “philosophical perspective” – one that evaluates, or is even critical of an experience – so it can be analyzed it in more depth.  Your “practical learning portfolio” will be due anytime during finals week and is to be approximately 4 pages, double-spaced and typed (not including pictures or cover).  See me for sources and examples, if need be.

 
Philosophy 106: Moral Controversies

  1. Media Option of at least 5 hours of contact with outside media sources, e.g., movies, videos, CD ROMs, Internet sites, podcasts, newspaper or magazine articles, books, etc.  See my web site at www.humboldt.edu/~mib1 for a the Video Viewing List; you are not limited to these films but the list is a helpful guide if you need suggestions.
  2. Community Service/Involvement Option of participating in at least 5 hours of activities in the community that have moral significance.
  3. Humboldt State University Ethics Forum which meets twice a semester for 1 1/2 hours each forum and requires additional reading, Internet searches, and/or movie viewing (approximately 5 hours).

 

For any of the above options, or combination thereof, you will write an essay(s) discussing the moral relevancy you found connected with your practical learning.  Your essay is to be approximately 4 pages, double-spaced and typed (not including pictures and cover page), due anytime during finals week.  See me for sources and examples, if need be.  Also understand that your PRL and portfolio recording and evaluating that experience can include a variety of options, not necessarily sticking with one option or theme.  Clearly state the controversy involved and explain why it is a moral problem.

 

Philosophy 104: Asian Philosophy

  1. Media Option of at least 5 hours of contact with outside media sources, e.g., movies, videos, CD ROMs, Internet sites, podcasts, newspaper or magazine articles, books, etc. that are connected with Asian thought.
  2. Community Involvement Option of observing at least 5 hours of religious or philosophical activities in the community of Asian origin or of comparative philosophical significance, or bear a close relation to Asian thought.
  3. Humboldt State University Ethics Forum which meets twice a semester for 1 1/2 hours and requires additional readings, Internet searches, and movie viewings, etc. (about 5 hours).  This forum involves topics that are connected to Asian thought, or that can be connected in the class lectures and office hours.

 

For any of the above options, or combination thereof, you will write an essay(s) discussing the philosophical relevance you found to be connected with your practical learning.  Your essay is to be approximately 4 pages, double-spaced and typed (not including cover and pictures), due anytime during finals week.  See me for sources and examples.  Also understand that your PLR and portfolio recording and evaluating that experience can include a variety of options, not necessarily sticking with one option or theme.  Do not forget to clearly explain the philosophical relevance of your experience, including why it is relevant and what you think of it (and why).

Note about Asian Philosophy Films and Videos: Videos that pertain to Asian philosophy, or to the relation of Asian philosophy to other substantive topics (comparative philosophy), can be found in the library, at the video stores in the area, and sometimes at the theatre.  Comparisons may include how Asian philosophy relates to Asian society and culture (including religion, history, politics, and art, etc.), or to Western philosophy or religion (society, culture, history, politics, art, etc.).  I have a catalogue listing many relevant videos and films in the entrance of the Philosophy Department Office.  My web site at www.humboldt/~mib1 also has a link to films and videos, but you are not limited to only these – you may choose your own.

 

Philosophy 304: Philosophy of Sex and Love

  1. Media Option of at least 5 hours of contact with outside media sources, e.g., movies, videos, CD ROMs, Internet sites, posdcasts, newspaper or magazine articles, books, etc. that have philosophical, e.g., ethical, significance with respect to the broad topics of “sex” and “love”.  The viewing of pornography is discouraged for a variety of reasons, such as it tends to have superficial content and/or lend itself to superficial analysis.  A note about Films and Videos relevant to the topic of “sex” and “love”: Videos that pertain to the topics relevant to this course can be found in the library, at the video stores in the area, and sometimes at the theatre.  I have also have a list of such videos and films on my web site at www.humboldt/~mib1 on the Video Viewing List link, but you are not limited to only these – you may choose your own.
  2. Community Involvement Option of observing or participating in at least 5 hours of community service or activities that are (even broadly) related to the content of this course.  University activities and events that are relevant are counted in this category.  Suggestions would be: observing or participating in “Take Back the Night” activities, or events that educate about sexual abuse or violence, or about the importance of creating and maintaining a functional family, or how dysfunctional parenting creates problems for children and society, or about how emotional health is vital to human wellbeing, etc.
  3. Act to End Sexualized Violence course you will sign up for through the department of philosophy for an additional unit (credit or no credit).  See description in catalog and flyer advertising the course.  This course by itself will fulfill the PLR for this Philosophy of Sex and Love course, if satisfactorily completed.  Please note that my requirements for outside work (readings, etc.) are different from those assigned by other instructors.

 

For any of the above options, or combination thereof, you will write an essay(s) discussing the philosophical relevance you found to be connected with your practical learning.  Your essay is to be approximately 4 pages, double-spaced and typed (not including cover page and pictures), due anytime during finals week.  See me for sources and examples, if needed.  Your PLR and portfolio recording and evaluating that experience can include a variety of options, not necessarily sticking with one option or theme.  Do not forget to clearly explain the philosophical relevance of your experience, including why it is relevant and what you think of it (and why).

 

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Last Updated:08/08/08