Category: Classes

General information

Instructor

Here is more information about Prof. Lotz

Class Meetings

Days: MW
Time: 3 PM – 4:20 PM
Place: 105 Ernst Bessey Hall

Office

Phone: 517.355.4490 [dept.])
Place: 518 South Kedzie Hall
Hours: MW 1pm-2pm, and by appointment

Other Contact

E-mail: lotz@msu.edu
Home Phone: please ask
Webpage: http://christianlotz.info

Box

You will find my box in the front office of the philosophy department (SK 503)

Schedule

Introduction: Theory and Praxis

Jan 7, Introduction

Jan 9, Feuerbach Thesis 11

Jan 14, Marx to Ruge, May 1843 (online), Marx to Ruge, September 1843 (online); Towards a Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right, 71-82
please read these excerpts, and bring them to class

Relations/Labor/Alienation/Property

Jan 16, Feuerbach Theses, 171-174

Jan 21,
No class: MLK Day (read this)

Jan 23, Feuerbach Theses, 171-174; Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts, 83-95

Jan 28, Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts, 83-95; voluntary: On James Mill, 124-133

Homework Assignment 1 (sent out via email, 5pt)

Jan 30,
No class: weather

Feb 4, Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts, 95-104

Society and Social Reproduction

Feb 6, German Ideology, 175-184

Feb 11, German Ideology, 175-184

Feb 13, German Ideology, 184-198; Free Individuals in Communist Societies, 207-208; Artistic Talent under Communism, 205-206
In-class Group Assignment 1 (3pt)

Homework Assignment 2 (sent out via email, 2pt)

Communism/History/Democracy

Feb 18, Communist Manifesto, 245-273

Feb 20, Communist Manifesto, 245-273; Letter to Sassoulitch, 623-629; Letter to Annenkov, 209-211 

Feb 25, Critique of the Gotha Program, 609-616
Thesis Paper: Margo

Feb 27, Civil War in France (on Paris Commune), 584-603; On Bakunin, 606-610
Thesis Paper (on Paris Commune): Isabel

Homework Assignment 3 (sent out via email, 5 pts)

Mar 4
Spring Break

Mar 6
Spring Break

Value as Social Form and Commodification: Reading Capital

Mar 11, Introduction
Marx, Capital, Prefaces, 89-106

Mar 13, Value
Marx, Capital, chapter 1.1-1.3
Thesis Paper (focus on why value is a social concept): Tom + Jack

Mar 18, Value
Marx, Capital, chapter 1.1-1.3

Mar 20, Fetishism
Marx, Capital, chapter 1.4
Thesis Paper: Connor

Homework Assignment 4 (sent out via email)

Mar 25, Exchange and Commodity Circulation
Marx, Capital, chapter 2 + 3.2.a+b
Thesis Paper (exchange): Sarah
Thesis Paper (circulation): Duncan

Mar 27, Capital
Marx, Capital, chapter 4
Thesis Paper: Guy
Thesis Paper: Mike

Homework Assignment 5 (sent out via email)

Apr 1, Contradictions/Capital
Marx, Capital, chapter 5
Thesis Paper: Cooper

Apr 3, Surplus Value
Marx, Capital, chapter 6
Thesis Paper: Christopher + Ezgi

Homework Assignment 6 (sent out via email)

Apr 8, Labor Process, Constant and Variable Capital
Marx, Capital, 7+8
Thesis Paper (labor process): Ian
Thesis Paper (valorization): Robert

No office hours this week

Apr 10,
No Class

Final Paper Assignment (sent out via email)

April 15, Relative Surplus Value
Marx, Capital, chapter 12+13
Thesis Paper (relative surplus value): Alan
Thesis Paper (cooperation):  Henry

Apr 17, Capitalist Character of Division of Labor
Class canceled

Thesis Paper (focus on 14.5): Griffin + Lauren (please turn in on Apr 22)

Apr 22, Primitive Accumulation
Marx, Capital, 26
Thesis Paper: Eloise + Sarah/Zoe

Apr 24, Wrap Up
Last class

May 1, (day of final exam)
Final paper due by May 1 at 5:45pm via D2L dropbox

Course Description

Those who do not move, do not feel their chains
(Rosa Luxemburg)

In this class we will discuss central aspects of Marx’s philosophy and social theory. We will focus on his conception of society and the role of labor, on a few political aspects of his philosophy, as well as on his main economic work, Capital, which still is a fascinating, but very difficult book. We will not extensively deal with Marx’s political theory (revolution, party conception, labor movement, etc.). We will exclusively deal with primary texts and exclude broader historical questions, such as the development of socialist philosophies in the 19th Century, or 20th Century developments within the great tradition of Marxism. As such, this course presents Marx as a systematic thinker who should be studied again if we want to understand the world we live in. Check out this site as a great resource for Marxism in general: www.marxists.org

Note

This is a 300-level course in philosophy and, as such, contains difficult material and requires mature students. If you are not willing to study dense written material, listen to unusual lectures, and discuss ideas in an organized fashion, then you should not take this class. This class can be taken by students without prior knowledge in philosophy. You should not take this class if you are not an avid reader.

Course Goals

This lecture class should students introduce to

• the concept of labor as the central concept for social-political philosophy
• how to think about the relation between labor and society
• the materialist conception of history and Marx’s concept of society
• a few selected political ideas in Marx (though we will not focus on politics)
• basic concepts of Marx’s Capital, such as social categories, money, capital, technology, capital accumulation, and labor power

Note

Students should be aware of the fact that this course is based on difficult texts. Accordingly, this class requires self-responsible learners and an intense confrontation with the primary text. Accordingly, if you are not excited about the prospect of a daily confrontation with abstract and historical reflections, then you should not take this class. This class is not based on a set of fixed knowledge and, as such, is not based on a behavioral idea of education; rather, we will try to learn together and critically examine the material. The instructor of this class does not have anything to teach, but much to learn.

Required Texts

• McLellan, Karl Marx Selected Writings, Oxford University Press; please get the 2nd edition
• Marx, Capital, Vol 1, (Penguin Classics)

No digital editions, please!

Helpful Texts (purchase not required, but recommended)

• Balibar, Introduction to the Philosophy of Marx (Verso)
• Heinrich, Introduction to the Three Volumes of Capital (Monthly Review Press)

Course Requirements

• daily reading and studying (around 5-10 pages, up to 50 per week)
• 1 thesis statement (short assignment, systematic summary of the readings)
• 1 final assignment
• 5 response sheets
• homework assignments and spontaneous assignments in class, including reading quizzes
• participation

Note

The class and my lectures are solely based on the texts selected for class and require a thorough study and preparation of the material. I will primarily lecture on the readings, which will help you to more fully understand the texts. Therefore it is not sufficient for students to come to class without having prepared the texts. And indeed, in the assignments you have to demonstrate whether you have appropriately prepared the readings selected for each lecture.

Note

Every academic misconduct, such as plagiarism, will – without exception – lead to a failing grade in class. Check the Ombudsman’s page (see also note below on plagiarism):  https://www.msu.edu/~ombud/

Assignments

Make-Up Assignments

Students who need to miss assignments for excusable reasons, such as a death in their families, MSU related business, emergency weather conditions, or medical reasons, must inform me ahead of time, and will be permitted to make up assignments. I will only accept official doctor notes (no faxes, no emails) or letters from other professors. Unfortunately I am unable to accept any other reasons than those mentioned.

Attendance

To get a good grade in this class, regular attendance is required. I will not call roll. Hence, it is up to you to come to class or not.However, if you do not come to class on a regular basis and participate in the class discussion, it is impossible for you to achieve a good grade in this class; so coming to class is your responsibility and your call. If you choose to attend class, please come on time, turn off cell phones and other electronic devices that interfere with your (and others’) concentration, have the reading prepared and be ready to participate. If you are not prepared, do not bother showing up. It is a sign of disrespect to your peers and the instructor to attend class unprepared. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes from a fellow student and to catch up on reading. Nevertheless, please be aware that you should not make me responsible for a failure that results out of your decision. You should be aware that chances to master this class are minimal, if you do not show up for class or if you do not prepare the readings (=studying).

Thesis Statement (brief overview of assigned reading)

Each student has to prepare one thesis statement for class. The thesis statement should contain [a] a list of main points and claims, [b] concepts that are unclear, [c] intelligent questions about the readings. Students who prepare the thesis paper need to send their thesis papers by 6pm (the day before class) per email to me, bring copies for everyone to class and be prepared to briefly present their statement (this will not always happen). The thesis statement is limited to one page and you must use the following prepared document:

Download thesis statement form

Reading Quizzes

Given recent negative experience with student’s unwillingness to read and study primary material, I might assign reading quizzes. Questions will be passed out in advance. Quizzes cannot be made up (except in cases mentioned above).

Homework Assignments

From time to time I will send out via email weekend homework assignments; usually a short writing prompt in relation to either lecture or video material online, or in relation to our readings. Given that these homework assignments are always due on Mondays, I will not accept late turn-ins. There is plenty of time for you to respond to the task, given that I usually send this out on time.

Unannounced Assignments

There might be – from time to time – spontaneously assigned group assignments in class. Students who do not attend class (and have no medical documentation) will lose all points.

Response Sheets

Every student is asked to submit up to 5 class response sheets during the semester. Please download the form here (plus: print it out five times and add it to your class folder). Response sheets must be submitted at the end of a class session. I do not accept late turn ins or turn ins by email.

Download response sheet (I will only accept answers that are given on this form)

Note

Students are not allowed to turn in response sheets during the last week of class!

Course Evaluation

Assignments

1 final assignment	25 points
Participation	10 points
Homework assignments, unannounced group assignments, reading quizzes	35 points
1 thesis statement (use .doc, see above)	15 points
5 response sheets	15 points
	————
	100 points

Grading

4.0 (=A)	100 – 93
3.5	92 – 87
3 (=B)	86 – 82
2.5	81 – 77
2 (=C)	76 – 72
1.5	71 – 65
1.0 (=D)	64 – 60
0.0	< 60

GENERIC SYLLABUS (might not be applicable to each class)

Laptop/Cell Phone/Tablet Policy

You are not permitted to use laptops or cell phones in class, unless needed for medical reasons. Flat devices, such as tablets, are permitted if you have purchased the literature required for class electronically. Please do not text under the table. Cell phones should be removed from tables. Failure to follow this policy will lead to unannounced assignments in class or loss of points (at the digression of the instructor).

Class Attendance

As mentioned above, I do not employ in my classes a class attendance policy. Having said this, you should be aware that class attendance is very important. When engaging in a philosophical and humanistic dialogue it is necessary to be an active and present participant in the ongoing discussion. If you miss class please do not email me asking if you missed anything important. Every class is important. You should get a study buddy for the class; a student in class who will inform you of what you missed. If you miss a class you can come to my office hours or make an appointment to discuss the material, providing you have read the material and you simply want to see if your understanding of the material is on target. Time in office hours will not be used to repeat the class lectures.

Grading Criteria + Paper Writing Tips

Check out this page for grading criteria, example of assignments, etc.

Online Research Sources

Unfortunately, some people think that the internet as such is a reliable source of information. If you decide to use online sources for additional information or your paper then do not just use one of the common internet search engines, such as Google; rather, use reliable academic sources, such as Britannica Online, or the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The Internet Ecyclopedia of Philosophy isn’t very good, but still acceptable. Check out MSU’s library resources! And, as with other sources, you must cite any online sources to which you refer in your essay.

Writing Center Information

MSU’s writing center offers excellent help on all matters regarding writing and learning. Check the website at http://writing.msu.edu for an overview and hours. For more information, please call 517.432.3610 or send an e-mail to writing@msu.edu.

Grief Absence Policy

I follow MSU’s general grief absence policy, which can be found here.

Integrity of Scholarship and Grades (Plagiarism)

The following statement of University policy addresses principles and procedures to be used in instances of academic dishonesty, violations of professional standards, and falsification of academic or admission records, herein after referred to as academic misconduct. [See General Student Regulation 1.00, Protection of Scholarship and Grades.]

Academic Honesty

Article 2.3.3 of the Academic Freedom Report states that “The student shares with the faculty the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional standards.” In addition, the (insert name of unit offering course) adheres to the policies on academic honesty as specified in General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and Grades; the all-University Policy on Integrity of Scholarship and Grades; and Ordinance 17.00, Examinations. (See Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide and/or the MSU Web site: www.msu.edu) Therefore, unless authorized by your instructor, you are expected to complete all course assignments, including homework, lab work, quizzes, tests and exams, without assistance from any source. You are expected to develop original work for this course; therefore, you may not submit course work completed for another course to satisfy the requirements for this course. Students who violate MSU rules may receive a penalty grade, including but not limited to a failing grade on the assignment or in the course. Contact your instructor if you are unsure about the appropriateness of your course work. (See also https://www.msu.edu/~ombud/)

Plagiarism, from the Ombudsman’s page

Plagiarism (from the Latin plagiarius, an abductor, and plagiare, to steal) is defined by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on Misconduct in Research (take that!) as “ . . . the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit.”

Accidental or Unintentional
One may not even know that they are plagiarizing.  It is the student’s responsibility to make certain that they understand the difference between quoting and paraphrasing, as well as the proper way to cite material.

Blatant
Here, students are well aware that they are plagiarizing.  Purposefully using someone else’s ideas or work without proper acknowledgment is plagiarism.  This includes turning in borrowed or bought research papers as one’s own.

Self
Turning in the same term paper (or substantially the same paper) for two courses without getting permission from one’s instructor is plagiarism.

SIRS Evaluations

Michigan State University takes seriously the opinion of students in the evaluation of the effectiveness of instruction and has implemented the Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS) to gather student feedback (https://sirsonline.msu.edu). This course utilizes the online SIRS system, and you will receive an e-mail during the last two weeks of class asking you to fill out the SIRS web form at your convenience. In addition, participation in the online SIRS system involves grade sequestration, which means that the final grade for this course will not be accessible on STUINFO during the week following the submission of grades for this course unless the SIRS online form has been completed. Alternatively, you have the option on the SIRS website to decline to participate in the evaluation of the course. We hope, however, that you will be willing to give us your frank and constructive feedback so that we may instruct students even better in the future. If you access the online SIRS website and complete the online SIRS form or decline to participate, you will receive the final grade in this course as usual once final grades are submitted.

Social Media and Sharing of Course Materials

As members of a learning community, students are expected to respect the intellectual property of course instructors. All course materials presented to students are the copyrighted property of the course instructor and are subject to the following conditions of use:

1. Students may record lectures or any other classroom activities and use the recordings only for their own course-related purposes.
2. Students may share the recordings with other students enrolled in the class. Sharing is limited to using the recordings only for their own course-related purposes.
3. Students may post the recordings or other course materials online or distribute them to anyone not enrolled in the class with the advance written permission of the course instructor and, if applicable, any students whose voice or image is included in the recordings.
4. Any student violating the conditions described above may face academic disciplinary sanctions.

Student Support Program (SSP)

Michigan State University is offering all MSU students access to counseling support 24/7/365 through My SSP: Student Support Program. My SSP is free to all MSU students. My SSP is confidential, and can help with:

• Adapting to new challenges
• Being successful at school
• Relationships with friends and family
• Practical issues with studying
• Stress, sadness, loneliness, and more

The My SSP professional counselors are available to help anytime, anywhere with:

• Immediate support by phone and chat
• Ongoing support by appointment via phone and video
• In addition, culturally relevant support is available in the language of the caller’s choice.

There are multiple options for connecting with a My SSP counselor:

• Download the free My SSP app on Google Play or iTunes
• Chat online at http://us.myissp.com
• Call 1-866-743-7732
• From outside North America, call 001.416.380.657

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities should contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities to establish reasonable accommodations. For an appointment with a counselor, call 353-9642 (voice) or 355-1293 (TTY)

Drops and Adds

The last day to add this course is the end of the first week of classes. The last day to drop this course with a 100 percent refund and no grade reported is (see Academic Calendar). The last day to drop this course with no refund and no grade reported is (see Academic Calendar). You should immediately make a copy of your amended schedule to verify you have added or dropped this course.

Note on Attendance

Students who fail to attend the first four class sessions or class by the fifth day of the semester, whichever occurs first, may be dropped from the course.

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General information

Instructor

Here is more information about Prof. Lotz

Class Meetings

Days: M/W
Time: 3 PM – 4:50 PM
Place: G032 Hubbard Hall

Office

Hours: MW, 11am-12pm, and by appointment
Phone: 517.355.4490 [dept.])
Place: 518 S. Kedzie Hall

Other Contact

E-mail: lotz@msu.edu
Home Phone: please ask
Webpage: https://christianlotz.wordpress.com

Box

You will find my box in the front office of the philosophy department

Schedule

Introduction

Aug 30
Introduction

Sep 4, Labor Day
No class

Section I: Anxiety

Sep 6, Being, Non-Being, and Anxiety
Tillich, The Courage to Be, Ch.1, 1-9 and Ch.2, 32-64

Sep 11, The Courage to Be as a Part
Tillich, The Courage to Be, Ch.4, 86-113
Guest lecture by Prof. Bunge on Tillich

Sep 13, The Courage to Be as a Part
Tillich, The Courage to Be, Ch.4, 86-113

Sep 18, The Courage to Be as Oneself
Group Assignment 1
Tillich, The Courage to Be, Ch.4, last pages on which T talks about the American courage to be
Tillich, The Courage to Be, Ch.5, 113-155

Section II: Non-Being

Sep 20, The Absurd
Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (D2L); read pp.1-12 up to “mythical thought” on p.12; as well as pp.17-24 (starting with the section “Absurd Freedom”); read very carefully pp.1-4 and pp.17-22

Weekend Homework Assignment 1 (Topic: Tillich/Camus)

Sep 25, Suicide
Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (D2L), read again pp.17-22
Battin, Suicide – The Current View (D2L)
Also check: more current suicide statistics can be found here and here and here.
Film, part 1

Sep 27, Suicide
Group Assignment 2
Voluntary reading: zero suicide [here]; TED talk about the bridge between suicide and life [here]; suicide jumpers [here]
Film, part 2
Discussion of film

Weekend Homework Assignment 2 (Topic: Critchley, Notes on Suicide, 11-42, D2L)

Oct 2, Suicide
Battin, Suicide – The Current View (D2L)
Critchley, Notes on Suicide, pp.11-42 (D2L; print out and bring to class)
Voluntary reading: suicide as a taboo and 9/11: the falling man [here]; Why mental health is a political issue [here]

“No one escapes death; yet, so few of us think about how we want to go”

Oct 4, Assisted Suicide
Battin, Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide (D2L)
Voluntary reading: Implications of the Terri Schiavo Case [here]
Short film

Film Reaction Paper 1 (Battin)

Oct 9, Extending Life Forever?
Read the following articles before class, bring to class
Zitter, Should I Help My Patients Die? 
Zitter,  Pricey Technology Is Keeping People Alive Who Don’t Want to Live
Zitter,  This critical health-care issue isn’t talked about enough
Zitter,  How to Die Well
Zitter,  When ‘Doing Everything’ Is Way Too Much
Voluntary reading: Why I hope to die at 75 [here]; A doctor’s argument against living longer [here]
Short film

Oct 11, Learning to Die
Edson, Wit: A Play (bring to class!)
Definitely read before class: Wit-Guide (D2L or here)
Film, part 1
Discussion

Film-Reaction Paper 2 (Wit) 

Oct 16, Learning to Die
Edson, Wit: A Play (bring to class!)
Film, part 2
Discussion

Oct 18,
no class

Film-Reaction Paper 3 (Wit) 

Section III: Being

Oct 23, The Source of the Concept of Alienation in Marx
Marx, Economic & Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, section “Estranged Labour” [download here]  + Fromm, Marx’s Concept of Man, section “Alienation” [download here]
Voluntary reading: Graeber, Bullshit Jobs [here]

Oct 25, The Failure of our Modern Societies
Fromm, To Have or To Be?, Introduction + chapter 1-2

Oct 30,
no class

Nov 1,
no class

Weekend Homework Assignment 3 (Topic: Fromm, To Have or To be)

Nov 6, Having and Being
Fromm, To Have or To Be?, chapter 4+5

Nov 8, Having and Being
Fromm, To Have or To Be?, chapter 6+7
Short film

Nov 13, A New Society?
Fromm, To Have or To Be?, chapter 8+9
Short film

Section IV: Love

Nov 15, Theory of Love
Fromm, The Art of Loving, preface, chapter I + chapter II; you only need to read up to p.56 (leave out the chapter on “Love of God”)
A critique of Fromm’s outdated concept of homosexuality and dualistic concept of sex can be found here. I’ll bring an excerpt to class.

Nov 20, Alienated Love
Fromm, The Art of Loving, chapter III; Fromm, To Have or To Be, pp.38-40

Nov 22
No class

Nov 27, The Practice of Love
Fromm, The Art of Loving, chapter IV
Film, The Lobster, part1
Check film reviews and comments by the director here and here and here

Nov 29, Alienated Love
Film, The Lobster, part 2

Dec 4, Alienated Love
Film, The Lobster, part 3

Dec 6, Wrap Up

Dec 11, (day of final exam)
Final take-home exam due by Dec 11 at 3pm via D2L dropbox

Course Description

In this course we will examine and discuss selected aspects of what it means to be human, from a general philosophical, humanist, and social-psychological perspective, i.e., we will not address the issue from a scientific or biological point of view. Instead, the assumption is that the most central aspects of what it means to be human need to be discussed from a more general perspective. One of the assumptions of the course is that the experience of death and dying, the experience of love and being loved, as well as the experience of anxiety in the context of what it means to live an “authentic life” are central “experiences” that define (modern) human experience. You should be aware that portions of the material used in this class deal with loss, suicide, and death. Accordingly, handling this material might be difficult for some of you.

Twenty years after my own graduation, I have come gradually to understand that the liberal-arts cliché about “teaching you how to think” is actually shorthand for a much deeper, more serious idea: “Learning how to think” really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed. Think of the old cliché about “the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master.” This, like many clichés, so lame and unexciting on the surface, actually expresses a great and terrible truth. It is not the least bit coincidental that adults who commit suicide with firearms almost always shoot themselves in the head. And the truth is that most of these suicides are actually dead long before they pull the trigger. And I submit that this is what the real, no-bull- value of your liberal-arts education is supposed to be about: How to keep from going through your comfortable, prosperous, respectable adult life dead, unconscious, a slave to your head and to your natural default-setting of being uniquely, completely, imperially alone, day in and day out. (David Foster Wallace, This is Water)

IAH Course Goals

The mission of Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities is to help students become more familiar with ways of knowing in the arts and humanities and to be more knowledgeable and capable in a range of intellectual and expressive abilities.  IAH courses encourage students to engage critically with their own society, history, and culture(s); they also encourage students to learn more about the history and culture of other societies.  They focus on key ideas and issues in human experience; encourage appreciation of the roles of knowledge and values in shaping and understanding human behavior; emphasize the responsibilities and opportunities of democratic citizenship; highlight the value of the creative arts of literature, theater, music, and arts; and alert us to important issues that occur among peoples in an increasingly interconnected, interdependent world. The goals of IAH courses are to assist students to

• Cultivate habits of inquiry and develop investigative strategies from arts and humanities perspectives;
• Explore social, cultural, and artistic expressions and contexts;\
• Act as culturally aware and ethically responsible citizens in local and global communities.
• Critically assess, produce, and communicate knowledge in a variety of media for a range of audiences; and
• Recognize and understand the value of diversity and the significance of interconnectedness in the classroom and beyond.

IAH Course Goals Addressed in this Course

• Become more familiar with ways of knowing in the arts and humanities and to be more knowledgeable and capable in a range of intellectual and expressive abilities
• Encouraging appreciation of the roles of knowledge and values in shaping and understanding human behavior;
• Highlighting the value of the creative arts of literature, theater, music, and arts

Specific Course Goals

This lecture class should students introduce to

• how to think about fundamental aspects of what it means to be human
• think more clearly about the role of death, dying, suicide, and loss
• think more clearly about love as an activity
• the distinction between “having something” and “being someone”
• the concept of alienation in modern philosophy (Marx)

Note

Real learning is not properly measured by multiple-choice tests; especially since in the humanities there is no specific content of a sort that may be covered well in standardized examinations, which every student in the humanities should be expected to master. Instead, you will – hopefully – come to recognize that this class is about a general intellectual reflection on our contemporary world that requires concepts and critical reflections. The class deals with your dignity as human beings and with your intellect and reason, which is best expressed in a form of learning that is based on understanding and insight, and not mere learning by heart. It is hoped that the class will stimulate the view that intellectual activity (and therefore human reality) has to do with the passion of thinking, and the passion of understanding of our world. Intense confrontation with texts is the center of this class. “Information” as something to be consumed is important but secondary.

Required Texts (Bookstore)

Please buy the following titles:

• Fromm, To Have or To be?
• Fromm, The Art of Loving
• Tillich, The Courage to Be
• Edson, Wit: A Play

D2L

• Additional readings are available via D2L (Battin, Camus, Critchley, and other texts)

Course Organization

The course will be organized such that, ideally, each class period will include [i] “interactive” lecture, [ii] discussion time or [iii] response time. Students will be asked to intensively prepare a certain text or part of a text for the next class period.

Course Requirements

• Daily reading and studying
• 5 response sheets
• final take-home exam
• short film reaction papers
• unannounced assignments in class, including reading quizzes

Note

The class and my lectures are solely based on the texts selected for class and require a thorough study and preparation of the material. I will primarily lecture on the readings, which will help you to more fully understand the texts. Therefore it is not sufficient for students to come to class without having prepared the texts. And indeed, in the exams you have to demonstrate whether you have appropriately prepared the readings selected for each lecture.

Note

Every academic misconduct, such as plagiarism, will – without exception – lead to a failing grade in class. Check the Ombudsman’s page (see also note below on plagiarism): https://www.msu.edu/~ombud/

Note on Attendance

I hope and strongly encourage that students attend all lectures. However, I will not require attendance, as I think that college students should manage their own class attendance decisions. I will not call roll. Hence, it is up to you to come to class or not. However, if you do not come to class on a regular basis and participate in class, it is very difficult for you to achieve a good grade in this class, especially since you won’t be able to make up assignments in class. If you choose to attend class, please come on time, turn off cell phones and other electronic devices that interfere with your (and others’) concentration, have the reading prepared and be ready to participate. If you are not prepared, do not bother showing up. It is a sign of disrespect to your peers and the instructor to attend class unprepared. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes from a fellow student and to catch up on reading.

General Note

I expect that you come to class having prepared the texts carefully and thoroughly. The reading for the next session, if not clear from the course schedule (below), will be announced at the end of the previous class. “Preparing for class” implies underlining and making excerpts from the text assigned; looking up unfamiliar vocabulary and writing them into a note book (I encourage you to keep a vocabulary booklet for all of your classes). Just reading the text won’t be sufficient. You have to study the material. Some vocabulary might not be sufficiently explained in a regular dictionary (this goes especially for philosophical terms), so it is necessary to consult additional sources, and the MSU Library Website is a great resource for nearly all questions in this regard).

Unannounced Assignments

There will be announced and unannounced reading quizzes, homework-assignments, and group assignments. Students who do not attend class (and have no written documentation) will lose all points. Reading quizzes, homework assignments, and group assignments cannot be made up without reasonable excuses (see above).

Class Response Sheets

Every student is asked to submit up to 5 class response sheets during the semester. Please download the form here (plus: print it out five times and add it to your class folder). Response sheets must be submitted at the end of a class session. I do not accept late turn ins or turn ins by email.

Download response sheet (I will only accept answers that are given on this form)

Note

You are not allowed to turn in response sheets during the last week of class!

Response Time

Selected response sheets will be addressed at the beginning of each class. This procedure will help you and me to clarify problems, reflect on topics, and to find answers to questions that came up during last class.

Film Response Papers

Films shown in class will be accompanied by short writing assignments (300-650 words). I will let you know in connection with the material and the “flow” of the class whether it will indeed be accompanied by an assignment. The documentary and feature film selected for this class are all high quality films that will demand your attention and challenge your critical judgment. The assignment will be passed out in class. These assignments cannot be made up, unless you show medical documentation. Accordingly, if you do not come to class on “film days,” then you might lose the points for the assignment. Film assignments will be submitted via D2L dropbox.

Final Assignment

There will be a final take-home essay questions assignment. It is due on the day of the final exam via D2L dropbox.

Make-Up Assignments

Students who need to miss the exam or a film day for excusable reasons (medical+MSU related business) must inform me ahead of time, and will be permitted to make up the exam and film assignment. I will only accept written documentation.

Course Evaluation

Assignments

1 final take-home exam	20 points
6 film reaction papers	30 points
unannounced reading quizzes, homework assignments, and group assignments	25 points
5 response sheets (use form)	25 points
	——–
	100 points

Grading

4.0 (=A)	100 – 93
3.5	92 – 87
3 (=B)	86 – 82
2.5	81 – 77
2 (=C)	76 – 72
1.5	71 – 65
1.0 (=D)	64 – 60
0.0	< 60

GENERIC SYLLABUS (might not be applicable to each class)

 

Laptop/Cell Phone/Tablet Policy

You are not permitted to use laptops or cell phones in class, unless needed for medical reasons. Flat devices, such as tablets, are permitted  if you have purchased the literature required for class electronically. Please do not text under the table. Cell phones should be removed from tables. Failure to follow this policy will lead to unannounced assignments in class or to a lower grade (at the digression of the instructor).

Note on Cell Phones

Your cognitive capacity is significantly reduced when your smartphone is within reach — even if it’s off. That’s the takeaway finding from a new study from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Please also read this: Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?

Class Attendance

As mentioned above, I do not employ in my classes a class attendance policy. Having said this, you should be aware that class attendance is very important. When engaging in a philosophical and humanistic dialogue it is necessary to be an active and present participant in the ongoing discussion. If you miss class please do not email me asking if you missed anything important. Every class is important. You should get a study buddy for the class; a student in class who will inform you of what you missed. If you miss a class you can come to my office hours or make an appointment to discuss the material, providing you have read the material and you simply want to see if your understanding of the material is on target. Time in office hours will not be used to repeat the class lectures.

Grading Criteria + Paper Writing Tips

Check out this page for grading criteria, example of assignments, etc.

Online Research Sources

Unfortunately, some people think that the internet as such is a reliable source of information. If you decide to use online sources for additional information or your paper then do not just use one of the common internet search engines, such as Google; rather, use reliable academic sources, such as Britannica Online, or the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The Internet Ecyclopedia of Philosophy isn’t very good, but still acceptable. Check out MSU’s library resources! And, as with other sources, you must cite any online sources to which you refer in your essay.

Writing Center Information

MSU’s writing center offers excellent help on all matters regarding writing and learning. Check the website at http://writing.msu.edu for an overview and hours. For more information, please call 517.432.3610 or send an e-mail to writing@msu.edu.

Grief Absence Policy

I follow MSU’s general grief absence policy, which can be found here.

Integrity of Scholarship and Grades (Plagiarism)

The following statement of University policy addresses principles and procedures to be used in instances of academic dishonesty, violations of professional standards, and falsification of academic or admission records, herein after referred to as academic misconduct. [See General Student Regulation 1.00, Protection of Scholarship and Grades.]

Academic Honesty

Article 2.3.3 of the Academic Freedom Report states that “The student shares with the faculty the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional standards.” In addition, the (insert name of unit offering course) adheres to the policies on academic honesty as specified in General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and Grades; the all-University Policy on Integrity of Scholarship and Grades; and Ordinance 17.00, Examinations. (See Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide and/or the MSU Web site: www.msu.edu) Therefore, unless authorized by your instructor, you are expected to complete all course assignments, including homework, lab work, quizzes, tests and exams, without assistance from any source. You are expected to develop original work for this course; therefore, you may not submit course work completed for another course to satisfy the requirements for this course. Students who violate MSU rules may receive a penalty grade, including but not limited to a failing grade on the assignment or in the course. Contact your instructor if you are unsure about the appropriateness of your course work. (See also https://www.msu.edu/~ombud/)

Plagiarism, from the Ombudsman’s page

Plagiarism (from the Latin plagiarius, an abductor, and plagiare, to steal) is defined by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on Misconduct in Research (take that!) as “ . . . the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit.”

Accidental or Unintentional
One may not even know that they are plagiarizing.  It is the student’s responsibility to make certain that they understand the difference between quoting and paraphrasing, as well as the proper way to cite material.

Blatant
Here, students are well aware that they are plagiarizing.  Purposefully using someone else’s ideas or work without proper acknowledgment is plagiarism.  This includes turning in borrowed or bought research papers as one’s own.

Self
Turning in the same term paper (or substantially the same paper) for two courses without getting permission from one’s instructor is plagiarism.

The Spartan Code of Honor

Student leaders have recognized the challenging task of discouraging plagiarism from the
academic community. The Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) is proud to be launching the Spartan Code of Honor academic pledge, focused on valuing academic integrity and honest work ethics at Michigan State University. The pledge reads as follows:

“As a Spartan, I will strive to uphold values of the highest ethical standard. I will practice honesty in my work, foster honesty in my peers, and take pride in knowing that honor is worth more than grades. I will carry these values beyond my time as a student at Michigan State University, continuing the endeavor to build personal integrity in all that I do.”

The Spartan Code of Honor academic pledge embodies the principles of integrity that every Spartan is required to uphold in their time as a student, and beyond. The academic pledge was crafted with inspiration of existing individual college honor codes, establishing an overarching statement for the entire university. It was formally adopted by ASMSU on March 3, 2016, endorsed by Academic Governance on March 22, 2016, and recognized by the Provost, President, and Board of Trustees on April 15, 2016.

TurnItIn Policy

Consistent with MSU’s efforts to enhance student learning, foster honesty, and maintain integrity in our academic processes, instructors may use a tool in D2L called Turnitin OriginalityCheck to compare a student’s work with multiple sources. The tool compares each student’s work with an extensive database of prior publications and papers, providing links to possible matches and a “similarity score.” The tool does not determine whether plagiarism has occurred or not. Instead, the instructor must make a complete assessment and judge the originality of the student’s work. All submissions to this course may be checked using this tool. Students should submit assignments to be screened by OriginalityCheck without identifying information included in the assignment (e.g., the student’s name, PID, or NetID); the system will automatically show identifying information to the course faculty when viewing the submissions, but this information will not be retained by Turnitin.

SIRS Evaluations

Michigan State University takes seriously the opinion of students in the evaluation of the effectiveness of instruction and has implemented the Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS) to gather student feedback (https://sirsonline.msu.edu). This course utilizes the online SIRS system, and you will receive an e-mail during the last two weeks of class asking you to fill out the SIRS web form at your convenience. In addition, participation in the online SIRS system involves grade sequestration, which means that the final grade for this course will not be accessible on STUINFO during the week following the submission of grades for this course unless the SIRS online form has been completed. Alternatively, you have the option on the SIRS website to decline to participate in the evaluation of the course. We hope, however, that you will be willing to give us your frank and constructive feedback so that we may instruct students even better in the future. If you access the online SIRS website and complete the online SIRS form or decline to participate, you will receive the final grade in this course as usual once final grades are submitted.

Social Media and Sharing of Course Materials

As members of a learning community, students are expected to respect the intellectual property of course instructors. All course materials presented to students are the copyrighted property of the course instructor and are subject to the following conditions of use:

1. Students may record lectures or any other classroom activities and use the recordings only for their own course-related purposes.
2. Students may share the recordings with other students enrolled in the class. Sharing is limited to using the recordings only for their own course-related purposes.
3. Students may post the recordings or other course materials online or distribute them to anyone not enrolled in the class with the advance written permission of the course instructor and, if applicable, any students whose voice or image is included in the recordings.
4. Any student violating the conditions described above may face academic disciplinary sanctions.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities should contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities to establish reasonable accommodations. For an appointment with a counselor, call 353-9642 (voice) or 355-1293 (TTY)

Drops and Adds

The last day to add this course is the end of the first week of classes. The last day to drop this course with a 100 percent refund and no grade reported is (see Academic Calendar). The last day to drop this course with no refund and no grade reported is (see Academic Calendar). You should immediately make a copy of your amended schedule to verify you have added or dropped this course.

Note on Attendance

Students who fail to attend the first four class sessions or class by the fifth day of the semester, whichever occurs first, may be dropped from the course.

On & Off Campus 24 Hour Emergency Services:

National Suicide Prevention (Lifeline)
Collect Calls Accepted 24 Hours
1-800- 273-TALK (8255)

MSU Police Department
Emergency: 911
Business Line: (517) 355-2221

MSU Counseling Center Sexual Assault Program
(517) 372-6666

Community Mental Health
(800) 372-8460
(517) 346-8460

MSU Safe Place (Domestic Violence Shelter)
Crisis Line: (517) 355-1100

General information

Instructor

Here is more information about Prof. Lotz

Class Meetings

Days: MW
Time: 12:40 PM – 2 PM
Place: A 302 Wells Hall

Office

Phone: 517.355.4490 [dept.])
Place: 518 South Kedzie Hall
Hours: MW, 11am-12pm, and by appointment

Other Contact

E-mail: lotz@msu.edu
Home Phone: please ask
Webpage: https://christianlotz.wordpress.com

Box

You will find my box in the front office of the philosophy department (SK 503)

Schedule

Handouts

Here are the handouts that I passed out in class: Being— Negativity 1 — Negativity 2 — Bad Faith — Temporality— The For-Itself — Knowledge and the Look — Freedom 1 — Marxist Critical points — Materialism and Revolution

Introduction

Aug 30, Introduction
Meszaros, Phases of Sartre’s Development (distributed in class)
Gardner, Overview of Themes (distributed in class)

Sep 4, Labor Day
No class
Read
The Itinerary of a Thought (D2L)
Sartre at Seventy: An Interview (get it here)

Sep 6, Sartre as an Intellectual
Existentialism is a Humanism (only read the lecture)

Sep 11, Subjectivity and Action
Existentialism is a Humanism (only read the lecture)

Being and Nothingness

Sep 13, Being
Being and Nothingness, 3-33
Definitely study sections I+II

Sep 18, Being
Being and Nothingness, 3-33
Definitely study sections III+VI

Sep 20, Negation
Being and Nothingness, 33-56 (sections I+II+IV)

Sep 25, Negation
Being and Nothingness, 56-86 (section V)

Sep 27, Bad Faith
Being and Nothingness, 86-119
(jump over the passage in which S discusses psychoanalysis, pp.90-96)

Oct 2, Immediate Structures of the For-Itself
Being and Nothingness, 119-159 (sections I-III)

Oct 4, Temporality
Being and Nothingness, 159-187 (= section I, at least read up to p.175)

Oct 9, Knowledge and Others
Being and Nothingness, 238-249 and 301-315 and 340-360

Oct 11, The Look
Being and Nothingness, 360-401

Oct 16, Freedom and Action
Being and Nothingness, 559-591

Oct 18
No class
Read
Gordon, White and Black Bodies in Bad Faith (D2L) and Morris, Sartre on Objectification. A Feminist Perspective (D2L)
or
Sartre, Being and Nothingness, 734-765 (and ask yourself why Sartre’s concept of possession and appropriation would be critiziced by Marxists)

Oct 23, Freedom and Action
Being and Nothingness, 591-619

Oct 25, Freedom and Facticity
Being and Nothingness, 619-654
Presenter: Nicole

Oct 30,
no class

Nov 1,
no class

Nov 6, Freedom and Facticity
Being and Nothingness, 654-712
Presenter: Logan

From Existentialism to Existentialist Marxism

“Our comprehension of the Other is never contemplative; it is only a moment of our praxis, a way of living – in struggle or in complicity” (Sartre)

Nov 8, The Revolutionary
Materialism and Revolution (D2L)
Presenter: Brett

Nov 13, Marxism and Existentialism
Search for a Method, ch.1, 3-35
Presenter: Bethany

Nov 15, Marxism and Existentialism
Search for a Method, ch.2, 35-85
Presenter: Danielle

Nov 20, Progressive-Regressive Method
Search for a Method, ch.3, 85-124
Presenter: John L

Nov 22
No class

Nov 27, Conclusions
Search for a Method, ch.3, 124-167
Presenter: Greg

Political Existentialism

“And this too is genocide: you cut a sovereign state into two parts; you occupy one of the two halves, and rule there by terror; you ruin the enterprise achieved at such a price by the other half and, by means of calculated investments, you keep it nicely at heel.” (Sartre)

Nov 29, Class and Party
France: Masses, Spontaneity, Party (D2L)
On Maoism (D2L)
The Maoists in France (D2L)
Presenter: Sean

Watch some background material on the 1968 situation in France: [here] and [here] and [here] and [here]

Dec 4, The Falsohood of Liberal Democracy
Elections: A Trap for Fools (D2L)
Preface to Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth (D2L)
Vietnam: Imperialism and Genocide (D2L)
Presenter: Charlie

Background: read Mohandesi’s comments on Kevin Burns’ new PBS documentary on the Vietnam War in Jacobin [here]; background material on Fanon by Lewis Gordon [here]; the Vietnam Tribunal [here]; a look back at the Russell Tribunal [here]; Agent Orange that killed almost half a million of Vietnames [here]; a recent NYT report on the Dark Shadow of Agent Orange [here]; also check Gabriel Rockhill on how to think about violence critically in the context of the Antifa [here] and [here] and [here, fast forward to min 16]

Dec 6, Wrap Up
Justice and the State

Dec 12, (day of final exam)
Final paper due by Dec 12 at 12:45pm via D2L dropbox

 

Course Description

“Everything is political; that is, everything questions society as a whole and ends up disputing it.” (Sartre)

This is a 400-level course in philosophy and, as such, contains difficult material and requires mature students. If you are not willing to study dense written material, listen to unusual lectures, and discuss ideas in an organized fashion, then you should not take this class. This class though can be taken by students without prior knowledge in continental philosophy. In any case, you should not take this class if you are not an avid reader.

Course Goals

This class should students help to understand

• the overall structure of the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre
• Sartrean key concepts, such as freedom, responsibility, bad faith, existentialist Marxism, and political existentialism
• how to read major works of philosophy

Note

Students should be aware of the fact that this course is based on difficult texts. Accordingly, this class requires self-responsible learners and an intense confrontation with the primary text. Accordingly, if you are not excited about the prospect of a daily confrontation with abstract and historical reflections, then you should not take this class. This class is not based on a set of fixed knowledge and, as such, is not based on a behavioral idea of education; rather, we will try to learn together and critically examine the material. The instructor of this class does not have anything to teach, but much to learn.

Required Texts

• Sartre, Being and Nothingness
• Sartre, Search for a Method
• Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism
• additional pdfs of essays related to politics, violence, Fanon, revolutionary Marxism, and colonialism will be made available via D2L

No digital editions, please! Material on D2L should be printed out

Highly Recommended Companion For this Class

• Flynn, Thomas, Sartre. A Philosophical Biography, Cambridge University Press 2014
• McBride, William L., Sartre’s Political Theory, Bloomington: Indiana University Press 1991

Course Requirements

• daily reading and studying
• oral presentation (might be a group presentation)
• 1 final paper
• homework assignments and spontaneous assignments in class; unannounced reading quizzes
• participation

Note

The class and my lectures are solely based on the texts selected for class and require a thorough study and preparation of the material. I will primarily lecture on the readings, which will help you to more fully understand the texts. Therefore it is not sufficient for students to come to class without having prepared the texts. And indeed, in the assignments you have to demonstrate whether you have appropriately prepared the readings selected for each lecture.

Note

Every academic misconduct, such as plagiarism, will – without exception – lead to a failing grade in class. Check the Ombudsman’s page (see also note below on plagiarism):  https://www.msu.edu/~ombud/

Attendance

To get a good grade in this class, regular attendance is required. I will not call roll. Hence, it is up to you to come to class or not.However, if you do not come to class on a regular basis and participate in the class discussion, it is impossible for you to achieve a good grade in this class; so coming to class is your responsibility and your call. If you choose to attend class, please come on time, turn off cell phones and other electronic devices that interfere with your (and others’) concentration, have the reading prepared and be ready to participate. If you are not prepared, do not bother showing up. It is a sign of disrespect to your peers and the instructor to attend class unprepared. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes from a fellow student and to catch up on reading. Nevertheless, please be aware that you should not make me responsible for a failure that results out of your decision. You should be aware that chances to master this class are minimal, if you do not show up for class or if you do not prepare the readings (=studying)

Oral Presentation (overview of assigned reading)

Each student has to prepare one oral presentation for class. The presentation should cover the reading for class. The presentation should contain [a] a list of main points and claims, [b] concepts that are unclear, [c] intelligent questions about the readings. You should distribute a handout.

Reading Quizzes

Given recent negative experience with student’s unwillingness to read and study primary material, I might assign reading quizzes. Questions might be passed out in advance, but probably will not be passed out in advance. Quizzes cannot be made up (except in cases mentioned below).

Homework Assignments

From time to time I might send out via email weekend homework assignments; usually a short writing prompt in relation to either lecture or video material online, or in relation to our readings. Given that these homework assignments are always due on Mondays, I will not accept late turn-ins. There is plenty of time for you to respond to the task, given that I usually send this out on time.

Unannounced Assignments

There might be – from time to time – spontaneously assigned group assignments in class. Students who do not attend class (and have no medical documentation) will lose all points.

Make-Up Assignments

Students who need to miss assignments for excusable reasons, such as a death in their families, MSU related business, emergency weather conditions, or medical reasons, must inform me ahead of time, and will be permitted to make up assignments. I will only accept official doctor notes (no faxes, no emails) or letters from other professors. Unfortunately I am unable to accept any other reasons than those mentioned.

Course Evaluation

Assignments

1 final paper	50 points
participation	20 points
Homework assignments and unannounced reading quizzes and group assignments	20 points
oral presentation	20 points
handout for oral presentation	10 points
	——–
	100 points

Grading

4.0 (=A)	100 – 93
3.5	92 – 87
3 (=B)	86 – 82
2.5	81 – 77
2 (=C)	76 – 72
1.5	71 – 65
1.0 (=D)	64 – 60
0.0	< 60

GENERIC SYLLABUS (might not be applicable to each class)

Laptop/Cell Phone/Tablet Policy

You are not permitted to use laptops or cell phones in class, unless needed for medical reasons. Flat devices, such as tablets, are permitted  if you have purchased the literature required for class electronically. Please do not text under the table. Cell phones should be removed from tables. Failure to follow this policy will lead to unannounced assignments in class or loss of points (at the digression of the instructor).

Note on Cell Phones

Your cognitive capacity is significantly reduced when your smartphone is within reach — even if it’s off. That’s the takeaway finding from a new study from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin.

Class Attendance

As mentioned above, I do not employ in my classes a class attendance policy. Having said this, you should be aware that class attendance is very important. When engaging in a philosophical and humanistic dialogue it is necessary to be an active and present participant in the ongoing discussion. If you miss class please do not email me asking if you missed anything important. Every class is important. You should get a study buddy for the class; a student in class who will inform you of what you missed. If you miss a class you can come to my office hours or make an appointment to discuss the material, providing you have read the material and you simply want to see if your understanding of the material is on target. Time in office hours will not be used to repeat the class lectures.

Grading Criteria + Paper Writing Tips

Check out this page for grading criteria, example of assignments, etc.

Online Research Sources

Unfortunately, some people think that the internet as such is a reliable source of information. If you decide to use online sources for additional information or your paper then do not just use one of the common internet search engines, such as Google; rather, use reliable academic sources, such as Britannica Online, or the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The Internet Ecyclopedia of Philosophy isn’t very good, but still acceptable. Check out MSU’s library resources! And, as with other sources, you must cite any online sources to which you refer in your essay.

Writing Center Information

MSU’s writing center offers excellent help on all matters regarding writing and learning. Check the website at http://writing.msu.edu for an overview and hours. For more information, please call 517.432.3610 or send an e-mail to writing@msu.edu.

Grief Absence Policy

I follow MSU’s general grief absence policy, which can be found here.

Integrity of Scholarship and Grades (Plagiarism)

The following statement of University policy addresses principles and procedures to be used in instances of academic dishonesty, violations of professional standards, and falsification of academic or admission records, herein after referred to as academic misconduct. [See General Student Regulation 1.00, Protection of Scholarship and Grades.]

Academic Honesty

Article 2.3.3 of the Academic Freedom Report states that “The student shares with the faculty the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional standards.” In addition, the (insert name of unit offering course) adheres to the policies on academic honesty as specified in General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and Grades; the all-University Policy on Integrity of Scholarship and Grades; and Ordinance 17.00, Examinations. (See Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide and/or the MSU Web site: www.msu.edu) Therefore, unless authorized by your instructor, you are expected to complete all course assignments, including homework, lab work, quizzes, tests and exams, without assistance from any source. You are expected to develop original work for this course; therefore, you may not submit course work completed for another course to satisfy the requirements for this course. Students who violate MSU rules may receive a penalty grade, including but not limited to a failing grade on the assignment or in the course. Contact your instructor if you are unsure about the appropriateness of your course work. (See also https://www.msu.edu/~ombud/)

Plagiarism, from the Ombudsman’s page

Plagiarism (from the Latin plagiarius, an abductor, and plagiare, to steal) is defined by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on Misconduct in Research (take that!) as “ . . . the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit.”

Accidental or Unintentional
One may not even know that they are plagiarizing.  It is the student’s responsibility to make certain that they understand the difference between quoting and paraphrasing, as well as the proper way to cite material.

Blatant
Here, students are well aware that they are plagiarizing.  Purposefully using someone else’s ideas or work without proper acknowledgment is plagiarism.  This includes turning in borrowed or bought research papers as one’s own.

Self
Turning in the same term paper (or substantially the same paper) for two courses without getting permission from one’s instructor is plagiarism.

The Spartan Code of Honor

Student leaders have recognized the challenging task of discouraging plagiarism from the
academic community. The Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) is proud to be launching the Spartan Code of Honor academic pledge, focused on valuing academic integrity and honest work ethics at Michigan State University. The pledge reads as follows:

“As a Spartan, I will strive to uphold values of the highest ethical standard. I will practice honesty in my work, foster honesty in my peers, and take pride in knowing that honor is worth more than grades. I will carry these values beyond my time as a student at Michigan State University, continuing the endeavor to build personal integrity in all that I do.”

The Spartan Code of Honor academic pledge embodies the principles of integrity that every Spartan is required to uphold in their time as a student, and beyond. The academic pledge was crafted with inspiration of existing individual college honor codes, establishing an overarching statement for the entire university. It was formally adopted by ASMSU on March 3, 2016, endorsed by Academic Governance on March 22, 2016, and recognized by the Provost, President, and Board of Trustees on April 15, 2016.

SIRS Evaluations

Michigan State University takes seriously the opinion of students in the evaluation of the effectiveness of instruction and has implemented the Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS) to gather student feedback (https://sirsonline.msu.edu). This course utilizes the online SIRS system, and you will receive an e-mail during the last two weeks of class asking you to fill out the SIRS web form at your convenience. In addition, participation in the online SIRS system involves grade sequestration, which means that the final grade for this course will not be accessible on STUINFO during the week following the submission of grades for this course unless the SIRS online form has been completed. Alternatively, you have the option on the SIRS website to decline to participate in the evaluation of the course. We hope, however, that you will be willing to give us your frank and constructive feedback so that we may instruct students even better in the future. If you access the online SIRS website and complete the online SIRS form or decline to participate, you will receive the final grade in this course as usual once final grades are submitted.

Social Media and Sharing of Course Materials

As members of a learning community, students are expected to respect the intellectual property of course instructors. All course materials presented to students are the copyrighted property of the course instructor and are subject to the following conditions of use:

1. Students may record lectures or any other classroom activities and use the recordings only for their own course-related purposes.
2. Students may share the recordings with other students enrolled in the class. Sharing is limited to using the recordings only for their own course-related purposes.
3. Students may post the recordings or other course materials online or distribute them to anyone not enrolled in the class with the advance written permission of the course instructor and, if applicable, any students whose voice or image is included in the recordings.
4. Any student violating the conditions described above may face academic disciplinary sanctions.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities should contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities to establish reasonable accommodations. For an appointment with a counselor, call 353-9642 (voice) or 355-1293 (TTY)

Drops and Adds

The last day to add this course is the end of the first week of classes. The last day to drop this course with a 100 percent refund and no grade reported is (see Academic Calendar). The last day to drop this course with no refund and no grade reported is (see Academic Calendar). You should immediately make a copy of your amended schedule to verify you have added or dropped this course.

Note on Attendance

Students who fail to attend the first four class sessions or class by the fifth day of the semester, whichever occurs first, may be dropped from the course.