Print out the syllabus (PDF format).
texts

There is one required text, available at the NYU Bookstore:

  • Knowledge: Readings in Contemporary Epistemology, edited by Sven Bernecker and Fred Dretske

Some readings not in the Bernecker and Dretske (B&D) are available on the web. We may occasionally distribute articles in class for you to read. See the list of readings for details.

 
grading

You must complete all of the following requirements to pass the course.

Tentative requirements:

  1. Two writing assignments. (20%, 30%)
  2. In-class mid-term. (20%)
  3. Final exam. (30%)

For some of you this will be your first experience with philosophical writing. We will discuss what we expect in your writing as the date of the first assignment approaches. If you want to get a head start, take a look at Jim Pryor's excellent set of guidelines on writing a philosophy paper, which describes not only how to write your paper, but also what we will look for in grading it.

policies
  • While class attendance is not technically required, it will be very difficult to get a passing grade without coming to class. A good portion of the material we will cover is either not in or not explicit in the readings.

  • Class participation will influence borderline grades. There’s a big gap between a B (3.0) and a B+ (3.3). You’d be surprised how often grades wind up in the border region…

  • Lateness is bad, very bad. No late work will be accepted. If an emergency prevents you from turning in your paper at the beginning of class on the due date, please bring us a letter from your advisor explaining why you were unable to meet the deadline.

  • It should go without saying that violation of the code of academic integrity is a serious matter. Any work that is submitted as your own but written in whole or in part by someone else is plagiarism. Plagiarism results in an F for the course and is subject to further disciplinary action.