Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
I. Course Prefix/Number: PHL 230
Course Name: Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
Credits: 3 (3 lecture; 0 lab)
III. Course (Catalog) Description
IV. Learning Objectives
A. Analyze and evaluate some core theories and arguments of key philosophers active during the ancient and medieval periods.
B. Identify basic lines of influence between philosophers of subsequent historical periods.
C. Explain how basic philosophical questions are asked and answered differently in distinct historical and cultural contexts.
D. Explain the central role of Islamic and Jewish philosophy for the continuity of the Western tradition.
E. Discuss and evaluate both orally and in writing the answers to the basic philosophical questions asked during this period.
F. Discuss and evaluate both orally and in writing the implications of these philosophical positions to the enduring ethical questions of human life.
G. Exhibit values related to teamwork and collaboration, fostered by the pedagogy of shared-inquiry and critical dialogue appropriate to the humanities and philosophy.
V. Academic Integrity
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Sequence of Topics
I. Pre-Socratic Philosophy (≈ pre-450 BCE)
a. Linking Greek philosophy to intellectual currents in eastern Mediterranean (mathematical and astronomical traditions in Egypt and Mesopotamian civilizations; Persian influences and function as a connection between Greece and India).
e. Protagoras (or other Sophists)
II. Classical Age of Greek Philosophy (450—300 BCE)
III. Hellenistic Philosophy (300 BCE—200 CE)
b. Zeno of Citium
c. Pyrrho of Elis & Sextus Empiricus
d. Philo of Alexandria
IV. Philosophy in Late Antiquity (200—500 CE)
b. Clement of Alexandria
e. Celsus (Against the Christians)
f. Augustine of Hippo
V. Medieval Philosophy: Early Period (500—900 CE)
b. Al Kindi
c. Al Farabi
d. Hildegard von Bingen
e. Isaac Israeli
VI. Medieval Philosophy: Middle Period (900-1200 CE)
a. Al Ghazali
b. Solomon ibn Gabriol
e. Ibn Rushd
f. Moses ben Maimon
VII. Medieval Philosophy: Late Period (1200-1400 CE)
c. Robert Grosseteste
d. Roger Bacon
e. Levi ben Gershon
f. Ibn Taymiyah
g. Ibn Khaldun
h. William of Ockham
i. Catherine of Siena
VII. Methods of Instruction
• Small group work
• Student presentations and debates
• Guest speakers
• Field trips may be required
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII. Course Practices Required
• Standards for written work
• Final Project
• Special policies about make-up exams, late papers, or other matters of concern
IX. Instructional Materials
• Text: VARIES BY INSTRUCTOR
• Various selections from Arab and Jewish medieval thinkers. (Many of the works of this period are available on the Web.)
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
A. Quizzes/Exams……40 points
B. Essays……40 points
C. Final project with oral presentation……10 points
D. Attendance and participation………10 points
E. Grading scale: 90-100, A…….80-89, B………70-79, C……….60-69……..D
XI. Other Course Information
• Office and office hours:
• Email and website:
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.