OUTCOMES-BASED COURSE SYLLABUS

PROGRAM BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

COURSE CODE PSE 107
COURSE TITLE POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
COURSE COMPONENT POLITICAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE
PRE-REQUISITE PSE 106 Social Psychology
CREDIT 3.0 UNITS
TIME ALLOTMENT 3 HOURS PER WEEK
TERM FIRST SEMESTER

I. VISION OF TMC

A model institution with fully developed academic, technical- vocational education and
skill of man power with positive work attitudes anchored in the core values of
leadership and professionalism essential in the creation of self- reliant citizens.

II. MISSION OF TMC

To build well- trained professionals, competent and employable individual that will
meet the demands in the local and international market.

III. INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

After going through with the course standards and policies of Trinidad Municipal College, the
students shall be able to:

 Acquire knowledge and information, work skills and work ethics essentials for making an
intelligent choice of an occupation;
 Broaden and heighten one’s appreciation for the arts, the sciences and technology for
maximizing one’s potentials for self – fulfilment and for promoting the welfare of others;
 Acquire knowledge of human culture and the natural world of science, social sciences,
mathematics, humanities, arts and other disciplines.
 Equipped with intellectual and practical skills and have civic responsibility and
engagement; ethical reasoning; intercultural knowledge and actions; propensity for
lifelong learning.

IV. PROGRAM GOALS

V. PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Students in the discipline must exhibit the following competencies at the end of the
undergraduate program. Graduates should be able to:

 Compare, contrast and classify the major concept in the discipline

 Recognize and define the distinctiveness of the discipline, its subfields, theories and
methods
  Design and execute research inquiries using appropriate quantitative and qualitative
methods guided by theories or conceptual frameworks.
 Demonstrate written, visual and oral presentation skills to produce and present analytical
reports
 Critique, judge and respond to current issues and problems based on a substantive
understanding of the historical and contemporary developments in the national and
global contexts
 Develop a predisposition towards ethical political involvement and practice in various
forms and on different levels of engagement.

VI. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, the students are able to:

KNOWLEDGE

Understand the different principles and theories of major political theorists

SKILLS

To use the different principles and theories of major political theorists

ATTITUDE

Understand the importance of principles and theories of major political theorists, in

leading a group or society and for self- development.

Holistically define political philosophy

VII. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the semester, a student completing this course should be able to:

KNOWLEDGE
 Define what political philosophy is
 Understand the origin of philosophy
 Understand what political philosophy is.
 Understand the foundations of utilitarianism
 Understand the Formal theory
 Understand the Value theory
 Understand Mill’s harm principle
 Understand the Lockean themes: modes of ownership
 Understand Nozick’s theory of entitlement
 Know what express consent is
 Define Hypothetical consent and hypothetical contract
 Define Quasi-consent
 Know what is Tacit consent
 Understand what direct and representative democracy is
 Understand what democracy and majority tyranny is
 Understand John Rawls’s theory of justice
  Understand the principles of justice

SKILLS
 Identify Anarchism and communitarianism
 Determine the Nature of politics
 Know the methods of ethics and political philosophy
 Identify the origin of political philosophy

ATTITUDE
 Identify the benefits of good government
 Understand the principle of fairness

VIII. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course aims to impart knowledge of principles in order for them to holistically define
what political philosophy is. Also this course aims to explain the different theories which
are relevant in the field of political science.

IX. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Attendance 10%
Class Participation 10%
Quizzes 15%
Individual/ Group Activities- 10%
Academic Paper- 15%
Major Examination- 40%
TOTAL: 100%

a. Class attendance
The maximum number allowed absences from class shall be twenty percent (20%) of the
prescribed number of class periods for the given term. Absences, however, due to
sickness and other legitimate reasons will be excused, provided a medical certificate
issued by a government Physicians or designated School Physician is presented to the
instructor concerned. Being excused, the student will be given make- up lesson or
assignment for the missed work. A student who incurs unexcused absences of more than
twenty percent (20%) of the prescribed number of classes or laboratory periods during
the school year or term should be given a failing grade or given no credit for the course.
b. Class Participation

For the class participation, each student must always come to class prepared for the
assigned readings and discussion on the day. This course heavily draws on the reading
materials. The readings are primary sources of students to fully grasp the basic
understanding of the topic to be discussed in class. Lectures and lecture notes are
secondary only. Students are discouraged to rely on these secondary sources alone
(listening in class and suing lecture notes) to pass the course.
c. Quizzes
 At the end of each topic, there will be quiz to test the level of understanding of each
student on the assigned readings. In addition to lectures and lecture notes, mistakes in
the quizzes are also considered as secondary source of knowledge in this course. Students
are therefore encouraged to take note of and learn from their mistakes in the quiz.

d. Individual/ Group Activities

Individual/ Group activities allows students to have experience in collaborating with other
members in group or in class. Students are grouped according to drawn slots.

e. Academic Paper
The class project will make 15% grade of each student. The criteria/ rubric for grading the
class project are as follows:

a. Punctuality 20% Submitting on time

b. Content 65 % detailed presentation of the topics
c. Neatness 15% how the output is presented
Total 100 %
f. Major Examination
Aside from quizzes and tests, four major examinations are given. These are Preliminary
Examination, Midterm Examination, Semi- Final Examination, and Final Examination.

X. GRADING SYSTEM
In general, the college applies numerical grading system in rating the academic
performance of the students. This numerical grading system has corresponding indication
and percentage equivalent as follows:

Adjectival Rating Numerical Rating Percentage

Excellent 1.0- 1.09 95- 100 %
Very Good 1.10- 1.50 90- 94 %
Good 1.51- 2.50 80- 89%
Passed 2.51- 3.00 75- 79%
Failed 3.01- 5.00 Below 74%
Grading Standard:

Attendance 10%
Class Participation 10%
Quizzes 15%
Individual/ Group Project 10%
Academic Paper 15%
Major Examination 40%
TOTAL 100%

XI. CLASS POLICIES

Policies for the Students:
1) During the first week, the class should assign a Class Beadle. The class beadle is responsible in
coordinating with the instructor regarding class announcements and other communications.
He/ She will make sure that all lights are turned off and blackboard is cleaned at the end of
every meeting. Also, he/she will help the Instructor in making sure that all students will have
the copy of the required readings for each topic. Lastly, he/she will represent the class on all
issues related to the course.
2) The class should have a Google class and Facebook group accounts. All announcements and
other important matters (e.g. uploading questionnaires for take- home quizzes, papers;
announcement regarding schedules; class standing updates and the likes shall be made
through Facebook group account.
3) Reading materials will be sent in the Google Classrooms.
4) Class attendance will be checked at the second bell. Students who will arrive after the second
bell are considered late. Upon entering the classroom, the late student should make sure that
the instructor is informed about his/ her tardiness (to be marked as “late” instead of an
“absent”, in the class attendance). The Instructor will always rely on the class record when it
comes to class attendance. Three (3) tardiness will be recorded as one cut. A student who
incurs more than six (6) cuts will automatically get a W grade (or be considered as dropped).
Only the Dean’s Listers are entitled to unlimited number of cuts.
5) Any student who fails to attend the class should see the Instructor with a Medical Certificate
and/or a Letter from a Guardian. Failure to bring any of these will automatically extinguish
the appeal to be excused from class.
6) An excused cut only entitles a student to request a make-up exam or brief lecture from the
instructor. An excused cut is still a cut.
7) Each student is encouraged to participate every meeting or class recitation. Everyone is
invited to air his or her views or understanding about the subject matter discussed in class.
8) Students are expected to bring the syllabus and assigned readings every meeting. Students
not having any of these materials in class will be marked absent.
9) Students are expected to be attentive always in class. A student who is caught doing
something (i.e., reading books or journal articles from other subjects, browsing the net,
making unnecessary noise in the class and the likes that is NOT related to the course will be
marked absent.
10) Each student should get his her own quiz notebook (blue book) for the semester. Failure to
bring his her blue book on quiz day will automatically get a ten- point deduction (in quiz).
11) During the quiz and major examination, all things should be placed in front of the classroom.
12) Each student should refrain from using his or her mobile phone or other entertainment/
communication devices while in class. Laptops or any electronic devices used for taking down
notes are allowed in the classroom.
13) Any form of academic dishonesty will be dealt accordingly (see the TMC Student manual).
Any student who is suspected to have committed cheating will be requested to see the
Instructor in the Department. The student will be given the chance to air his or her side.
14) Students should at all times treat their Instructor and classmates with courtesy and respect.
 15) Each student should avoid going out of the room during class hours.
16) Food and drinks are allowed inside the classroom. Provided that he/ she will clean his/ her
desk after class.

Policies for the Instructor

1) The instructor must always be present every meeting. The Instructor will inform the class
(through the e- group or class beadle) if the Instructor fails to attend class for the day.
2) At the start of the meeting, the Instructor is expected to discuss the contents in the syllabus.
3) The Instructor should try his/ her best to return the quiz notebook (blue book) or take home
exams a week before the next quiz. Any questions, clarifications or comments about the quiz
should be communicated to the instructor either by seeing him personally after the class or
writing him/ her thru email or thru class beadle. Failure to do so, within that day,
automatically extinguishes the student’s right to inform the Instructor about his/ her
questions, clarifications or comments regarding the quiz.
4) The instructor should inform the class about the coverage of the major exams.
5) The Instructor’s lecture notes should be uploaded at least a day before the quiz.
6) The instructor should always make sure that he/ she is available for consultation. The
student’s right to consult with the Instructor should be respected at all times. Students may
also request for a tutorial session depending on the schedule or availability of the Instructor.
7) The instructor may inform each student about his/ her class standing (upon request). Any
student who starts to exhibit poor performance in class (quizzes, etc.) will be informed
immediately.
8) The Instructor is discouraged to go out of the room during class hours.

XII. LEARNING PLAN

DESIRED LEARNING CONTENTS/ TOPICS OUTCOMES- ASSESSMENT RESOURCES TIMETABLE

OUTCOMES (DLO) BASED OF LEARNING
TEACHING OUTCOMES
WEEKS TERM
LEARNING
(OBTL)
1. Define what is >What Philosophy Discussion with Oral recitation, Political 1 PRELIM
political Is oral recitation Quizzes Philosophy:
philosophy Reporting An
2. Understand the Final introduction
origin of Examination
>The Origin of by: Richard G. 1-2
philosophy Academic
3. Determine the Philosophy Paper Stevens.
Nature of
politics Pages 3-99
4. Identify the 2-3
origin of >The Nature of
political Politics
philosophy

3-4
>The Origin of
Political
Philosophy
8. Identify the Chapter 1: Discussion with Oral recitation, Political 1-2 MIDTERM
methods of Introduction: The oral recitation Quizzes Philosophy by:
ethics and methods of ethics Reporting Dudley
political and political Final Knowles
philosophy Examination
philosophy
Academic
9. Define Paper Pages:
Political Political 1-22(Chapter
philosophy philosophy 1);
10. Determine Chapter 2 Pages:23- 68 2-3
The Utilitarianism: (Chapter 2)
foundations of Pages: 69- 129
utilitarianism The foundations (Chapter 3)
11. Understand of utilitarianism
the Formal
theory Utilitarian political
12. Understand philosophy
the Value Chapter 3: 3-4
theory Liberty
13. Understand
Isaiah Berlin: Introduction
negative and
positive The value of
liberty freedom
14. Learn the
republican Free states and
theory of free citizens
freedom
15. Know The
value of
freedom
16. Understand
Mill’s harm
principle

19. Know the Chapter 4: Rights Discussion with Oral recitation, Political 1-2 SEMIFINALS
Lockean oral recitation Quizzes Philosophy by:
themes: Introduction Reporting Dudley
modes of Final Knowles
Examination
ownership Analysis and Pages: 133- 176
Academic
20. Understand definition (Chapter 4)
Paper
Nozick’s 177- 238
theory of The justification of (Chapter 5)
entitlement rights
21. Understand Chapter 5: 2-4
John Rawls’s Distributive Justice
theory of
justice Entitlement

Human needs

John Rawls’s
theory of justice
23. Define Chapter 6: Discussion with Oral recitation, Political 1-2 FINALS
Anarchism Political obligation oral recitation Quizzes Philosophy by:
Reporting
 and The problems Final Dudley
communitaria Examination Knowles
nism Anarchism and Academic
24. Know what is communitarianism Paper Pages:239-
Express 298 (Chapter
consent Consent and 6):
25. Determine contract 299- 342
Hypothetical (Chapter 7)
consent and The benefits of
hypothetical good government
contract Chapter 7: 3-4
26. Define Quasi- Democracy
consent
27. Define Tacit Rousseau:
consent freedom, equality
28. Identify the and the general
benefits of will
good
government Direct and
29. Understand representative
the principle democracy
of fairness
30. Understand Democracy and
Rousseau: majority tyranny
freedom,
equality and Democracy,
the general deliberation and
will disagreement
31. Identify Direct
and
representative
democracy
32. Identify
Democracy
and majority
tyranny

XIII. REFERENCES

Political Philosophy: An introduction by: Richard G. Stevens.

Political Philosophy by: Dudley Knowles

Prepared by: Recommending Approval Approved by:

YADAH BETHEL E. PURACAN

________________ ___________________ _________________
Faculty Program Chair/ College Administrator
College Department Head