In this session, we’ll welcome you to our course and scheme for the semester ahead. We have three learning goals for today. By the end of our lecture class, you will:
- Distinguish between psychological and philosophical approaches to questions about happiness, and appreciate the practical importance of this distinction
- Understand the overall structure and learning goals for this course.
- Understand basic course norms, and set some goals for our work together this semester.
Read This:
This is where daily readings (to be completed before class) will be displayed. Before our first meeting:
- Take time to review the “Course Policies” via the “Home” page of Canvas before we meet. Bring any questions you have about these to class.
- Familiarize yourself with the the whole course website and the Canvas page (just click around a bit).
Primary Reading (you should also read and think about this): The Experience Machine (a “Digital Essay” based on a text by Robert Nozick)
Secondary Reading: Typically, in this section, you’ll be directed to read a short (2-3 page) article to read before class. Today, there is no short piece to complete in addition to today’s readings. This will give you time to click around this site and our canvas page to explore the course’s structure and content.
Do This:
After you’ve finished today’s reading, make sure you complete the reading quiz, which you can access through our Canvas page.
Remember, you are responsible for preparing all work in this class. This means that you need to familiarize yourself with its resources, record deadlines for assignments that are posted on (and due through) Canvas, and bring any questions you have to your instructor or your TA.
