|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Philosophy
(High School Elective)
Nature of the course: The course will consist of three sections that center around: (1) the film series "How Should We Then Live?"; (2) the book Understanding the Times; and (3) additional readings.
Materials:
Required:
"How Should We Then Live?" film series. This may be borrowed from a church library, or it can be purchased from Christian Book Distributors (www.christianbook.com) for about $80.00.
Understanding the Times (Abridged edition) by David Noebel. This is available from Association of Christian Schools International or Summit Ministries (www.christiananswers.net/summit/sumhome.html)
Supplementary:
Francis Schaeffer. How Should We Then Live? (the book)
Books listed below in section 3.
Requirements:
1. Notebook. The student will keep a notebook in which to answer questions and complete the assignments. This notebook can be kept on the computer. See note under "Section 2" for special instructions.
2. Film viewing. The student will view all ten films in the film series.
3. Reading. The student will read Understanding the Times, as well as books or articles assigned by the teacher.
4. Test. There will be one comprehensive test over Understanding the Times. This test will consist of filling in a blank chart (see page vi) on "Four Western Worldview Models" and answering questions selected from the quiz and discussion questions the student has written during the reading of the text.
5. Book reports. The student will write reports on all books or articles that are assigned to be read.
To the Teacher: You should read over the course schedule carefully prior to beginning the class. This class is designed for minimum teacher input. However, you should view the films with the student if you have not seen them recently. If you choose you may discuss the questions on the films orally with the student rather than having the student write them out in the notebook. The notes on the films are to introduce the films or supplement the discussion. Ideally, you should also read along with the student in Understanding the Times. Adjustments can be made to the schedule as needed. You can decide on the daily schedule. The section on the film series can be completed in as little as ten school days, but it might be better to take two days on each film. Likewise with the section on Understanding the Times, each session can be covered in one or two days, or even more if necessary.
Course Schedule
Section 1: "How Should We Then Live?" (Film Series)
Introduction
1. If possible read a biographical sketch of Francis Schaeffer.
2. Note the following:
a. Schaeffer was an American, most of adult life spent in Switzerland. Authored 25 books on philosophy, apologetics, biblical studies, culture. First book published at age 53. Died in 1984.
b. Film series came out in 1977 (now dated at points). Based on book by same name.
c. Film series is analysis of western culture especially in relation to Christian worldview. (We are called to live in world without being part of world. If we want to communicate with our culture, we must understand it.) May appear to be so broad as to be superficial. This has often been complaint. Reading his books, however, it is clear he had a very complete knowledge of history and culture.
Session 1 - The Roman Age
1. Read "Author's Note" and pages 19-20 in Schaeffer's book, How Should We Then Live?
2. View film #1.
3. The problem Schaeffer presents: the dilemma of social breakdown and violence leading to authoritarianism which limits freedom. Answer approached through consideration of past.
4. Answer the following in notebook:
5. Note that Schaeffer establishes some themes here that will carry through the series:
a. Any philosophy of life that begins with autonomous man ultimately leads to societal breakdown and authoritarianism.
b. Only satisfactory basis for life, morals, and values must be found starting outside of man.
c. What people think determines how they act.
d. One's worldview (individually and societally) affects all of life; thus it is reflected in arts, entertainment, literature, government, etc.
Session 2 - The Middle Ages
1. View film #2.
2. Answer the following:
3. Note Schaeffer's analysis of Aquinas: Schaeffer's says Aquinas had incomplete view of fall--Fallen will, not fallen intellect. This gave man degree of autonomy (literally meaning, "self-law) ability to reason his way to ultimate truth, reasoning from particulars to ultimate reality or absolutes.
Session 3 - The Renaissance
1. View film #3.
2. Note:
a. Renaissance = Rebirth
b. Art reflects culture. This is especially true of Renaissance.
c. Renaissance: 1300s to 1600. Began in Italy. Reformation: Began 1517.
d. Schaeffer's treatment of Renaissance differs from many others. Much more negative. e. Renaissance sets forth the fundamental conflict of history: God-centered vs. man-centered view of life.
3. Answer:
Session 4 - The Reformation
1. View film #4.
2. Answer:
Session 5 - The Revolutionary Age
1. View Film #5.
2. Answer the following:
Session 6 - The Scientific Age
1. View Film #6.
2. Answer the following:
Session 7 - The Age of Non-Reason
1. View Film #7.
2. Note: Schaeffer argues that what he discusses here is the key to understanding dominant thought forms of modern man. Reason beginning with autonomous man led to man being essentially a machine. Yet man cannot live like a machine. This led to the "leap" into non-reason as a means of giving meaning to man's existence (existentialism).
3. Answer:
Session 8 - The Age of Fragmentation
1. Ravi Zacharias has said that philosophy enters society/culture at three levels.
Academic level: through the teaching of logic and theory
Popular level: through drama, literature, and music
Practical level: through kitchen table discussion
Film #8 deals with level 2 and confronts us with weirdness of some of the attempts to communicate existential philosophy through various media. Somewhat dated, but points he makes are relevant.
2. View Film #8.
3.. Answer:
Session 9 - The Age of Personal Peace and Affluence
1. Note: This film brings us up to present (1977). It is Schaeffer's analysis of present western culture. Note that Schaeffer ministered to many college students of 1960s. As you watch remember this is Schaeffer speaking almost 20 years ago.
2. View Film #9.
3. Answer:
Session 10 - Final Choices
1. View Film #10.
2. This is a continuation of film #9, surveying present day. This is prophetic (spoken in 1977).
3. Answer:
Section 2: "Understanding the Times" (Book)
Note: For each section, the following format for the notebook should be followed:
1. Section title ("Theology")
2. Definition ("Definition of Theology")
3. Main points for each chapter (Humanist Theology points, etc.)
4. Quiz questions (Questions for "Theology"). The student will develop 8-10 quiz questions for each major section of the book. Answers should be given.
5. Discussion questions (Discussion questions for "Theology"). The student will develop at least 4 discussion questions for each major section of the book. Answers should be briefly outlined.
Session 1:
1. Read chapter 1.
2. Begin notebook by listing the main points in the chapter.
Session 2:
1. Read chapter 2.
2. List the main points.
Session 3:
1. Read chapter 3.
2. Define "Theology" and list it in your notebook.
3. List the main points.
Session 4:
1. Read chapter 3.
2. List the main points
Session 5:
1. Read chapter 4.
2. List the main points
Session 6:
1. Read chapter 5.
2. List the main points
Session 7:
1. Read chapter 6.
2. List the main points.
Session 8:
1. Write quiz questions for Theology section.
2. Write discussion questions for Theology section.
3. Review Theology section of chart on page 56.
Session 9:
1. Read chapter 7.
2. Define "Philosophy" and list in notebook.
3. List main points.
Session 10:
1. Read chapter 8.
2. List main points.
Session 11:
1. Read chapter 9.
2. List main points.
Session 12:
1. Read chapter 10.
2. List main points.
Session 13:
1. Write quiz questions for Philosophy section.
2. Write discussion questions for Philosophy section.
3. Review Philosophy section of chart.
Session 14:
1. Read chapter 11.
2. Define "Ethics"
3. List main points.
Session 15:
1. Read chapter 12.
2. List main points.
Session 16:
1. Read chapter 13.
2. List main points.
Session 17:
1. Read chapter 14.
2. List main points.
Session 18:
1. Write quiz questions for Ethics section.
2. Write discussion questions for Ethics section.
3. Review Ethics section on chart.
Session 19:
1. Read chapter 15.
2. Define "Biology"
3. List main points.
Session 20:
1. Read chapter 16.
2. List main points.
Session 21:
1. Read chapter 17.
2. List main points.
Session 22:
1. Read chapter 18.
2. List main points.
Session 23:
1. Write quiz questions for Biology section.
2. Write discussion questions for Biology section.
3. Review Biology section of chart.
Session 24:
1. Read chapter 19.
2. Define "Psychology."
3. List main points.
Session 25:
1. Read chapter 20.
2. List main points.
Session 26:
1. Read chapter 21.
2. List main points.
Session 27:
1. Read chapter 22.
2. List main points.
Session 28:
1. Write quiz questions for Psychology section.
2. Write discussion questions for Psychology section.
3. Review Psychology section of chart.
Session 29:
1. Read chapter 23.
2. Define "Sociology."
3. List main points.
Session 30:
1. Read chapter 24.
2. List main points.
Session 31:
1. Read chapter 25.
2. List main points.
Session 32:
1. Read chapter 26.
2. List main points.
Session 33:
1. Write quiz questions for Sociology section.
2. Write discussion questions for Sociology section.
3. Review Sociology section of chart.
Session 34:
1. Read chapter 27.
2. Define "Law."
3. List main points.
Session 35:
1. Read chapter 28.
2. List main points.
Session 36:
1. Read chapter 29.
2. List main points.
Session 37:
1. Read chapter 30.
2. List main points.
Session 38:
1. Write quiz questions for Law section.
2. Write discussion questions for Law section.
3. Review Law section of chart.
Session 39:
1. Read chapter 31.
2. Define "Politics."
3. List main points.
Session 40:
1. Read chapter 32.
2. List main points.
Session 41:
1. Read chapter 33.
2. List main points.
Session 42:
1. Read chapter 34.
2. List main points.
Session 43:
1. Write quiz questions for Politics section.
2. Write discussion questions for Politics section.
3. Review Politics section of chart.
Session 44:
1. Read chapter 35.
2. Define "Economics."
3. List main points.
Session 45:
1. Read chapter 36.
2. List main points.
Session 46:
1. Read chapter 37.
2. List main points.
Session 47:
1. Read chapter 38.
2. List main points.
Session 48:
1. Write quiz questions for Economics section.
2. Write discussion questions for Economics section.
3. Review Economics section of chart.
Session 49:
1. Read chapter 39.
2. Define "History."
3. List main points.
Session 50:
1. Read chapter 40.
2. List main points.
Session 51:
1. Read chapter 41.
2. List main points.
Session 52:
1. Read chapter 42.
2. List main points.
Session 53:
1. Write quiz questions for History section.
2. Write discussion questions for History section.
3. Review History section of chart.
Session 54:
1. Read pages 367-372.
2. List main points.
Session 55:
1. Read pages 372-380.
2. List main points.
Session 56:
1. Read pages 381-391
2. List main points.
Session 57:
1. Read pages 391-398.
2. List main points.
Session 58:
1. Read pages 398-402.
2. List main points.
Sessions 59, 60, 61, 62, 63:
Review for final exam. Final exam will consist of the chart on "Four Western Worldview Models" and selected questions from student's quiz and discussion questions.
Session 64:
Final Exam
Remaining Sessions:
1. Write a biographical report (at least two pages) on one of the representative figures mentioned in Understanding the Times.
2. Read and review one or more of the following:
Home | Bio | Articles | Sunday School | Reviews | Plays/Skits | Homeschool | Resources