Hello! My name is Michael Aparicio. I've been teaching at SRJC since 1994. Before that, I was a student here from 1982 until 1986. I have lots of fond memories discovering, exploring, and examining Philosophy at SRJC.

This course will be taught entirely online. While I have been teaching online and hybrid courses for over 20 years, I think it's important to speak frankly about how online instruction is likely to impact the learning experience. In short, it provides a more flexible learning experience for students, while challenging students to be self-reliant and self-disciplined learners. It will be important that you develop a regular and frequent study routine. To help you do this, carefully review our syllabus and class website's resources. And ask me questions when they arise.

I encourage you to contact me via Canvas message or email. We can communicate using those media or can schedule a Zoom meeting. In fact, while this is an online course, I am open to face-to-face office visits. Because of the pandemic, we won't meet in my office. But students who would like to meet, can schedule a meeting somewhere we can practice social distancing. Don't hesitate to contact me and/or arrange a meeting.

When I'm not pursuing Philosophy, I'm often enjoying backpacking and other outdoor adventures. I consider myself lucky to live close to such wonders as Point Reyes National Seashore, Redwood National Forest, Mt. Shasta, Lassen National Park, Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, Death Valley, and more.

In 2018, after my son, Mateo, turned 13, we celebrated by hiking the John Muir Trail. Here we are atop Glen Pass:

Summer 2020, Mateo completed his first solo section hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, backpacking from Walker Pass to Kennedy Meadows.

It's hard to explain, but I've come to see analogies between Philosophy and backpacking. Both can appear casual and carefree at first glance, but require dedication and discipline to reach their heights. My son, Mateo, plans to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail (a.k.a. P.C.T.) when he graduates high school in 2023. Just as I see myself helping him work toward that goal, I am here to help you fine-tune your ability to pursue Philosophy.

Of course, there's more to me than my passions for Philosophy and backpacking, as there is more to you than the brief glimpse I'll get as your teacher. Indeed, part of what I love about teaching is that I get to meet such a richly diverse group of students with amazing stories. I'm honored to be your teacher and am here to help.

If you have any questions now or during our semester together, don't hesitate to email (maparicio@santarosa.edu) or message me through Canvas.

Michael