Programs:
Majors: Philosophy;
Religious Studies
Minors: Philosophy;
Religious Studies
Courses:
PHIL: Philosophy
RELST: Religious Studies
Philosophy
Studying philosophy
involves asking the big questions about truth, freedom, beauty,
knowledge, goodness, justice—and asking how these big questions
apply to our lives. Our beliefs about these questions guide our
actions. Philosophy helps us understand these beliefs and their
relation to our culture, both historical and contemporary. Studying
philosophy results in the ability to understand and think critically
about complex issues and to find reasoned, creative solutions to the
problems we
face.
Religious Studies
The academic study of religion addresses many dimensions and
functions of religion in the world's cultures. Among these are
sacred scripture, symbols, beliefs, rituals and ethics. It
also examines the dynamic relationship between religion and other social,
economic, and political institutions. The academic study of
religion fosters a critical understanding of
religious traditions, issues, questions, and values. In
addition, it cultivates awareness of religion's influence within the
world and promotes appreciation for the diversity of
religious beliefs and practices.
The department's programs in
philosophy and religious studies offer excellent preparation for
professional work in education, law, public service, government, writing, and
religion.
Programs
Students will be guided by the
outline of baccalaureate Degrees, the
University Core
Curriculum, and the
concentration areas listed below.
| MAJOR
IN PHILOSOPHY, 33 hours |
|
|
|
|
| PREFIX |
NO |
SHORT TITLE |
CR HRS |
| PHIL |
200 |
Logic |
3 |
| 6 hours from |
|
| PHIL |
202 |
Ethics (3) |
|
|
203 |
Social Phil (3) |
|
| |
230 |
Envir Ethics (3) |
|
| |
304 |
Phil Sport (3) |
|
| |
315 |
African Amer (3) |
6 |
| 9 hours from |
|
| PHIL |
300 |
Hist Ancient (3) |
|
| |
302 |
Hist Modern (3) |
|
| |
303 |
American (3) |
|
| |
306 |
Contemporary (3) |
9 |
| 9 hours from |
|
|
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of the
instructor. No more than 6 hours of PHIL 415 and/or 420 will count.
|
|
| PHIL |
404 |
Metaphysics (3) |
|
| |
410 |
Theor Knowlg (3) |
|
| |
415 |
Pro Prac Eth (3) |
|
|
420 |
Ethical Theo (3) |
9 |
6 hours of
additional electives from
PHIL
courses. PHIL 100 is strongly recommended as an elective |
6 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
|
|
33 hrs |
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| MINOR
IN PHILOSOPHY, 18 hours |
|
|
|
|
| PREFIX |
NO |
SHORT TITLE |
CR HRS |
| PHIL |
100 |
Introduction |
3 |
| 3 hours from |
|
| PHIL |
202 |
Ethics (3) |
|
| |
203 |
Social Phil (3) |
|
| |
230 |
Envir Ethics (3) |
|
| |
304 |
Phil Sport (3) |
|
| |
315 |
African Amer (3) |
3 |
| 3 hours from |
|
| PHIL |
300 |
Hist Ancient (3) |
|
| |
302 |
Hist Modern (3) |
|
| |
303 |
American (3) |
|
| |
306 |
Contemporary (3) |
3 |
| 9 hours from PHIL courses |
9 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
|
|
18 hrs |
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| MAJOR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES, 33 hours |
|
|
|
|
| PREFIX |
NO |
SHORT TITLE |
CR HRS |
| RELST |
160 |
Rel & Cultur |
3 |
| 6 hours from |
|
| RELST |
251 |
Jewish Scrpt (3) |
|
|
252 |
Chr New Test (3) |
|
| |
280 |
Top Amer Rel (3) |
|
| |
290 |
Top Asia Rel (3) |
6 |
| 6 hours from |
|
| RELST |
340 |
Adv West Rel (3) |
|
| |
375 |
Ad Stu Bible (3) |
|
| |
380 |
Rel & Ethics (3) |
|
| |
390 |
Adv Asia Rel (3) |
|
| 3 hours from |
|
| Must take
one Asian and one Western course at 200-level or above. |
|
| RELST |
403 |
Read Spec St (1-3) |
|
| |
420 |
Themes Rel (3) |
|
| |
450 |
Crit Issues (3) |
|
| |
470 |
Perspecs Rel (3) |
3 |
| Electives |
|
| Any
religious study course not used to satisfy distribution requirement.
Other courses as approved by an advisor. Minimum of 3 credits must
be at 400 level. |
15 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
33 hrs |
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| MINOR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES, 18 hours |
|
|
|
|
| PREFIX |
NO |
SHORT TITLE |
CR HRS |
| RELST |
160 |
Rel & Cultur |
3 |
| 6 hours from |
|
| RELST |
251 |
Jewish Scrpt (3) |
|
|
252 |
Chr New Test (3) |
|
| |
280 |
Top Amer Rel (3) |
|
| |
290 |
Top Asia Rel (3) |
6 |
| 6 hours from |
|
| Must take
one Asian and one Western course at 200-level or above |
|
| RELST |
340 |
Adv West Rel (3) |
|
| |
375 |
Ad Stu Bible (3) |
|
| |
380 |
Rel & Ethics (3) |
|
| |
390 |
Adv Asia Rel (3) |
|
| Elective |
|
| One RELST
course (must be at 300-level or above) |
3 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
|
|
18 hrs |
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COURSES:
PHILOSOPHY (PHIL)
100 Introduction to
Philosophy. (3)
An introduction to such important philosophical problems as the existence of God, whether
ethical values are subjective, and the extent of our freedom. These topics and others may
be approached by examining the ideas of great philosophers or current thinkers.
102 Introduction to Techniques of Critical
Reasoning. (3)
Introduction to basic techniques of critical reasoning in deductive and inductive logic,
and strategies for decision making and problem solving.
200 Logic. (3)
The nature of deductive reasoning. Inquiry into the forms and procedures
necessary to draw correct conclusions from given premises regardless of the factual
content of the premises. Critical introduction to the correct forms of deduction.
202 Ethics. (3)
A discussion of some of the central problems in ethics such as the justification of
ethical beliefs, theories of right and wrong, and the conditions of moral responsibility,
as well as a discussion of current moral issues.
203 Social Philosophy. (3)
Involves a discussion and clarification of such basic social concepts as liberty, justice,
and equality, as well as a critical discussion of such normative issues as how liberty
should be distributed and how justice can be maximized.
210 Philosophy of Religion. (3)
Critical analysis of such selected topics as the nature and existence of God, the problem
of evil, the justification of religious belief, and the significance of religious
experience.
230 Environmental Ethics. (3)
Introduction to and analysis of basic concepts, principles, theories, and issues in
environmental ethics.
299X Experimental/Developmental Topics. (3-6)
Topics relevant to the discipline. Course titles will be announced before each semester.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.
300 History of Ancient
Philosophy. (3)
The development of philosophical theories and ideas from the rise of philosophy in Greece
through the medieval period. Emphasizes the theories in relation to one another, the times
that produced them, and the thinkers who offered them.
302 History of Modern Philosophy. (3)
The development of philosophical theories and ideas from the Renaissance to the nineteenth
century. Emphasizes these theories in relation to one another, the times that produced
them, and the thinkers who offered them.
303 American Philosophy. (3)
A survey of American philosophy
from colonization to the present with particular attention to
pragmatism. Multi-cultural perspectives typically addressed.
304 Philosophy
of Sport. (3)
Inquiry into the nature of sport and analysis of its
ethical, social, and aesthetic
dimensions. Topics may
include embodiment, competition, fair play, sportspersonship,
violence, racial and gender equity, ergogenic aids, nonhuman animals
in sports, sports on the college campus, and the broader relation of
sport to society.
305 Introduction to Logical Theory. (3)
The philosophical problems of logic. Topics may include the application of logic to
ethics, logic and ordinary language, deviant logics, truth, metaphysical problems of
logic, and other related topics.
Prerequisite: PHIL 200 or permission of the department chairperson.
306 Contemporary Philosophy. (3)
A critical examination of leading philosophers and movements in the twentieth century. May
concentrate on such selected philosophers as Russell, Wittgenstein, and Husserl, or may
concentrate on contemporary treatments of selected philosophical problems.
307 Aesthetics. (3)
Exploration of philosophical views on the nature, interpretation, and criticism of art.
Readings and discussion may range from classical to contemporary thinkers and issues.
310 African Philosophy. (3)
A critical examination of leading trends in African philosophy. Ethnophilosophy,
philosophic sagacity, liberation philosophy, or modern/critical philosophy are possible
topics.
312 Current Issues in Philosophy. (3)
Selected current and important issues in philosophy. Topics may include social and ethical
problems, recent work on traditional philosophical problems, and other issues of concern.
313 Philosophy of Science. (3)
An examination of such central philosophical problems in the sciences as the nature of
scientific explanation and the testing of hypotheses. A discussion of ethical issues
arising from science; for example, the use of human subjects and prolonging life.
315 African American Philosophy. (3)
An exploration of the
philosophical contributions of African Americans as represented in
various sources. Topics will include the concept of race in America in
an effort to understand why such a rich tradition of thought has been
neglected. Emphasis will be on how these contributions are valuable
intellectual resources.
369 Internship. (3)
Students undertake supervised internships related to their professional or career goals.
Internships may be with educational or religious institutions, public or private agencies,
or business firms.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
390 Honors Colloquium in Philosophy. (2)
Exploration of selected problems in philosophy with emphasis on individual study.
Open only to students in the Honors College or by permission of the department
chairperson.
403 Reading and
Special Study. (1-3)
Allows superior students opportunities for guided reading and investigation in areas of
philosophy not covered intensively in available courses.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one semester or
term.
404 Metaphysics. (3)
A study of the principal problems of
metaphysics including the nature of reality, the relation of mind and
body, and the issues of freedom and determinism.
Prerequisite: junior or
senior standing or permission of the instructor.
410 Epistemology. (3)
A critical discussion of leading
theories and problems, including skepticism, the structure of knowledge
and justification, and challenges to traditional approaches.
Epistemology satisfies the capstone requirement for the major.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor.
415 Professional and Practical Ethics. (3)
A variable content
course. Involves a critical examination of a broad topic in applied
ethics-e.g. business ethics, bioethics, or feminist ethics-or a more
specific theme, such as the ethical treatment of nonhuman animals or
just war theory and pacificism.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
or permission of the instructor.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be
earned, but no more than 3 in any semester or term.
420 Contemporary Ethical Theory and
Problems. (3)
A critical examination of recent ethical theories and their application
to contemporary problems.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of the
instructor.
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RELIGIOUS
STUDIES (RELST)
160 (151) Introduction to Religion in Culture. (3)
An
introduction to the academic study of religion, including the dynamic
interaction between religious ideas, practices, and broader cultural
contexts. Specific traditions and cultural contexts addressed in the
course will vary according to instructor, but all students will gain an
understanding of diverse components of, and methods for studying
religion.
251 Jewish Scriptures. (3)
Historical-critical study of the literature of the Hebrew Scriptures
in the context of their time and place.
252 Christian New Testament. (3)
Historical-critical study of the literature of the Christian New
Testament in the context of its time and place.
280 Topics in Religions in America. (3)
Study of a specific
religion and/or religions in their American context, or examination of a
theme or a set of social issues in relation to religions in America.
A
total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one
semester or term.
290 (230) Topics in Asian Religions. (3)
Study of a specific
religion and/or religions that began on the continent of Asia, such as
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and contemporary
Japanese and Chinese religions. Counts toward minor in Asian Studies.
A
total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one
semester or term.
340 Advanced Study of Western Religions. (3)
An in-depth investigation of a single Western religious tradition, with
attention to sacred texts, historical developments, contemporary issues,
and prominent figures. A variable content course that may be repeated
for credit with departmental permission.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any
one semester or term.
375 Advanced Study of Biblical Traditions. (3)
Advanced
study of texts and traditions that developed about Jesus among early
Christians; of text and traditions related to the early church; or
of historical developments in Christianity in relation to culture.
A
total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any
one semester or term.
380 Religion and Ethics. (3)
Critical examination of
traditions of religious thought and ethics, with focus on a select
topic, such as philanthropy and justice, human rights, war and
nonviolence, or the environment.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be
earned, but no more than 3 in any one semester or term.
385 Paul and the Developing Church. (3)
An in-depth study of Paul's letters, the traditions as reflected in the Book of Acts, and
the development of the early Church through the fourth century.
390 Advanced Study of Asian Religions. (3)
Critical
examination of one or more Asian religions. Topics include sacred
texts, historical developments, prominent figures, and relevance to
contemporary cultural formations. Counts for minor in Asian Studies.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in
any one semester or term.
403 Reading and Special Study. (1-3)
An opportunity for guided investigation of aspects of religion not
covered intensively in available courses.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one semester or
term.
420 (400) Themes in Religion. (3)
A thematically-organized
examination of an issue in the study of religion. Some examples: myth,
ritual, pilgrimage, religious autobiography, gods and goddesses,
asceticism, "texts" in contexts, or religion and cultural studies.
A
total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one
semester or term.
450 Critical Issues in the Study of Religion. (3)
Advanced
study of a select issue of importance in the study of religion and
culture, e.g. women and religion, religion and politics, religion and
ethics.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3
in any one semester or term.
470 (381) Perspectives on Religion. (3)
A critical analysis
of aspects of one or more religious traditions through one or more
distinctive methodological perspectives, such as anthropological,
sociological, psychological, historical, or philosophical.
A total of 6
hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one semester or
term.
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