B.A. Degree — Philosophy and Religion Major
In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Philosophy and Religion must complete a concentration of 42 or more semester hours including the following:
RELG1200 Introduction to Religion 3 s.h.
RELG1310 Introduction to Old Testament 3 s.h.
RELG1320 Introduction to New Testament 3 s.h.
RELG2360 Religions of the World 3 s.h.
PHIL2300 Basic Issues in Philosophy 3 s.h.
PHIL/RELG3100 World Philosophies & Religions: Great Texts 3 s.h.
PHIL/RELG3250 Ethics 3 s.h.
PHIL/RELG3450 Philosophy of Religion 3 s.h.
PHIL4200 Senior Religion & Philosophy Thesis/Project 3 s.h.
Electives in philosophy and religion, with at least 6 s.h. in philosophy 15 s.h.
A minor in Philosophy consists of 18 semester hours or more in Philosophy.
PHIL1350 Basic Logic 3 s.h.
An introduction to the fundamental principles of inductive and deductive logic. Goal 2b, 4ab, 4c1
PHIL2260 The Ethics of Technology 3 s.h.
This course introduces the ethical concerns and considerations inherent in modern technology. Focused on key ethical principles (human dignity, goodness, justice, truth, and freedom), the course considers the impact of technology on the human condition. The application of Kant's Categorical Imperative and the precepts of Utilitarianism will be explored, compared, and contrasted. The course fosters a deeper understanding of the ways in which technology, broadly defined, profoundly affects the individual, the society, and the culture. Goal 2b, 5, 10 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL2300 Basic Issues in Philosophy 3 s.h.
An introduction to some of the traditional theories of knowledge, reality, and value, and an interpretation of their relevance to the modern world. Goal 2b, 4ab, 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL2360 Literature and Philosophy - Ways of Criticizing (also HUMN2360) 3 s.h.
Designed to expose the student to the theory and practice of criticism and help the student develop critical abilities, especially the skills used in responding to works of literature. Includes the study and application of both classic texts and contemporary trends in criticism. Provides active learning opportunities involving the student in the process of criticism. Goals 2b, 4c1, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL2370 Literature and Philosophy - Ways of Thinking (also HUMN2370) 3 s.h.Designed to familiarize students with the ideas, issues and influences important to the literary and philosophical processes and traditions, such as the concept of self, the problem of evil, and the nature of reality. Goal 2b, 4c1, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL2400 Science and Religion (also RELG2400) 3 s.h.
A survey of historical and contemporary relationships between science and religion (mainly in Western culture) from ancient mythology and the pre-Socratic philosophers, through medieval scholasticism, the rise of modern science and theological responses to it, and an examination of selected contemporary perspectives. Students will also examine the nature of faith and the role of faithfulness in scientific inquiry. Goal 2b, 10
PHIL2460 Science Fiction & Philosophy (also HUMN2460) 3 s.h.The class integrates philosophy and literature (science fiction). Students are introduced to a range of traditional philosophical issues using science fiction short stories, videos, and novels, as well as philosophical essays, to raise and illustrate these problems. The topics include problems of knowledge, religion, freedom, social structures, and especially, reflection on the question, “What is a person?” Goal 2b, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL2520 Medical Ethics 3 s.h.
An exploration of contemporary ethical issues in modern medicine. The course will begin with an introduction to ethical theories and principles, and then apply these to specific problems in health care. Goal 2b, 4ab, 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL2530 Postmodernism (also HUMN2530) 3 s.h.“Postmodern” thinkers like Richard Rorty are challenging “foundationalism,” the claim that our social beliefs and values — in ethics, the arts, language, and even science — have eternal and universal foundations. Beginning with ancient clash between mythology and the earliest Greek philosophers, but focusing on the 20th century, this course will historically review the interplay of our struggles with truth and meaning, leading to current postmodernism, with special attention to Rorty’s work in Neopragmatism. Goal 2b, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL2900 Topics in Philosophy Goal 2b 1-3 s.h.
PHIL3000 Individual Study Goal 2b 1-3 s.h.
PHIL3100 World Philosophies & Religion: Great Texts (Also RELG3100) 3 s.h.A reading of great texts in world philosophies and religions; E.g., The Qu'ran (Islam), The Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism), The Dhammapada (Buddhism), The Analects of Confucius and Tao Te Ching (Confucianism), the Bible, and other works by important religious/philosophical thinkers, old and new. Goal 2b, 5, 7 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
+ PHIL3250 Ethics (Also RELG3250) 3 s.h.
What makes an action be right or wrong? What is a good life? An examination of classical and contemporary ethical visions and their application to vital issues. Goal 2b, 4ab, 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL3260 The Ethics of War 3 s.h.In-depth analysis of the moral dilemma posed by modern warfare. Various ethical approaches, especially 'Just War' Theory and Utilitarianism, are applied to the use of military force as an instrument of political policy. The legal parameters imposed by the international Law of Armed Conflict, applicable U.S. codes, and U.S. military regulations are critically examined. Historical precedents for the ethical regulation of military force are also considered. Case studies based on modern conflicts are explored to glean insight into the moral and practical limits of the ethical use of military force. Goal 2b, 4ab, 4c1, 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL3440 Process Philosophy and Theology (Also RELG3440) 3 s.h.
An examination of a major modern movement in Christian theology that responds to the challenges of science and human sufferings by arguing that God’s power is persuasive rather than coercive, and the supporting view of reality as a web of relationships in process. Special attention will be given to the problems of God, freedom, power, creativity and suffering, and the interpretation of process theology in terms of Christian symbols. Goal 2b, 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
+ PHIL3450 Philosophy of Religion (Also RELG3450) 3 s.h.
This course is designed to investigate the nature of religious beliefs by applying the philosophical attitude to the practice of religion. The investigation will apply the principles of inquiry: clarity in the meaning of words and assumptions, consistency in statements about the subjects, respect for all discoverable facts that bear upon the issues under investigation, and impartiality in interpretation of pertinent facts. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
PHIL3900 Topics in Philosophy 3 s.h.
Selected in-depth topics in philosophy. Will deal with perennial problems of epistemology, ontology, cosmology, ethics, and values. Course may be repeated for credit when topics change. Goal 2b
PHIL4000 Individual Study Goal 2b 1-3 s.h.
PHIL4200 Senior Religion & Philosophy Thesis/Project 3 s.h.A capstone thesis or project for Philosophy & Religion majors in which students demonstrate the ability to conduct research in the academic field of philosophy &/or religion, to articulate in writing their own, well reasoned position on a significant philosophical &/or religious question, to integrate the ideas of other people into their own intellectual journey, and, through the thesis or project preparation and oral presentation, engage with peers, faculty, and written texts in well reasoned dialogue which reflects an ability to treat other people and ideas with fairness and thoughtful criticism. Prerequisite: Philosophy & Religion major. Goal 2b
+Denotes an alternate year course.
