Department of Philosophy

PHIL 1305. Philosophy and Critical Thinking.

This course examines fundamental philosophical questions concerning knowledge, belief, and value, emphasizing how these issues have been addressed across historical and contemporary contexts. Students analyze arguments, evaluate competing positions, compare theoretical frameworks, and examine the implications of differing perspectives. The course emphasizes methods of logical reasoning and argument analysis to foster clear understanding of and rigorous examination of arguments and claims across all areas of knowledge. Through close reading, structured discussion and written analysis, participants will assess the strengths and limitations of various perspectives. (WI).

PHIL 1320. Ethics and Society.

This course examines ethical dimensions of contemporary life. Students examine major areas of ethical inquiry, including ethical theory and its application to contemporary issues, such as professional ethics, ethics in technology, medicine, and sport, and ethics in everyday life and work. Emphasis is placed on evaluating arguments and reasoning strategies used in considerations of ethical dimensions of human activities. Through readings, structured discussions, and written analysis, student assess the strengths and limitations of various perspectives and explore the implications of different ethical frameworks. (WI).

PHIL 2311. History of Philosophy Before 1600.

This course introduces major philosophical developments from early Greek thought through late medieval philosophy. Students examine primary and/or secondary sources from figures such as the Presocratics, Plato, Aristotle, Hellenistic philosophers (including the Skeptics, Stoics, and Epicureans), early Christian thinkers, and medieval scholastics. Emphasis is placed on understanding arguments within their historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts while considering interpretive debates that shape contemporary scholarship. The course surveys metaphysical, epistemological, ethical, and theological questions as they emerged in ancient and medieval traditions.

PHIL 2312. History of Philosophy Since 1600.

This course introduces major philosophical developments from the early modern period through the nineteenth century. Students examine primary and/or secondary sources from figures such as Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Mill, and Nietzsche, among others. Emphasis is placed on understanding their arguments within historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts while considering interpretive debates that shape contemporary scholarship. The course surveys metaphysical, epistemological, ethical, political, and scientific questions as they evolved in early modern and modern philosophical traditions.

PHIL 2330. Elementary Logic.

This course introduces students to the principles of deductive and inductive reasoning through the study of arguments, inference patterns, and methods for evaluating validity and strength. Students examine logical form, symbolic representation, rules of inference, and common patterns of informal reasoning used in everyday language. Emphasis is placed on analyzing arguments across a range of contexts and applying logical tools to assess their structure, clarity, and evidential support. Students should develop skills in formal analysis, critical evaluation, and clear argumentation using established logical methods.

PHIL 3314. American Philosophy.

This course surveys major movements, figures, and debates in American philosophy. Students examine a range of texts associated with traditions such as Transcendentalism, Pragmatism, American Naturalism, Process Philosophy, and developments in Analytic and Continental thought in the United States. Emphasis is placed on understanding how American philosophers have addressed questions concerning knowledge, experience, value, community, democracy, and the nature of inquiry. The course analyzes philosophical arguments within their historical and cultural contexts while considering the diversity of viewpoints represented across American intellectual life.

PHIL 3315. Contemporary Philosophy.

This course examines major movements and figures in late nineteenth‑century, twentieth‑century, and early-twenty-first-century philosophy. Students explore traditions such as existentialism, logical positivism, analytic philosophy, phenomenology, and pragmatism through primary and secondary texts. Emphasis is placed on interpreting philosophical positions within their historical and intellectual contexts while analyzing how these movements address questions concerning knowledge, language, experience, value, and meaning. The course highlights both convergences and divergences across traditions and engages the interpretive debates that shape contemporary scholarship. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3316. Existentialism and Phenomenology.

This course examines central themes, methods, and arguments in existentialist and phenomenological philosophy through the works of figures such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau‑Ponty, and Camus. Students study how these philosophers investigate human experience, freedom, embodiment, meaning, temporality, and interpersonal relations using phenomenological analysis and existential critique. Readings and discussions focus on interpreting positions within their historical and intellectual contexts and on analyzing the arguments advanced for those views. The course allows students to critically evaluate the diverse approaches these thinkers bring to questions about existence, experience, and subjectivity. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3317. Science and Religion.

This course examines philosophical questions, positions, and arguments concerning the relationship between modern science and religious thought. Students study how scientific and religious frameworks address questions about explanation, evidence, causation, meaning, and the natural world. Topics may include models of science–religion interaction, debates about methodological naturalism, interpretations of miracles, views on the origin and structure of the universe, and philosophical analyses of conflict and compatibility claims. Readings represent multiple perspectives and focus on interpreting positions in their historical and intellectual contexts. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3318. Reason, God, and Nature.

This course examines philosophical approaches to concepts of God, religious language, and the relationship between reason, belief, and interpretations of nature. Students study major positions concerning divine attributes, the coherence of theological propositions, and the philosophical analysis of terms predicated of God. Additional topics include the nature and function of religious utterances, debates about the comparability of religious and non‑religious claims, and the role of moral, scientific, and imaginative frameworks in shaping understandings of the divine and the natural world. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3320. Ethics.

This course examines major positions and debates in classical and contemporary ethical theory. Students study philosophical accounts of moral obligation, value, virtue, duty, and the good, focusing on how ethical theories structure reasoning about action and moral justification. Readings include influential formulations of consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, contractualism, and related approaches. Emphasis is placed on what is standardly termed "normative ethics," but some issues that are more typically regarded as "meta-ethical" may be examined as well. The course centers on interpretation of philosophical positions in their historical and intellectual contexts, along with analysis and evaluation of arguments concerning moral principles and practical reasoning. Prerequisite: [PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312] and PHIL 2330 both with grades of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3321. Contemporary Moral Problems.

This course examines philosophical questions, arguments, and positions related to a range of contemporary moral issues. Topics may include abortion, euthanasia, poverty, animal welfare, war and violence, technological privacy, and other ethically significant challenges in modern life. Students explore major ethical theories and interpret how philosophers apply these frameworks to disputed moral problems, with attention to arguments, assumptions, and competing viewpoints. The course approaches these topics analytically, emphasizing careful interpretation of positions and evaluation of arguments. Students develop philosophical skills that allow them to assess contemporary moral controversies with clarity, rigor, and intellectual independence. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3322. Professional Ethics.

This course examines major philosophical approaches to business and professional ethics. Students study conceptual questions about the nature of professions, how professional roles differ from business roles, and the ways in which ethical standards emerge within different fields. The course investigates competing theories of moral responsibility, the development of professional norms, and debates concerning the social expectations placed upon individuals in professional environments. The course focuses on providing students with analytic tools for evaluating ethical claims, understanding professional codes as objects of study, and assessing how ethical reasoning operates within diverse institutional and organizational contexts. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3323. Environmental Ethics.

This course provides a philosophical study of key issues in environmental ethics. Students explore how various traditions—such as deontology, consequentialism, and virtue ethics—approach questions about environmental use, conservation, and restoration. The course analyzes influential debates concerning intrinsic value, ecological obligations, and the moral status of nonhuman entities. Emphasis is placed on understanding the structure of ethical arguments and evaluating competing theoretical claims. Students study how to interpret environmental controversies as objects of philosophical inquiry and to distinguish between descriptive, analytical, and prescriptive claims within contemporary discussions.

PHIL 3324. Meaning of Life.

This course explores influential philosophical theories addressing questions about the meaning of life within Western and Eastern traditions. Students examine key texts and analyze arguments concerning purpose, value, and the conditions under which life may be said to have meaning. The course emphasizes philosophical inquiry, evaluative reasoning, and interpretation of competing viewpoints rather than prescribing particular beliefs. Students learn to compare theories, identify assumptions within philosophical systems, and critically assess arguments concerning meaning and human existence.

PHIL 3325. Philosophical Perspectives on Sex and Love.

This course examines philosophical perspectives on sex and love from antiquity to the present. Students analyze primary texts and major theories addressing ethical, metaphysical, and cultural dimensions of intimate relationships. The course emphasizes argument evaluation, conceptual clarification, and application of philosophical methods to enduring questions about human relationships. Emphasis is placed on critical reasoning and interpretive skills, enabling students to assess competing frameworks and articulate informed positions. Methodologies include textual analysis and logical evaluation of philosophical claims within historical and contemporary contexts, preparing students to understand and analyze complex ethical and theoretical issues in both historical and present-day contexts.

PHIL 3326. Philosophy and Sport.

This course examines philosophical questions, positions, and arguments related to the nature, meaning, and social dimensions of sport. Students explore topics such as the social significance of sport, ethical issues, gender equity, sport and race, mind and body in sport, aesthetics, sport and self-knowledge, and the connection of sport and philosophy. Readings include classical and contemporary philosophical analyses that interpret sport as a cultural practice and investigate the conceptual issues it raises. Emphasis is placed on explaining key positions, analyzing arguments, and comparing differing philosophical approaches. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3331. Philosophy of Law.

This course provides an analytical introduction to major debates in the philosophy of law. Students examine theories concerning the nature and purpose of law, the relationship between law and morality, and philosophical discussions about punishment, authority, and obligation. The course also explores legal reasoning, interpretation, and differing accounts of how legal systems function. Emphasis is placed on studying these theories as objects of philosophical inquiry. Through close reading and argument analysis, students develop skills for evaluating competing perspectives and understanding how philosophical concepts shape legal thought. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 3332. Social and Political Philosophy.

This course examines central concerns of political and social thought, including democracy, civil disobedience, anarchism, totalitarianism, and the nature of the state. Attention may also be given to influential traditions of theorizing about the state--and about political and social relations more generally--such as the natural law tradition, social contract theory, and utilitarianism. Students analyze major theories and conceptual frameworks, evaluating arguments and methodologies used to address these topics. Students clarify conceptual issues and explore alternative interpretations. Emphasis is placed on systematic reasoning and critical assessment of philosophical positions through close reading, structured discussion, and written analysis. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3333. Philosophical Approaches to Feminist Thought.

This course surveys philosophical theories of feminist thought across historical and contemporary contexts. Students analyze major frameworks by examining their philosophical foundations and implications for ethics, politics, and social theory. The course employs textual analysis and comparative evaluation to foster rigorous inquiry into normative and conceptual questions. Emphasis is placed on argument evaluation, conceptual clarification, and logical critique. Students interpret philosophical arguments, assess competing positions, and apply analytical reasoning. (WI) Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 or WS 3376 or WS 3377 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3334. Philosophy of Economics.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to the various theoretical frameworks that continue to inform scholarship in the philosophy of economics. Participants explore differences and commonalities between distinct theoretical traditions and critically examine the nature of economic phenomena and the possibility of knowledge in economics. Emphasis is placed on analyzing how economic explanations are constructed, what counts as knowledge in economics, and how economic institutions and outcomes can be evaluated using philosophical tools. Attention may also be paid to analyses of a range of economic concepts that particularly raise philosophical questions--including welfare, utility, efficiency, public goods, externalities, and collective-action problems. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 3335. Philosophical Perspectives on Nonviolence.

This course analyzes philosophical perspectives on nonviolence, focusing on key figures such as Thoreau, Addams, Tolstoy, Gandhi, King, and Chavez. Students examine ethical principles and political theories through close reading, textual analysis, and argument evaluation. The course emphasizes systematic analysis of normative frameworks and their application. Outcomes include the ability to interpret philosophical texts, compare alternative approaches, and construct reasoned arguments about ethics and politics. (WI).

PHIL 3340. Philosophical Logic.

This course examines the logic of propositions through a study of propositional calculi, formal proofs, and first-order predicate calculus. Also included is an investigation into the philosophical assumptions and implications of formal systems and the axiomatic method as used in logic and mathematics, including the concepts of completeness and consistency. Other topics covered might include: paraconsistent and modal logics, deductive systems, validity, consequence, and non-classical logics. The course equips students with tools for rigorous philosophical analysis. Prerequisite: PHIL 2330 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3351. Philosophy and Literature.

This course examines philosophical questions, positions, and interpretive methods that arise in the study of literature. Students explore how literary texts engage themes such as meaning, value, identity, moral conflict, and the nature of representation, and consider how philosophers analyze narrative, metaphor, character, and genre. Readings may include both philosophical works on literature and literary works that raise philosophical issues. Emphasis is placed on interpreting positions within their historical and intellectual contexts and on analyzing and evaluating arguments advanced in philosophical discussions of literature. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3352. Philosophy and Science Fiction.

This course explores the dialogue between philosophy and science fiction, focusing on questions of knowledge, freedom, morality, and personhood. Students analyze literary and cinematic works alongside philosophical texts, employing methods of close reading, applying interpretive and analytical frameworks drawn from film studies , science fiction studies, and philosophy, argument evaluation, and conceptual critique. The course emphasizes systematic inquiry, critical reasoning and interpretive skills, guiding students to evaluate arguments, identify underlying assumptions, and apply philosophical concepts. Outcomes include the ability to assess philosophical claims within speculative contexts and articulate informed analyses of the relationship between imagination and philosophical thought. (WI).

PHIL 4301. Applied Philosophy.

This course examines how philosophical methods can be applied to major areas of human experience, including science, religion, morality, politics, art, and literature. Students study how philosophical analysis clarifies concepts, identifies problems, and evaluates proposed solutions within these domains. Emphasis is placed on understanding key arguments, comparing competing approaches, and assessing the strengths and limits of philosophical reasoning in practical contexts. By exploring selected issues from one or more applied fields, students gain experience using philosophical tools to interpret complex questions while developing the ability to articulate and defend their own analyses in a scholarly manner. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4302. Dialogue.

This course examines philosophical literature addressing the aims and structures of dialogue. The course includes analysis of how dialogue has been understood across different traditions, methods for evaluating dialogical exchanges, and the role of dialogue within scholarly communities. It also includes development of dialogical practices through structured engagement with instructors, peers, and members of the academic or broader community. Participation in departmental dialogue events is incorporated as part of the course activities. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4303. Philosophy of Technology.

This course surveys the philosophical study of technology. Topics include historical conceptions of technology, the relationship between technological systems and human agency, and debates about value‑neutrality in design and use. Students will examine ethical issues raised by emerging and established technologies while considering multiple philosophical frameworks. The course emphasizes close reading, conceptual analysis, and critical evaluation of arguments. Students will develop tools for understanding the social and cultural significance of technology and for engaging philosophical questions arising from technological change. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4304. Philosophy of Language.

This course provides an introduction to core questions in the philosophy of language. Topics include the nature of meaning, theories of reference, accounts of truth and verification, and the role of speech acts in communication. Students will examine how linguistic analysis has been used to clarify or reframe questions in metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of science. Course activities emphasize careful reading, conceptual analysis, and argument evaluation. The course presents competing philosophical approaches, enabling students to engage critically with multiple perspectives on language and its relation to thought. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4305. Philosophical Writing.

This course focuses on theoretical and methodological foundation necessary for producing philosophical works suitable for submission to conferences or journals, and for other professional and public-facing contexts. Students study the conventions of scholarly argumentation, analyze examples of professional work, and practice developing clear, well structured papers. Emphasis is placed on understanding disciplinary standards, crafting coherent theses, and revising prose for precision and clarity. Students may have the opportunity to apply their newly-acquired writing skills to various forms of philosophical writing produced in their other (previous or contemporaneous) coursework. Prerequisite: 3 credit hours of PHIL with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4316. Analytic Philosophy.

This course investigates key figures, works, and problems in analytic philosophy, focusing on topics such as language, logic, mathematics, mind, science, metaphysics, and ethics. Students will engage with primary sources and scholarly commentary, employing methods of close reading, logical analysis and conceptual critique. The course emphasizes systematic evaluation of arguments and clarity of reasoning, enabling students to compare alternative approaches and construct well-supported interpretations. (WI).

PHIL 4325. Ethics and Dementia.

This course investigates ethical issues surrounding dementia through clinical, social, and policy lenses. Students will examine topics such as informed consent, caregiving ethics, and end-of-life decision-making using normative ethical theories, bioethical principles, and applied reasoning. The course employs case studies and interdisciplinary scholarship to foster rigorous analysis of moral principles and practical implications. Outcomes include the ability to analyze ethical frameworks, compare alternative approaches, and construct reasoned arguments about the moral dimensions of dementia care and policy development. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4327. Bioethics.

This course examines philosophical questions, positions, and arguments concerning ethical issues arising in medicine, biotechnology, and health‑related research. Students study classical and contemporary approaches to topics such as patient autonomy, informed consent, end‑of‑life decision‑making, reproductive ethics, genetic technologies, resource allocation, and the ethical dimensions of professional conduct. Readings introduce major theoretical frameworks as well as case‑based analyses drawn from clinical and research contexts. The course emphasizes interpretation of positions, analysis of arguments, and comparison of differing approaches to contested issues. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4329. Philosophy of Food.

This course examines philosophical questions and ethical debates concerning food, eating, and food systems. Students study moral, social, and conceptual issues related to topics such as the nature of the food system, global hunger, consumer choice, food justice, industrial agriculture and its alternatives, the status of agricultural and food workers, overconsumption, public health, and food culture. Readings introduce a range of philosophical frameworks used to analyze these issues, including ethical theories and conceptual approaches to responsibility, justice, and value.

PHIL 4331. Philosophy and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

This course examines philosophical and ethical questions raised by Artificial Intelligence. Students will analyze issues such as autonomy, moral responsibility, and decision-making through the lens of classical and contemporary ethical theories. The course emphasizes critical reasoning and comparative analysis of competing positions through systematic evaluation of arguments and conceptual frameworks on AI’s role in society. Methodologies include critical interpretation of scholarly texts and case-based analysis. (WI).

PHIL 4350. Philosophy of the Arts.

This course examines major philosophical positions and debates concerning the arts, aesthetic experience, and artistic creation. Students study historical and contemporary accounts of beauty, expression, interpretation, creativity, and the value of artworks across different artistic forms. Readings introduce influential theories of aesthetic judgment, artistic intention, the ontology of artworks, and the relationship between art and emotion, knowledge, and culture. The course emphasizes interpretation of philosophical positions, analysis of arguments, and comparison of differing approaches within the tradition. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4351. Philosophy of Education.

This course examines major philosophical positions and debates concerning the aims, practices, and conceptual foundations of education. Students study classical and contemporary accounts of learning, teaching, authority, curriculum, discipline, and the development of human capacities. Readings explore how various philosophical traditions interpret the purposes of education, the roles of educators and learners, and the relationship between knowledge, reasoning, and growth. Emphasis is placed on interpreting positions in their historical and intellectual contexts and on analyzing the arguments advanced within educational thought.

PHIL 4355. Philosophy of Science.

This course introduces students to central issues in the philosophy of science, including evidence, explanation, induction, and theory acceptance. The course treats theories of science as subjects of inquiry and comparison; emphasis is placed on philosophical argumentation, conceptual clarity, and critical evaluation of competing accounts of scientific reasoning. Students are shown how to interpret foundational texts, assess arguments about the nature and justification of scientific knowledge, and apply philosophical tools to debates within the philosophy of science. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4356. Epistemology.

This course provides an in‑depth examination of major topics in epistemology, the philosophical study of knowledge. Students analyze arguments concerning skepticism, the definition of knowledge, theories of justification, perception, and truth. Emphasis is placed on developing philosophical skills through close reading, critical evaluation, and comparative analysis of competing epistemological theories. Students engage with both historical and contemporary texts, learning to articulate and critique central debates in epistemology and to connect these debates to broader questions in philosophy. Prerequisite: [PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312] and PHIL 2330 both with grades of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4360C. Philosophy, Nonviolence, Sustainability, and Social Change.

This course examines philosophical theories and debates concerning nonviolence, sustainability, and social change. Students study key concepts and arguments developed by thinkers such as Thoreau, Addams, Tolstoy, Gandhi, King, and Chavez, focusing on how their philosophical positions address questions about ethics, political action, social responsibility, and environmental concern. The course emphasizes interpretation of philosophical texts, analysis of arguments, and comparison of differing approaches. Issues related to nonviolence and social change are treated as objects of philosophical inquiry, allowing students to critically assess competing perspectives and develop independent judgments grounded in philosophical reasoning.

PHIL 4360F. Biopolitics, Governmentality, and Ungovernability.

This course examines major philosophical approaches to biopolitics, governmentality, and ungovernability. Students study how thinkers have analyzed the governance of life, the frameworks and rationalities that shape political authority, and the conceptual and practical limits of governance. The course explores historical and contemporary debates concerning power, institutions, social organization, and forms of noncompliance or resistance, treating each topic as an object of scholarly inquiry. Through critical reading and conceptual analysis, students evaluate key arguments, compare theoretical perspectives, and assess how these frameworks contribute to broader discussions in political philosophy.

PHIL 4360G. Happiness and the Good Life: Philosophical Foundations for Flourishing.

This course examines philosophical theories and debates concerning happiness, well‑being, meaning, and the idea of the good life. Students study historical and contemporary accounts of human flourishing, including views drawn from ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy. Topics may include competing conceptions of happiness, the relationship between virtue and well‑being, the role of pleasure, achievement, and meaning in a life well lived, and critiques of different theories of flourishing. The course emphasizes interpretation of philosophical positions, analysis of arguments, and comparison of alternative frameworks. Questions about how one ought to live are approached as matters of philosophical inquiry rather than as prescriptions for personal conduct or lifestyle choices.

PHIL 4360I. Biocultural Ethics in the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion.

This course examines philosophical and ecological approaches used to analyze biocultural relationships in the Edwards Plateau ecoregion. Students study conceptual frameworks that explore how environmental philosophy and ecological sciences investigate the interconnections among landscapes, cultural histories, and nonhuman organisms. Emphasis is placed on understanding, interpreting, and evaluating diverse scholarly perspectives on biocultural conservation. Through readings, discussion, and case based analysis, students develop analytic skills for examining how biocultural concepts are constructed, debated, and applied in environmental contexts.

PHIL 4360J. Environmental Ethics in Social Context.

This course explores the relationship between ethical and environmental questions using an issue-based approach. Students are introduced to multiple conceptions of justice and ethical reasoning while analyzing how environmental issues interconnect with economic, political, and social factors. Through case studies, students interpret arguments, evaluate evidence, and compare competing theoretical perspectives. The course emphasizes critical analysis of assumptions, frameworks, and their implications for understanding environmental and social issues.

PHIL 4361C. Philosophy of Emotion.

This course investigates philosophical theories of emotion. Topics include somatic and cognitive models, as well as accounts of feelings, moods, and other affective experiences. Topics may include the relationship between emotion and reason, the role of feelings and moods in perception and action, and the metaphysical and epistemic questions emotions raise. Emphasis is placed on interpreting primary sources and evaluating arguments about the nature and role of emotions in human life. Students will engage with primary texts and scholarly commentary, employing methods of close reading, argument evaluation, and conceptual analysis. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4361D. Philosophy of Mind.

This course examines historical and contemporary philosophical positions and arguments concerning the mind. Students study central topics such as consciousness, intentionality, mental representation, perception, personal identity, mental causation, and the relationship between mind and body. Readings introduce major theoretical approaches, including dualism, monism (of both the materialist and the idealist variety), physicalism (of both the reductive and the non-reductive variety), functionalism, and representational theories. Emphasis is placed on interpreting philosophical positions in their intellectual contexts and on analyzing and evaluating arguments about what minds are, how mental states relate to physical systems, and what explanations of mentality can achieve. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4361E. Philosophy and Ethics of Virtual Reality.

This course examines philosophical and ethical questions raised by virtual reality technologies. Students study topics such as the nature of virtual experience, embodiment and identity in virtual environments, realism and simulation, moral responsibility for virtual actions, and ethical concerns related to design, use, and social impact. Readings introduce classical and contemporary philosophical positions addressing how virtual worlds relate to perception, agency, and value, as well as ethical frameworks used to analyze emerging technologies. Emphasis is placed on interpreting positions, analyzing arguments, and comparing approaches to contested issues.

PHIL 4361G. Field Environmental Philosophy.

This course will introduce students to the use of philosophical reflection and frameworks to integrate and understand social, economic, and environmental dimensions of human experience of the natural world. By reflecting on our interactions with and experiences of non-human nature, Field Environment Philosophy informs ecotourism, environmental policy, education, and ecology. Students will develop better understandings of inter-relations between humans and our non-human environment, of the ethical dimensions of everyday activity, and of the epistemic, metaphysical, and value assumptions built into everyday experiences of nature.

PHIL 4362B. 19th-Century Philosophy.

This course offers a detailed introduction to central figures of 19th-century European philosophy such as Hegel, Marx, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche in the context of their responses to the Enlightenment, the condition of modernity, the growth of democracy, nationalism, capitalism, Darwin, secularization, and the critical project of Kant. Emphasis is placed on interpreting primary texts, comparing conceptual frameworks, and understanding the philosophical questions that shaped the period. These topics and thinkers are approached as subjects of historical and philosophical study. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4362C. Late 20th Century French Philosophy.

This course examines major figures and movements in twentieth‑century French philosophy through close study of their texts and arguments. Students engage with thinkers such as Derrida, Foucault, Bergson, and Sartre, focusing on how their philosophical projects address questions concerning subjectivity, power, language, history, technology, and modern social life. The course situates these thinkers in the context of their responses to technology, war, the condition of modernity, the growth of democracy, and the so-called European Project. Attention is given to the methods, concepts, and argumentative strategies characteristic of French philosophy in this period.

PHIL 4362E. Kant and German Idealism.

This course examines the philosophy of Immanuel Kant and the development of German Idealism through close study of major texts and arguments. Students explore Kant’s critical philosophy alongside later idealist thinkers such as Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel, focusing on themes including knowledge, freedom, subjectivity, reason, and the relationship between mind and world. The course emphasizes interpretation of philosophical positions, analysis of arguments, and comparison of differing approaches within the German Idealist tradition. Attention is given to historical context as well as to the conceptual structure of these theories.

PHIL 4362F. Dialectical Philosophy.

This course examines the history, methods, and philosophical significance of dialectical approaches to inquiry. Students study major figures associated with dialectical philosophy, such as Plato, Kant, Hegel, and Adorno, focusing on how dialectical reasoning is used to analyze concepts, contradictions, and philosophical development. The course explores differing interpretations of dialectic across historical contexts, emphasizing close reading of texts and analysis of arguments. Attention is given to how dialectical methods function within broader debates in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and social philosophy.

PHIL 4362G. Ancient Philosophy.

This course examines selected major philosophical developments, thinkers, or schools of thought of the ancient world from 600 B.C. to the third century A.D. Students analyze works by thinkers such as Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, or later Hellenistic and Roman thinkers, including the Neo-Platonists. Emphasis is placed on interpreting primary texts, systematic analysis of arguments and conceptual frameworks in topics such as metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. Outcomes include the ability to apply philosophical methods to texts and the development of skills in argument evaluation, conceptual interpretation, and reasoned conversation. (WI).

PHIL 4363B. Philosophy and Music.

This course equips students to consider the nature and meaning of music. Students examine philosophical questions such as "What is music?" "Does music have meaning?" "What is the value of music?" and "Why is there music?" In addition, they examine topics such as musical expression, aesthetic value, interpretation, the notion of authenticity in music, and music's relation to emotion, culture, cognition, and artistic practice. Students deepen their understanding of music by considering it through a philosophical frame and deepen their understanding of philosophy through its engagement with music.

PHIL 4370. Metaphysics.

This course introduces central problems, concepts, and methods in metaphysics, examining how philosophers analyze fundamental questions about existence, identity, causation, modality, universals, and the nature of reality. Students engage with a range of historical and contemporary perspectives. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in conceptual analysis, argument evaluation, and interpretation of philosophical texts. Through reading, discussion, and written work, students cultivate the analytical tools necessary to evaluate complex philosophical claims and reason independently about metaphysical problems. Prerequisite: [PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312] and PHIL 2330 both with grades of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4371. Asian Philosophy.

This course examines major philosophical traditions originating in South, East, and Southeast Asia, focusing on classical sources and their interpretations. Students study central positions and debates within Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Hindu philosophy, and other influential schools of thought. Topics may include conceptions of self, reality, knowledge, moral cultivation, liberation, and the nature of flourishing. Attention is given to historical development, textual context, and philosophical argumentation within each tradition. The course approaches Asian philosophical ideas as subjects of scholarly inquiry, emphasizing interpretation of positions and analysis of arguments.

PHIL 4372. Latin American Philosophy.

This course examines philosophical traditions and debates associated with Latin America through historical and contemporary texts. Students study pre‑Columbian philosophical ideas found in Mesoamerican and Andean cultures (including Mayan, Aztec, Toltec, and Incan), as well as philosophical developments before and after European conquest. The course also explores modern and contemporary Latin American philosophy and philosophical work by Latin American thinkers in the United States. Emphasis is placed on interpreting philosophical concepts, arguments, and methods within their historical and cultural contexts. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4373. Themes in Africana Philosophy.

This course examines philosophy and philosophical practice as they emerge from the historical experiences of African Americans and the African Diaspora. Participants in the course will evaluate how the African-American philosophical tradition alters conventional philosophical accounts of subjectivity, knowledge, time, language, history, embodiment, memory, and justice. The course situates these approaches in dialogue with broader philosophical discussions, emphasizing interpretation, argument analysis, and comparison of perspectives. Historical and cultural contexts are examined insofar as they inform philosophical reasoning and conceptual development. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4388. Problems in Philosophy.

This course enables students to investigate specialized topics through individualized or small group study arranged with the department. Students examine relevant scholarship, interpret sources, and construct analytical frameworks appropriate to their chosen subject. Under faculty guidance, students design a research plan, develop written analyses, and evaluate methodological approaches used within the discipline. The course supports sustained inquiry and iterative revision through one-on-one and small group instruction and feedback. Given its structure and variable subject matter, the course may be repeated for credit with approval from the department chair when the area of study substantially differs. Prerequisite: Instructor approval, Program Coordinator approval, and Department Chair approval.

REL 1300. World Religions.

This course examines selected major religious traditions, such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Yoruba traditions, or Indigenous religions by examining primary sources, cultural representations and practices, and scholarly interpretations. The course emphasizes critical reasoning, close reading, conceptual analysis, and evaluation of perspectives on belief, ritual, and moral systems. Outcomes include the ability to evaluate competing interpretations, apply analytical reasoning to religious texts, and understand religion’s influence on ethical, social, and metaphysical thought. (WI).

REL 2310. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible.

This course introduces students to the contemporary academic study of the Hebrew Bible (in some contexts known as "the Old Testament") and related ancient Near Eastern and Second Temple Jewish literature. Students examine a range of texts using historical, literary, and comparative methods developed within modern biblical scholarship. Emphasis is placed on understanding how scholars interpret these writings within their historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts, as well as how different methodological approaches address questions of authorship, genre, and transmission. The course highlights the diversity of scholarly perspectives while maintaining a focus on critical analysis and close reading. Students engage with representative passages, secondary scholarship, and major interpretive debates to develop a foundational understanding of academic approaches to the Hebrew Bible.

REL 2315. Introduction to the New Testament.

This course introduces students to the contemporary academic study of the New Testament and related early Christian literature, including apocryphal and post‑canonical texts. Students examine representative writings through historical, literary, and comparative methods used in modern scholarship, with attention to authorship, genre, social context, and early interpretive traditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding how scholars analyze these texts within the cultural and linguistic settings of the ancient Mediterranean world. The course highlights major interpretive questions, diverse scholarly viewpoints, and the methodological debates that shape New Testament studies. Students engage in close reading and critical discussion to develop foundational skills for analyzing early Christian texts in an academic context.

REL 2321. Founders, Prophets and Saints.

This course provides an academic examination of the lives, teachings, and historical impact of major figures from diverse religious traditions, such as founders, prophets, mystics, reformers, and spiritual leaders. Students explore how these individuals have been interpreted within their cultural and historical contexts and how their ideas, writings, and practices have shaped the development of religious communities. The course emphasizes scholarly methods for analyzing biographical narratives and theological, philosophical, or ethical contributions attributed to these figures. Representative case studies may include figures from Abrahamic, Asian, or other global traditions; examples include Jesus, Paul, Luther, St. Teresa, Maimonides, the Baal Shem Tov, Mohammad, al-Ghazzali, Rumi, Buddha, Gandhi. Through close reading and critical discussion, students engage with primary and secondary sources to develop a nuanced understanding of the significance and reception of influential religious individuals.

REL 2330. What is Religion?.

This course introduces students to major theories, concepts, and debates concerning how scholars define and study religion. Participants examine competing views and approaches to see what is persuasive. Students examine diverse claims about what religion is, how it functions, and how it can be interpreted within historical, social, and cultural contexts. The course surveys prominent methodologies in Religious Studies, including textual, anthropological, sociological, and comparative approaches, emphasizing how each framework analyzes religious phenomena. Through close reading and discussion, students explore competing scholarly perspectives and develop skills for interpreting arguments, evaluating evidence, and understanding religious diversity from an academic standpoint.

REL 2350. Mediterranean and European Religions.

This course surveys major religious traditions that originated in the Near East, Mediterranean, and Europe, with emphasis on the ancient to medieval periods. Students examine religious traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the contexts of Egyptian, Persian, Greco-Roman, and old European traditions. The course focuses on descriptive and comparative analysis of religious beliefs, practices, texts, and institutions. By situating traditions within historical frameworks, students are shown how religious ideas and practices emerged, evolved, and influenced societies in the Mediterranean and European worlds.

REL 2360. Asian Religious Traditions.

This course surveys major religious traditions originating in Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, and other traditions. Students examine core beliefs, practices, texts, and historical developments within each tradition, with attention to their social and cultural contexts. The course emphasizes descriptive and comparative analysis of religious worldviews, allowing students to compare traditions while maintaining methodological neutrality. By situating religious doctrines and practices within historical frameworks, students develop skills in interpreting religious traditions and understanding their internal logics.

REL 3320. Judaism.

This course surveys the history, practices, core texts, and major movements of Rabbinic Judaism, from the destruction of the Second Temple to the contemporary global scene. Some attention is also given to earlier Israelite religion, dissident movements, mysticism, and Jewish communities beyond the Euro-American zone. Emphasis is placed on historical analysis, close reading of primary sources, and scholarly interpretation of Jewish ritual, law, narrative, and thought. Through comparative and contextual approaches, students explore the diversity of Jewish traditions.

REL 3330. Religious Controversy in America.

This course examines religious controversies and crises in America from the colonies to the present in order to interpret the role of religion in American history, culture, law, and politics. Topics include the Salem Witch Trials, the Jim Jones massacre, and Ten Commandments monuments on government property. Emphasis is placed on historical interpretation, analysis of primary and secondary sources, and the academic study of how religion interacts with institutions, public discourse, and community identity. Through comparative and contextual analysis, students develop skills in interpreting evidence and evaluating competing scholarly perspectives on religion’s role in American society.

REL 3335. Cults and New Religious Movements.

This course investigates New Religious Movements (NRMs) primarily within the contemporary American context, focusing on how scholars analyze their origins, development, practices, and social reception. Controversial and emerging religions can be approached from many angles. Accordingly, the course introduces students to a variety of theoretical perspectives and approaches for studying NRMs, including sociological, historical, and phenomenological perspectives. Students are encouraged to develop communication competencies and to learn to critically interpret data. Through analysis of primary and secondary sources, students develop skills in evaluating scholarly arguments, interpreting evidence, and understanding the diversity of emerging religious expressions.

REL 3340. Religion, Literature, and the Arts.

This course examines how literary and artistic works engage themes, symbols, and questions associated with religion in order to evaluate the (dis)connections between the aesthetic and religious aspects of human culture. Through the study of selected texts, images, and artistic movements, students explore the diverse ways creators respond to, reinterpret, or contest religious ideas within cultural and historical contexts. The course emphasizes close reading, interpretive analysis, and critical comparison of works from various genres and media. Students consider how aesthetic forms shape understandings of religious experience and how religious traditions inform artistic expression. May be taken twice for credit with different topics. (WI).

REL 3341. Religion and Film.

This course explores the dynamic relationship between religion and film, analyzing how cinematic works reflect, reinterpret, or substitute religious functions. Students will engage in close reading of film texts, applying interpretive and analytical frameworks drawn from film studies and religious studies. The course emphasizes critical reasoning, comparative evaluation, and argumentation, enabling students to examine narrative structures, symbolic elements, and thematic representations. Outcomes include the ability to assess interpretive approaches, critique narrative strategies, and articulate informed analyses of the intersection between religion and visual media.

REL 3342. Homeric Epic: The Iliad and the Odyssey.

This course involves close reading of the Iliad and the Odyssey in English translation, with particular attention paid to philosophical and religious themes. Students examine how the epics depict the gods, religious rituals, heroic ideals, and conceptions of the human experience within the ancient Mediterranean world. The course also evaluates the notion of a "classic" in religion and literature, and considers how Homeric texts have been interpreted in religious and literary scholarship. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in textual interpretation, comparative analysis, and critical reasoning while situating the epics within their historical contexts and within broader discussions of religion and literature.

REL 3350. Christian Thought.

This course examines the historical development of Christian thought from the Patristic period to the modern era. Through close reading of primary sources and engagement with major theologians, students analyze how doctrinal debates, philosophical influences, and institutional changes shaped various strands of Christian theology. Attention is given to controversies, schisms, and intellectual movements that contributed to the diversity of Christian traditions. Using historical and textual methods, students explore how theological ideas emerged, evolved, and interacted with broader cultural and social contexts.

REL 3361B. Mysticism.

This course explores the dimension of mysticism that pervades both Western and Eastern religious traditions. Students analyze the nature of mystical experiences through a study of key figures and texts, and examine its peculiar relationship to language, arts, and human subjectivity and its place in the wider social context. Attention is also given to the ways in which mysticism influences religious practice and human self‑understanding. Through comparative and contextual study, students develop interpretive and analytical skills appropriate to the scholarly investigation of mystical traditions.

REL 3361C. Philosophical Issues in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

This course provides a comparative perspective on philosophical issues that arise in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including the nature of God, reason and revelation, and religious ethics. Readings are drawn from both classical and contemporary sources and are analyzed within their historical and intellectual contexts. The course emphasizes interpretation, comparison, and critical analysis of philosophical arguments. By engaging multiple traditions, students are shown how philosophical questions are addressed within different religious frameworks, using methods appropriate to Religious Studies.

REL 3361D. Demonology, Possession, and Exorcism.

This course explores beliefs and practices relating to demons and spirits from cultures around the world and across history. The course will not make assumptions about the literal existence of spirit entities, but will instead combine historical, anthropological, and psychological approaches to examine the nature and function of these beliefs and practices within human cultures. Students engage primary and secondary sources to develop skills in critical analysis, scholarly writing, and academic research within the study of religion.

REL 3361E. Death, Dying, and Grief.

This course examines how diverse religious and spiritual traditions respond to death, dying, and grief, including associated ritual practices and beliefs about mortality. Drawing on historical, sociological, anthropological, and religious studies perspectives, students analyze how individuals and communities interpret death through ritual, doctrinal, ethical, and narrative frameworks. Topics may include mourning practices, afterlife beliefs, memorial traditions, and cultural responses to loss. Students engage primary and secondary sources to develop interpretive, comparative, and analytical skills related to the scholarly study of death and dying in global religious and cultural contexts.

REL 3361G. Jesus and Gender.

This course examines how gender functions as an analytical category in the study of Jesus, early Christian texts, and the development of Christian thought and practice. Students explore historical and literary sources to understand how gender shaped interpretations of Jesus, contributed to the formation of social and ritual roles, and influenced institutional developments within Christian communities. Using interdisciplinary perspectives from history, religious studies, anthropology, and literary theory, the course investigates how concepts of gender operated within premodern Christian contexts and how they appear in contemporary scholarly debates.

REL 3361P. Prophecy.

This course examines the phenomenon of prophecy, with special attention to the literature by and about prophets in the Bible. Students analyze how prophetic figures and texts have been understood within their historical settings and how prophets function within religious communities, political structures, and social movements. Through interdisciplinary study drawing on history, comparative religion, philosophy, political science, and literary studies, students explore interpretive debates concerning the nature, authority, and social impact of prophecy. The course emphasizes critical reasoning, close reading of primary sources, and engagement with diverse scholarly perspectives.

REL 3370. Mythology and Cosmology.

This course examines human efforts to address questions of cosmic origins through a global, comparative survey of cosmogonic (creation) myths and a historical examination of modern cosmology. It analyzes the features and functions of mythopoetic and scientific modes of thought and explores philosophical approaches to questions of origin and meaning. Students develop analytical skills for examining diverse cultural traditions and for comparing explanatory frameworks across historical and intellectual contexts. The course may be taken twice for credit when offered with different topics.

REL 3372. Apocalypticism.

This course surveys apocalyptic texts, images, and ideas in Western history from ancient Judaism and early Christianity to modern cultural expressions. Students examine how various communities have imagined cosmic transformation, divine judgment, renewal, and the end of history, and how these motifs have influenced literature, art, and intellectual life. Emphasis is placed on historical, cultural, literary, and comparative methods used to study apocalyptic traditions, as well as the social contexts that shape them. Through analysis of primary sources and scholarly interpretations, students explore how apocalyptic themes function within religious movements and broader cultural settings.

REL 3381. The Philosophical and Spiritual Heritage of India.

This course examines major philosophical and religious traditions that developed in India from the period of the ancient Vedas through the contributions of modern sages. Indian philosophers predominantly present a spiritual, multi-dimensional outlook on the nature of reality and human consciousness; they combine reason, experience, yoga and meditation as methods of inquiry. Students study a range of texts, concepts, and practices associated with Indian traditions. By situating traditions within historical frameworks, students gain an understanding of the diversity and development of philosophical and religious thought in India.

REL 3383. An Introduction to Chinese Religions.

This course examines the religious history of China from 3000 BCE to the present day. It covers beliefs, practices, and histories of the four major religious communities in China—Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and “Popular Religion”—as well as expressions of minority religions in China such as Islam and Christianity. Students analyze primary sources and scholarly interpretations to understand how various religious communities articulate beliefs, rituals, and social roles across different periods. Emphasis is placed on historical context, interpretive methods, and the diversity of religious expression in Chinese society. Students gain skills useful for working with diverse populations.

REL 3385. Buddhism.

This course surveys the main ideas, myths, symbols, and practices of the diverse forms of Buddhism through study of their central ideas, narratives, symbols, and practices. Students explore and evaluate the manner in which Buddhist perspectives have influenced social values and arts in the South East and East Asian cultures. The course emphasizes descriptive and interpretive analysis of religious texts, practices, and institutions. By situating Buddhist traditions within their historical and cultural contexts, the course introduces students to Buddhism as a complex and evolving religious tradition, using methods standard to Religious Studies.

REL 3386. Yoga in Religious and Philosophical Contexts.

This course is an in-depth study of the principles and the practice of yoga. Students explore the yogic conception of the mind and the body and how it relates to psychoanalytic and neuroscientific frameworks. Students also examine the parallels between the discipline of yoga and practices in other religious traditions. Emphasis is placed on scholarly methods, critical reading, and analysis of primary and secondary materials. Students develop interpretive skills that support the rigorous academic study of yoga; they also gain skills useful for working with diverse populations.

REL 3390. Religion, Health, and Embodiment.

This course provides a comparative examination of how religious traditions interpret embodiment, health, illness, disability, aging, and death. Students analyze primary sources and scholarly interpretations to explore how different communities conceptualize the body, healing, suffering, and medical practice. Although the course includes significant Jewish and Christian materials, attention is also given to other traditions and cultural contexts. Emphasis is placed on historical and comparative methods, critical reading, and the analysis of religious ideas within social and cultural frameworks. Prerequisite: [PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320] and REL 1300 both with grades of "D" or better.

REL 4300. Advanced Methods in Religious Studies.

This course provides an advanced introduction to the theories and methods that shape the academic study of religion. Students examine major thinkers, methodological debates, and analytical frameworks used to study religious texts, practices, institutions, and discourses across cultural and historical contexts. Emphasis is placed on critical comparison, methodological self‑reflection, and the evaluation of scholarly arguments rather than on the promotion of particular beliefs or interpretations. The course prepares students to assess how methodological choices influence research questions and conclusions within religious studies as a secular, interdisciplinary field of inquiry. Prerequisite: ANTH 3305 or ANTH 3322 or ANTH 3326 or ANTH 3332 or ANTH 3349 or ANTH 4320 or ARTH 2301 or ARTH 2302 or ENG 3329 or HIST 3312 any with a grade of "D" or better.

REL 4388. Issues in Religion.

This course enables students to investigate specialized topics in Religious Studies through individualized or small group study arranged with the department. Students examine relevant scholarship, interpret sources, and construct analytical frameworks appropriate to their chosen subject. Under faculty guidance, students design a research plan, develop written analyses, and evaluate methodological approaches used within the discipline. The course supports sustained inquiry and iterative revision through one-on-one and small group instruction and feedback. Given its structure and variable subject matter, the course may be repeated for credit with approval from the department chair when the area of study substantially differs.