Department of Philosophy

PHIL 1305. Philosophy and Critical Thinking.

A study of universal philosophical problems and their solutions with a view toward developing clear thinking about knowledge, belief, and value. Approximately one half of this course will focus on the student’s critical thinking skills. Credit cannot be given for both PHIL 1305 and PHIL 3301. (WI).

PHIL 1320. Ethics and Society.

Study of ethics, its recent focus on social problems, and new fields of inquiry, including environmental ethics, ethics in business, professions, technology and sport. Also such global issues as poverty, minority rights, and stem cell research. Emphasis on development and application of principles of critical thinking and moral reasoning. (WI).

PHIL 2311. History of Philosophy Before 1600.

Early Greek, Roman, and medieval systems of thought. (WI).

PHIL 2312. History of Philosophy Since 1600.

Modern philosophical thought through the 19th century. (WI).

PHIL 2330. Elementary Logic.

A study of the nature and forms of correct reasoning, both deductive and inductive.

PHIL 3314. American Philosophy.

Examination of contributions of Americans to perennial philosophical issues. (WI).

PHIL 3315. Contemporary Philosophy.

Selected readings in late 19th and 20th century philosophy: existentialism, positivism, analytic philosophy, phenomenology, and pragmatism. (WI) 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.

A study of the nature of human experience and existence in the philosophies of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, and Camus. Topics will include freedom, dread, emotion, death, other minds, faith, and the past as experienced by the individual. (WI) 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.

An examination of modern science and religion, and an analysis of the issues and ideas involved in the relationships between them. (WI) (MULT) 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 is an analysis of the concept of God, terms predicated on God, and theological propositions. Topics include determining the nature of religious utterances and comparison of religious claims with those of everyday life, scientific discovery, morality, and imaginative expression. (WI) 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 is a study of classical and contemporary philosophical inquiries into our knowledge of the “good” and the grounds of moral obligation. (WI) 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 is an exploration of philosophical dimensions of contemporary moral problems such as abortion, euthanasia, poverty, animal rights, nuclear war, and privacy in a computer age. (WI) 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 is a study of major topics in business and professional ethics, including what a profession is, whether it differs from business, and what is involved with the moral education, social responsibilities, and ethical standards of professionals and business people. (WI) 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.

Study of ethical issues associated with the environment including nature, use, preservation, and restoration of the environment.

PHIL 3324. Meaning of Life.

Investigation of major theories of the meaning of life in Western and Eastern philosophies. (WI).

PHIL 3325. Philosophy of Sex and Love.

Critical survey of major thinking on sex and love from ancient to modern times. (WI).

PHIL 3326. Philosophy and Sport.

This course is an examination of philosophical issues in sport, including 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. (WI) (MULT) 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 is an examination of the major theses which have been set forth in the history of jurisprudence including foundations of law, natural law, legal positivism, and the judicial process. (WI) Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 3332. Social and Political Philosophy.

This course is a critical examination of major theories concerning the organization of societies and governments. (WI) 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. Feminist Theory.

In this course students examine major feminist theories including liberal feminism, Marxist feminism, radical feminism, and post-modernist feminism with an eye especially to revealing the complexity and diversity of contemporary feminist thought. (MULT) (WI). Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 or PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312 or PHIL 2330 or WS 3376 or WS 3377 any with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 3334. Philosophy of Economics.

In this course students are introduced to the various theoretical frameworks that have and continue to inform scholarship in philosophy of economics. Participants explore differences and commonalities between distinct theoretical traditions (including liberal, Marxist, post-structuralist, positivist, neo-liberal, rational choice) and learn to critically examine the nature of economic phenomena and the possibilities of knowledge in economics. Participants also develop tools to appraise economic outcomes, institutions, and processes. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 3340. Philosophical Logic.

Study of the logic of propositions through prepositional calculi, formal proofs, and first-order functional calculi. 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. Prerequisite: PHIL 2330 or instructor approval.

PHIL 3351. Philosophy and Literature.

The course explores the relation between philosophy and literature. (WI) 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 4301. Applied Philosophy.

This course explores the practical application of methods and teaching of philosophy to religion, science, morality, politics, art, or literature. The study of one or more of these areas will demonstrate how philosophy contributes to the identification of issues as well as their resolution. (WI) 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.

Study of literature about the nature, purpose, and significance of dialogue along with active participation in the dialogues of the Department of Philosophy’s Dialogue Series. (WI) Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4303. Philosophy of Technology.

This course is a study of philosophical and ethical dimensions of technology including the nature of technology and technological progress, the relation of humans to the technological environment, whether technology is value-laden, and the social character of technology. (WI) 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.

Students will examine the nature, structure, and uses of language and its role in conceptualizing and attempting to solve perennial philosophical problems. Features of language such as meaning, reference, truth, verification, and speech acts will be investigated and applied to issues of metaphysics and ontology, epistemology, ethics, and theory construction. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4327. Bioethics.

In this course students will study ethical issues, dilemmas, codes of conduct, and social responsibilities of health care professionals and bioresearchers. Additionally, students will critically examine issues of ethics and justice in healthcare systems, clinical practice, and biotechnology. (WI) Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4350. Philosophy of the Arts.

This course is a critical and historical analysis of the nature of aesthetic experience and creative genius. (WI) 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.

Study of major philosophical theories on nature, values, and purpose of education. (WI).

PHIL 4355. Philosophy of Science.

This course is a study of the major theories concerning the nature and value of science and the scientific method. (WI) 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. Philosophy of Knowledge.

This course is a study of the major theories concerning knowledge, belief, certainty, and perception. (WI) Prerequisite: [PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312] and PHIL 2330 both with grades of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4360A. Ethics and Dementia.

This course provides an opportunity to examine ethical challenges posed by dementia for those with dementia, family members, caregivers, healthcare systems, policy makers, and others. Participants will critically explore ethics and dementia in clinical, social/cultural, everyday life, policy, end-of-life, and individual perspectives. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4360B. Moral Psychology.

This course provides an introduction to the major theories, issues, and research relevant to the field of moral psychology. Drawing from a variety of fields—philosophy, social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and evolutionary theory—we will investigate what morality is, how it develops, and how it functions in society. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

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

In this course students will study themes and concepts related to nonviolence, sustainability, and social change. Participants will critically examine the works of thinkers such as Thoreau, Addams, Tolstoy, Gandhi, King, and Chavez. (WI) (MULT).

PHIL 4360D. Military Ethics.

This course is a systematic study of ethical issues in military life and military action, and of such concerns as the relation of the military to the nation state and the relation of the military to civil society. Additional topics include ethical issues in cyber warfare, the military and privacy, and ethical issues of military life and actions across cultures and nations. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4360E. Ethics and Philosophy of Friendship.

In this course students explore the nature, meaning, and theories of friendship. Participants examine historical and contemporary accounts of friendship, with special attention given to the ethical dimensions of each account. Additional topics include the intersection of friendship with marriage and partnership, professional relationships, work, disabilities, race, sexuality, and religion. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4360F. Biopolitics, Governmentality, and Ungovernability.

This course is an introduction to (1) biopolitics, or the government of life, (2) governmentality. or the frameworks, modalities, and mechanisms of governance, and (3) ungovernability, or the limits of and resistances to governance.

PHIL 4361A. Philosophy of Biology.

In this course students will explore foundational questions in biology concerning the justification of biological theories, methods and concepts. Possible topics include concepts of fitness, units of selection, adaptationism, species, phylogenetic inference, homology, developmental systems, neuroscience, behavioral evolution, cooperation, altruism, evolutionary psychology, evolutionary ethics, cultural evolution, and race and gender. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4361B. Philosophy of the Human Sciences.

This course is a survey of current debates about the structure, nature, role, methodologies, scope, and aim of the human sciences. Prerequisite: Phil 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4361C. Philosophy of Emotion.

In this course students examine the understandings of emotions as developed in the history of philosophy, including topics such as somatic theories, cognitive theories, and philosophical accounts of feelings, mood, and other affective experiences. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4361D. Philosophy of Mind.

In this course, students analyze historical and contemporary philosophical attempts to explain the mind. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4361E. Philosophy and Ethics of Virtual Reality.

In this course, students investigate philosophical and ethical issues in virtual reality.

PHIL 4361F. Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.

In this course, students will explore ethical dimensions of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.

PHIL 4362A. History of Analytic Philosophy.

Students in this course will examine major thinkers, works, theories, and problems of analytic philosophy. Topics will include the philosophy of language, logic, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, metaethics, and philosophical methodology. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

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. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4362C. Late 20th Century French Philosophy.

This course offers a detailed introduction to central figures of 20th-century French philosophy such as Derrida, Foucault, Bergson, and Sartre in the context of their responses to technology, war, the condition of modernity, the growth of democracy and the so-called European Project.

PHIL 4363A. Philosophy and Science Fiction.

In this course students will examine intersections between philosophy and science fiction around topics such as the nature of reality, the existence and nature of the divine, the limits of human knowledge, the meaning of free will, the notions of personhood, the nature of morality, and the meaning of life. Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4370. Metaphysics.

This course is a systematic study of metaphysical problems by examination of classical and modern texts. Topics considered will involve being and unity, mind and matter, God, causation and necessity, free will and determinism. (WI) Prerequisite: [PHIL 2311 or PHIL 2312] and PHIL 2330 both with grades of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4371. Asian Philosophy.

The course covers mainly Chinese and Indian philosophy, such as Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism. How do people in the orient look at the meanings of life, the nature of the world and their place in the world? This course shall shed light on these issues. May be repeated for credit. (MULT) (WI).

PHIL 4372. Latin American Philosophy.

Study of ancient Latin American thought, including Mayan, Aztec, Toltec, and Incan, pre- and post conquest Latin American philosophy, contemporary Latin American philosophy, and the thinking of Latin Americans in the U.S. (WI) (MULT) Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

PHIL 4373. Themes in Africana Philosophy.

In this course students will examine philosophy and philosophical practice as it emerges 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. (WI) (MULT) Prerequisite: PHIL 1305 or PHIL 1320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PHIL 4388. Problems in Philosophy.

Independent study of specific problems in philosophy. Open to students on an individual or small group basis by arrangement with the Department of Philosophy. Problem area, bibliography, and study paper outline are to be approved by the instructor. May be repeated once for additional credit. 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.

REL 1300. World Religions.

This course is a survey and comparative study of some of the major religious traditions and practices of the world including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and the Indigenous Religions. Students learn to analyze problems from different perspectives, and gain skills useful for working with diverse populations. Recommended as an entry course for religious studies minors. (MULT)(WI).

REL 2310. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible.

An introduction to the contemporary academic study of the Hebrew Bible (“Old Testament”) and related Near Eastern and Second Temple Jewish literature. Representative texts will be examined using the historical and literary methods of scholarship. (MULT).

REL 2315. Introduction to the New Testament.

An introduction to the contemporary academic study of the New Testament, including apocryphal and post-canonical works. Representative texts will be examined using the historical and literary methods of scholarship.

REL 2321. Founders, Prophets and Saints.

Critical analysis of the life, works, and thought of a major religious figure, e.g., Jesus, Paul, Luther, St. Teresa, Maimonides, the Baal Shem Tov, Mohammad, al-Ghazzali, Rumi, Buddha, Gandhi. May be repeated for credit. (WI) (MULT).

REL 2330. What is Religion?.

In this course, students examine different theories and claims about what religion is and does. Participants examine competing views and approaches to see what is persuasive. Students are introduced to methodologies in religious studies, learn to analyze problems from different perspectives, develop critical thinking competencies, and gain skills useful for working with diverse populations.

REL 2350. Mediterranean and European Religions.

This course is a survey of religions that originated in the Near East, Mediterranean, and Europe, with emphasis on the ancient to medieval periods. The course includes Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in the contexts of Egyptian, Persian, Greco-Roman, and old European traditions. Students learn to analyze problems from different perspectives, and gain skills useful for working with diverse populations. (MULT).

REL 2360. Asian Religious Traditions.

This course is a survey of the major religious traditions originating in Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and others. Basic doctrines and practices will be covered in an historical framework. Students learn to analyze problems from different perspectives, and gain skills useful for working with diverse populations. (WI) (MULT).

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.

REL 3330. Religious Controversy in America.

Students in this course analyze 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. Students develop communication competencies and learn to critically interpret data (WI).

REL 3335. Cults and New Religious Movements.

This course investigates New Religious Movements (NRMs) primarily within the contemporary American context. 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. Students are encouraged to develop communication competencies and to learn to critically interpret data (WI).

REL 3340. Religion, Literature, and the Arts.

The course features a thematic selection of literary and artistic works in order to examine the connections and disconnections between the aesthetic and religious aspects of human culture. Students develop communication competencies. May be taken twice for credit with different topics. (WI).

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

A close reading of the Iliad and the Odyssey in English translation, with emphasis on philosophical and religious issues. Prominent topics include the gods, religious rituals, heroic ethics, and the human condition. The course also considers the concept of a classic in religion and literature. (WI).

REL 3361A. Religion and Film.

This course examines how religions are reflected in film and how films have taken on some of the functions of religion. Students develop communication competencies. (WI).

REL 3361B. Mysticism.

This course explores the dimension of mysticism that pervades both Western and Eastern religious traditions. We will 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. (WI) (MULT).

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. Students learn to analyze problems from different perspectives, develop critical thinking competencies, and gain skills useful for working with diverse populations. (WI) (MULT).

REL 3370. Mythology and Cosmology.

This course examines human efforts to address questions of cosmic origins, with a global, comparative survey of cosmogonic (creation) myths and a historical approach to modern cosmology. It examines the features and functions of mythopoetic and scientific thought, and reflects philosophically on questions of origin and meaning. Students gain skills useful for working with diverse populations and learn to analyze problems from different perspectives. May be taken twice for credit with different topics. (MULT).

REL 3372. Apocalypticism.

An historical-cultural survey of end-of-the-world literature, art, and thought in Western Civilization, from ancient Judaism and Christianity to the present. Historical and scientific methods provide the framework for this course. (WI).

REL 3381. The Philosophical and Spiritual Heritage of India.

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. This course explores Indian spiritual philosophy from the time of the ancient Vedas to the contribution of modern sages. Students gain skills useful for working with diverse populations. (WI) (MULT).

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 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. Students explore and evaluate the manner in which Buddhist perspectives have influenced social values and arts in the South East and East Asian cultures. Students gain skills useful for working with diverse populations. (WI) (MULT).

REL 3386. Yoga: Principles and Practice.

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. Students gain skills useful for working with diverse populations and learn to analyze problems from different perspectives.

REL 3390. Religion, Health, and Embodiment.

This course is a survey of religious beliefs and practices relevant to embodiment, health, disease, disability, aging, and death. The approach is comparative, with non-exclusive emphasis on Jewish and Christian primary material. Students develop critical thinking and communication competencies, and gain skills useful for working with diverse populations. 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 a rigorous grounding in the intellectual tradition of academic religious studies. It includes the major theorists and a sustained examination of the problem of method. This course is strongly urged for RS minors and students intending graduate work in the field. 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.

Independent study of specific topics in religion. Open to students on an individual or small group basis. May be repeated for credit with different emphasis.