PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 101. Introduction to Philosophy
Many issues that we deal with in daily life are ultimately philosophical issues.
Philosophy is defined as "love of wisdom." This course will
lead students to explore some fundamental philosophical questions. These questions include:
What is reality? What is knowledge? How do we know anything? What is the
good? What is truth?
What is beauty? What is the foundation of human morality? Is morality absolute or
culture-relative? Does God exist? What is happiness? What is a person?, etc. Logical
reasoning and argumentation will be strongly emphasized. Students will have opportunities to
look into these issues and develop their own coherent views. No prior knowledge of
philosophy is required. (Three credits.)
PHIL 201. Critical Thinking: Introduction to Logic
A study of fundamental distinctions required for effective reasoning such as definition,
truth, validity, deduction, induction, and fallacies. Application of procedures for testing
the validity of arguments in concrete situations. (Three credits.)
PHIL 207G. Ethics: Philosophical and Religious
An introduction to philosophical and religious ethics as distinct yet inter-related ways
of thinking critically about human action.
Issues include natural laws, absolute rules, divine commands,
human rights, virtues and vices, conscience, freedom, determinism, accountability, whether there are moral facts,
and the
challenges of moral relativism. Specific moral issues may include: sexual ethics, violence
and peace, economic justice, environmental ethics, business ethics, race, gender, etc. No
prerequisites. (Also RELG 207.) (Three credits.)
PHIL 211. Philosophy of Education
The course will explore some of the following issues: What are education, learning,
understanding, knowing, thinking, consciousness, the self, purpose, and creativity? How do
these originate? What is teaching? How should teachers fulfill their role in the educational
process? How is education related to the good life? What do we mean by choice and control?
Should teachers exert control over what students learn and how they learn? How do
philosophical assumptions about education affect how and what a teacher teaches? This course
is designed for students entering the teaching profession. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
(Three credits.)
PHIL 213. Philosophy of Religion
Can the existence of God be proven? Is religion rational? Do we have free will? Is there
life after death? Can religious experience be verified? This is an introduction to the basic
problems and issues that constitute contemporary philosophy of religion. In addition to a
basic survey of the field, this course will focus on a particular issue, such as rationality
and religion, religious pluralism, or proofs for the existence of God. No prerequisites.
(Also RELG 213.) (Three credits.)
PHIL 225. Philosophy and Feminism.
Should feminism base its normative claims on the liberal political
tradition? The history of feminist theory and activism in the United
States has been deeply identified with this question: is gender-based
injustice and prejudice best resolved through an appeal to human rights?
We will read the primary texts of the early feminist movements, which
were inspired by and modeled on claims for the rights of man, as well
as contemporary challenges to that foundational justification, which
include critiques stemming from the interconnection between issues of
sexism and those of racism, heterosexism, and Eurocentrism. In the
process, we will come to appreciate the diversity of positions within
feminist philosophy and to understand the complex relationship between
feminist theory and feminist practice. (Three credits.)
PHIL 250. Special Topics
(Three credits.)
PHIL 300G. Philosophy and Religions of Asia
An introduction to the origins, histories, thought, practices, and developments of the
great religions and philosophies of Asia. The course will study some of the following:
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
Eastern philosophies will be explored in religious and cultural context.
This course meets the cross-cultural requirement of the religious
studies major. (Also RELG 300.)
(Three credits.)
PHIL 305G. Classical and Medieval Philosophy
A basic introduction to the classic texts, figures, and movements of philosophy. The
emphasis will be on understanding classic and medieval philosophical works in their
historical context. Different concepts of reality, the cosmos, truth, knowledge, good, evil,
justice, the will, and divinity will be explored over time. No prerequisites. (Three credits.)
PHIL 307G. Modern Philosophy
A basic introduction to early modern, Enlightenment, 19th century, and 20th-century
texts, figures, and movements in philosophy. The emphasis will be on understanding modern
and contemporary philosophical works in their historical context. Different concepts of
mind, body, doubt, certainty, experience, nature, science, religion, morality, history,
society, language, technology, and the future will be explored over time. No
prerequisites. (Three credits.)
PHIL 310. Environmental Ethics
An examination of ecological problems caused by human activities and possible solutions,
starting with a rethinking of the relationship between human beings and nature. From
different perspectives, the course will
investigate various interrelated issues ranging from ethical to metaphysical, including: Do
we have an obligation to natural objects? If there should be an environmental ethic, what
kind of ethic should it be? Students will have opportunities to develop and express their
own views on these issues. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission
of instructor. (Also RELG 310 and ISSI 410G.) (Three credits.)
PHIL 311. Contemporary Philosophy.
A basic introduction to the texts, figures,
and movements of contemporary philosophy, with
specific reference to developments in
phenomenology, existentialism, philosophy of language,
post-structuralism, and philosophy of mind. The course examines the
historical developments that led to these concepts and questions, as
well as the central divide between analytic and continental thought.
(Three credits.)
PHIL 315G. Philosophy of Art
An examination of perennial questions concerning beauty in works of art and nature, the
attribution of value, the relation of aesthetic judgment and imagination to cognition and
moral duty, and the impact of these matters on inquiries in related disciplines, i.e.,
linguistics, psychoanalysis, and religious studies. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Three
credits.)
PHIL 320. Individualized Study
Directed research and writing in an area of special interest to the student. May be
repeated for credit. (One to three credits.)
PHIL 330. Theories of Knowledge.
This course will introduce several of the major philosophical approaches
to the question of what it means to know. Through a historical survey of
primary sources, we will become familiar with the classical conception
of knowledge as justified true belief and we will understand how modern
challenges to this view ) including skepticism regarding the senses and
the problem of induction ) have shaped contemporary movements in
epistemology. This course is intended primarily for students in their
sophomore, junior, and senior years. (Three credits.)
PHIL 336. Poetics of the Self
An investigation of some questions that arise from an awareness of one's own self. The
intent is to place the question "Who am I?" into a critically manageable context. Emphasizes
discovery of the self and various strategies for making sense of who one is. Particular
emphasis on love and on the need for models (plots, paradigms, myths) in defining our
existence. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (Also ISSI 436.) (Three credits.)
PHIL 350. Topics in the History of
Philosophy.
This course will examine a particular figure, period, or theme in
the history of philosophy, in a more focused manner than a survey course
will allow. Emphasis will be placed on the significance of these
ideas for contemporary debates and perspectives. (One to three credits.)
PHIL 411. Political Philosophy from Plato to the Present
A historical survey and philosophical analysis of political theory from ancient Greece
to the present. Includes works by Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau,
Marx, and Mill. (Also POLS 411 and ISSI 435.) (Three credits.)
PHIL 413. Suffering, Evil, and Hope
Why is there suffering and evil? What is our responsibility in the face of suffering? Are
there grounds for hoping that suffering may one day cease? This class focuses on the long
tradition of religious and philosophical reflection on these and related questions. Features
classic texts, novels, and film. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Permission for non-seniors
should be directed to the department chair. (Also ISSI 413.) (Three credits)
PHIL 450. Senior Project
A thorough examination of a topic in philosophy and the composition of an extended essay
involving in-depth research and analysis and/or synthesis under the individualized direction
of a faculty member, or in a seminar. Required for majors, and open only to senior majors. (Three
credits.)
PHIL 452. Senior Research.
This course is designed for students
conducting independent research in preparation for their senior projects
in philosophy. Through regular meetings with the project advisor and
individual research, students will begin the semester reading broadly in
the relevant scholarship to generate and then focus a topic for the
senior project. The remainder of the semester will consist of more
focused research. Graded credit/no-credit. (One credit.)
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
RELG 101G. Introduction to the Old Testament
A study of the text of the Old Testament in its historical and cultural
context. Against the background of ancient Near Eastern civilizations, the story of Israel
is traced from its formation as a people through the rise of the monarchy, exile, and
return. The complex web of traditions that shaped Israel's identity is analyzed and the
historical, literary, and theological dimensions of the texts are explored. No
prerequisites. (Three credits.)
RELG 103G. Friends, Neighbors, Lovers, and Enemies
We have a global society with technologies that connect us across
political boundaries and increasingly complex relationships as
technologies and transportation provide opportunities to encounter a
vast diversity of religions and cultures on a daily basis. Within this
multicultural, multilingual, multiracial, multireligious milieu,what does it mean to be a friend? Who is my neighbor? What is the meaning of sex and
marriage? How are interfaith marriages shaping culture? Who are my
enemies? How should I relate to enemies? Everyone encounters questions such as these in
life. This course explores the intersection of human relationships with the moral vision of
several major religious traditions. A broad range of personal and social ethical issues may
be explored, such as abortion, capital punishment, ecology, economics and welfare,
euthanasia, marriage, racism, and warfare. The principal format of the class is discussion.
No prerequisites. (Three credits.)
RELG 108G. Introduction to the New Testament
A study of first-century Christian literature in its historical and cultural contexts.
This course will focus on the historical Jesus, Paul's epistles, and the Jewish framework of early Christian faith and
practice in Hellenic-Roman culture. No prior knowledge of the New Testament, Judaism, or
Christianity is required. (Three credits.)
RELG 150. Religion and Religions
What is religion? How do we make sense of religions in all their
diversity and all of their complexity? This course exposes students to
an array of theories about religion, including sociological,
psychological, and phenomenological. It also engages the issues that
arise in comparing traditions through a consideration of such issues as
ritual, community and sacred texts. (Three credits.)
RELG 200G. Topics in the History of Christian Thought
Introduction to the history of Christian thought, from the
missionary work of Paul to the development of basic church teachings in
figures like Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Julian of Norwich; the
Reformation (Luther, Calvin, others) through to developments in the
modern period, and the variety of Christian responses to contemporary
culture. This course may focus on a particular theme or time
period. Students can repeat this course for credit by permission
of the department chair. No prerequisites. (Three credits.)
RELG 207G. Ethics: Philosophical and Religious
An introduction to philosophical and religious ethics as distinct yet interrelated ways
of thinking critically about human action.
Issues include natural laws, absolute rules, divine commands,
human rights, virtues and vices, conscience, freedom, determinism, accountability, whether there are moral facts,
and the
challenges of moral relativism. Specific moral issues may include sexual ethics, violence
and peace, economic justice, environmental ethics, business ethics, race, gender, etc. No
prerequisites. (Also PHIL 207.) (Three credits.)
RELG 210G. Judaism and Islam
A study of the origins, history, rituals, sacred writings, beliefs, practices, and
modern developments among Jews and Muslims. Special attention is
given to understanding similarities and differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
as monotheistic traditions which all trace their roots to Abraham. No
prerequisites. This course meets the cross-cultural requirement of the
religious studies major. (Three credits.)
RELG 213. Philosophy of Religion
Can the existence of God be proven? Is religion rational? Do we have free will? Is there
life after death? Can religious experience be verified? This is an introduction to the basic
problems and issues that constitute contemporary philosophy of religion. In addition to a
basic survey of the field, this course will focus on a particular issue, such as rationality
and religion, religious pluralism, or proofs for the existence of God. No prerequisites.
(Also PHIL 213.) (Three credits.)
RELG 220. Women and Religion
This course explores the religious lives of women across cultures
and religious traditions. Course readings include writings by women
religious leaders and lay participants as well as essays about women in
a variety of religious contexts. Attention is paid to the uniqueness and
diversity of women's experience within religious traditions, including
the experience of oppression but also of empowerment. This course meets
the cross-cultural requirement of the religious studies major. (Three
credits.)
RELG 244G. The Politics of Islam
This course examines different forms of Islamic revivalism as well as the basic political tenets of
Islam. The class will emphasize putting current trends in historical perspective. (Also POLS 244 and ISSI 444.) (Three
credits.)
RELG 250. Special Topics
(One to three credits.)
RELG 300G. Philosophy and Religions of Asia
An introduction to the origins, histories, thought, practices, and developments of the
great religions and philosophies of Asia. The course will study some of the following:
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
Eastern philosophies will be explored in religious and cultural context.
This course meets the cross-cultural requirement of the religious
studies major. (Also PHIL 300.)
(Three credits.)
RELG 310. Environmental Ethics
An examination of ecological problems caused by human activities and possible solutions,
starting with a rethinking of the relationship between human beings and nature. From
different perspectives, the course will
investigate various interrelated issues ranging from ethical to metaphysical, including: Do
we have an obligation to natural objects? If there should be an environmental ethic, what
kind of ethic should it be? Students will have opportunities to develop and express their
own views on these issues. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Permission for non-seniors should
be directed to the department chair. (Also PHIL 310 and ISSI 410G.) (Three credits.)
RELG 320. Individualized Study
Directed research and writing in an area of special interest to the student. May be
repeated for credit. (One to three credits.)
RELG 350. Contemporary Issues in
Religious Studies
This course examines a contemporary issue in the study of religion
and draws upon recent scholarship in the field. (One to three credits.)
RELG 414. Economy, Community, and Ethics
Economic issues increasingly dominate our lives as we enter the twenty-first century.
This course examines moral and ethical issues related to living and laboring in a global
economy. What resources do the Judeo-Christian traditions provide for navigating an
economically interdependent world? Prerequisite: Senior standing. Permission for non-seniors
should be directed to the department chair. (Also ISSI 414.) (Three credits.)
RELG 450. Senior Project
A thorough examination of a topic in Religion and the composition of an extended essay
involving in-depth research and analysis and/or synthesis under the individualized direction
of a faculty member, or in a seminar. Required for majors, and open only to
senior majors. (Three credits.)
RELG 479. Cosmology and Creation
An investigation, from Western and Eastern points of view, of the origin of the universe
and our place in it, this course raises issues that confront most thinking people at some
point in their lives. It will examine differing view points, such as myth and truth,
creation and evolution, science and religion and critically study the contributions of
scientists -both physical and biological, philosophers-ancient and modern, and
theologians-traditional and non-traditional, and notice where these scholars interrelate and
where they part company. (Also ISSI 479.) (Three credits.)
