PHIL 101-1 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY----MWF 9:00-9:50----Dr. Westmoreland
This course will introduce students to basic issues in philosophy: Is belief in God rational? Are rationality and
religious faith consistent? What is knowledge, and are we capable of it? What is the relationship of mind to body?
What is free will, and do we have it? The class will include lecture and discussion. Several in-class tests as
well as a final exam.
PHIL 101-2 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY ----TTH 8:00-8:15----Dr. Manson
Students will confront four sets of key philosophical questions: (1) What is the nature of God? Can God's existence
be proved or disproved? (2) What is the nature of human freedom? Is human freedom even possible? (3) What can we
know of reality outside of our minds? Can we know that there is an external material world? (4) What is the nature
of the human mind? Is it immaterial or material? In the course of addressing these questions students will develop
their abilities to think critically, reason analytically, and write clearly.
PHIL 103-1 LOGIC: CRITICAL THINKING
(Same as LING 103-1)----TTH 11:00-12:15
Dr.
Barnard
This course will introduce the student to various techniques for representing and evaluating arguments and reasoning.
We will learn to recognize common mistakes in reasoning, and try to understand why poor reasoning can seem so convincing.
Course evaluation will be based upon in class examinations and exercises, as well as regular homework.
PHIL 103-2 (H) LOGIC: CRITICAL
THINKING (Same as LING 103-2)
TTH 9:30-10:45----Dr. Barnard
(Open only to students enrolled in the Honors College) This course will introduce the student to various techniques for representing and evaluating arguments and reasoning.
We will learn to recognize common mistakes in reasoning, and try to understand why poor reasoning can seem so convincing.
Course evaluation will be based upon in class examinations and exercises,
as well as regular homework.
PHIL 302 HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY II----TTH 1:00-2:15----Dr. Lawhead
This course will examine the historical development of important philosophical ideas as they appear in major thinkers
from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. Consideration will be given to the interaction between philosophy,
science, religion, political theory, and the arts. Evaluation will be based on tests, quizzes, and written assignments.
No prerequisites required.
PHIL 308 BUDDHISM (Same as REL 308)----MWF 11:00-11:50----Dr. Cozad
(See the course description for REL 308.)
PHIL 320 AESTHETICS---MWF 9:00-9:50----Dr. Lawhead
This course will examine the leading views, issues, and concepts that are discussed in the philosophy of art. We
will cover the major theories (historical and contemporary) concerning what art is and what art does with respect
to: representation, expression, form, and aesthetic experience. In doing so, we will also examine the complex relationships
between the artist, the art work, and the audience. Finally, we will touch on the following questions: Is aesthetics
objective or subjective? What role do the artist's intentions play in interpreting a work? Is "truth"
a relevant concept in art? What is the relationship between art and morality? The course will focus on the visual
arts, but some attention will be paid to aesthetic issues in other art forms such as literature and music. The
class presentations will include multimedia and guest lectures from practicing artists.
PHIL 326-1 BIOETHICS----MW 10:00-10:50----Dr. Manson
(Note: this course is required of pharmacy majors and restricted to pharmacy majors only.) In this one semester
hour course, you will learn: why an understanding of bioethics is necessary for future health care professionals;
the major ethical theories operative in health care today, their strengths and weaknesses. You will show through
case studies how these theories influence pharmacy codes of ethics and
ethical health care practice.
PHIL 326-2 BIOETHICS----MW 11:00-11:50----Dr. Manson
(Course content the same as PHIL 326-1)
(Note: this course is required of pharmacy majors and restricted to pharmacy majors only.)
PHIL 350-1 (H) PHILOSOPHY OF LAW----MWF 11:00-11:50----Dr. Westmoreland
(Open only to students enrolled in the Honors College. Others may
enroll in PHIL 350-2)
This course concerns the interpretation of
law
at
two levels. First we will examine attempts to arrive at a philosophical concept of law; we will concentrate on
whether or not there is a conceptual link between law and morality, and whether or not legal obligation is a kind
of moral obligation. At the more concrete level we will ask: Is law whatever judges happen to say it is? Or are
there right answers to legal questions even when sources like legislative history are not decisive? What role should
and/or do moral principles play in adjudication? What moral principles ground legal punishment? Should behavior
ever be prohibited simply because it's immoral? I hope to recruit occasional guest speakers. In addition to works
of legal philosophy, we will read several Supreme Court decisions. Two papers, mid-term, final class discussion
required.
PHIL 350-2 PHILOSOPHY OF LAW----TTH 11:00-12:15----Dr. Westmoreland
This course concerns the interpretation of law at two levels. First we will examine attempts to arrive at a philosophical
concept of law; we will concentrate on whether or not there is a conceptual link between law and morality, and
whether or not legal obligation is a kind of moral obligation. At the more concrete level we will ask: Is law whatever
judges happen to say it is? Or are there right answers to legal questions even when sources like legislative history
are not decisive? What role should and/or do moral principles play in adjudication? What moral principles ground
legal punishment? Should behavior ever be prohibited simply because it's immoral? I hope to recruit occasional
guest speakers. In addition to works of legal philosophy, we will read several Supreme Court decisions. Two papers,
mid-term, final class discussion required.
PHIL 497 SENIOR SEMINAR----TTH
8:00-9:15----Dr. Barnard
Restricted to senior philosophy majors. This course will give philosophy majors the chance to interact together
concerning topics of mutual interest and will help you to hone your skills at communication, philosophical argument,
and critical thinking. This course will have three components: (a) readings in argument theory, informal logic,
and philosophical methodology, (b) verbal presentation of papers followed by free-for-all discussion of the papers,
(c) a writing workshop. Each student will be required to write several (2-4) short (5 pp.) original argumentative
papers on a philosophical topic. All class members will be required to edit the work of all other students, and
each student will be required to revise and expand one of their presented and critiqued papers as a final paper
(10-12 pp.).
REL 101-1 INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION----MWF 8:00-8:50----Prof. O'Sullivan
This course provides a survey of major world religions originating in Europe, India, Asia, and the Middle East.
Material will be presented chronologically and will cover basic beliefs, deities, personalities, life rituals,
and holy days. Students are expected to identify these aspects of each religion and also to discover common themes
among the religions. Assessment will be based on three exams, several quizzes, and class participation. The texts
will be: Huston Smith, The World's Religions, Philip Novak, The World's Wisdom, Marianne Fergusson,
Women and Religion.
REL 101-2 INTRODUCTION TO
RELIGION----MW 2:30-3:45----Dr. Thurlkill
This course provides a survey of major world religions originating in India, Asia, and the Middle East. It emphasizes
aspects of myth (sacred stories within religious tradition) and ritual (sacred actions related to myth). Students
are required to complete one group project (create-a-ritual) and three exams.
REL 101 (Web Course) INTRODUCTION TO
RELIGION----Prof. O'Sullivan
This is a survey of 8 religions originating in Europe, India, China, and
Arabia. Material is presented chronologically and will include basic
beliefs, deities, personalities, life rituals, and holy days. Students
will be expected to identify these aspects of each religion and also
discover common themes among the religions. Assessment is based on essays,
quizzes, and class discussion. The texts will be: Huston Smith, The
World's Religions, Philip Novak, The World's Wisdom, Marianne
Fergusson,
Women and Religion.
REL 308 BUDDHISM----MWF 11:00-11:50----Dr. Cozad
This course operates as a historical and cross-cultural survey of the Buddhist traditions as they are found in
India, Sri Lanka, China, Tibet, and Japan. Particular attention will be paid to the following. First, the three
gems of Buddhism, the Buddha, the Buddha's teachings (dharma), and the Buddhist community (sangha); second, the
ideological shift between the early Nikaya tradition and the later Mahayana tradition; third, the historical role
of women in Buddhism; fourth, the merging of Buddhism with indigenous traditions, particularly in India and Tibet;
and fifth, the relationship between Buddhism and politics, particularly in Sri Lanka and Tibet. Class periods will
be devoted to discussions based on the assigned readings, and will be supplemented by videos, recordings, and various
forms of interactive learning.
REL 312 THE NEW TESTAMENT AND EARLY
CHRISTIANITY----TTH 9:30-10:45
Dr. Harrington
The goals of this course are to become acquainted with the New
Testament, its literature, its cultural setting, and the rise of
Christianity and to appreciate the significance and place of the New
Testament and of Early Christianity in world religions and in Western
thought. Reading and reflecting on the New Testament is a good way to
be introduced to the canon which has played and continues to play a
major role in Western theism--Christianity, Islam and Judaism--and so,
in Western culture. There is much you will expected to learn, but
nothing you will be required to believe. Requirements include
occasional quizzes, two book reviews, and three non-cumulative exams
(the last of which will be the final exam).
REL 322 CHINESE RELIGIONS-----MWF 12:00-12:50----Dr. Cozad
Survey of the major Chinese religions, including Taoism, Confucius, and Chinese Buddhism.
REL 324 ABRAHAMIC TRADITIONS----MWF 10:00-10:50----Dr. Thurlkill
This course examines three world religions -- Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam -- that trace their history and
beliefs back to the patriarch Abraham. It focuses on
scripture and tradition; the concept of monotheism;
questions of authority; worship and ritual; material
culture; and, religion and the political order.
REL 366 WOMEN OF THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN
BIBLE----MWF 11:00-11:50-----Dr. Harrington
This critical study of the significant women in the sacred literature
of the Western Prophetic tradition will center on women who appear in
the Judeo-Christian Bible, as they are portrayed in the Bible, in
imaginative literature and in cinema. Beginning with an analysis of
femininity in the primordial story of the Hebrew Bible, there will be
an analysis of the experiences of women in the ancestral cycle (e.g.,
Sarah, Rachel), in the pre-kingdom period (e.g., Deborah, Delilah). In
the monarchical period (e.g. Bathsheba, Jezebel). Concluding the
study of women in the Hebrew Bible will be a review of the general
status of women in the Hebrew ritual law and in the Hebrew culture.
In the Christian New Testament, attention will center on the women of
Jesus (e.g., Mary, Mary Magdalene) and the women in Acts (e.g.,
Priscilla, Tecla). Much attention will be paid to the status of women
in early Christianity and how an egalitarian religion became
patriarchal. Requirements include occasional quizzes, two book
reviews, and three non-cumulative exams (the last of which will be the
final exam).
PHIL 616 RESEARCH----TBA----Dr. Westmoreland
PHIL 617 PROBLEMS OF EPISTEMOLOGY (ADVANCED TOPICS IN LOGIC)----MW 2:30-3:45
Dr. Manson
This course will survey central systems in both deductive and
inductive logic. Topics in deduction include the theory of validity,
propositional logic, quantifier logic, and modal logic. Topics in
induction include the probability calculus and Bayesianism. There will
be frequent homework and two examinations.
PHIL 619-1 VALUE THEORY----TTH
11:00-12:15----Dr. Westmoreland
Advanced topics in the philosophy of law.
PHIL 619-2 VALUE THEORY (AESTHETICS)----MWF 9:00-9:50----Dr. Lawhead
Advanced topics in the philosophy of art.
PHIL 697 THESIS----TBA----Dr. Westmoreland
REL 613-1 PROBS. IN THE PHIL.
OF REL. (ABRAHAMIC TRADITIONS)----MWF 10:00-10:50----Dr.
Thurlkill
Graduate level version of REL 324.
PHIL 613-3 PROBS. IN THE PHIL.
OF REL. (CHINESE RELIGIONS)----MWF
12:00-12:50----Dr. Cozad
Graduate level version of REL 322.
PHIL 613-4 PROBS. IN THE PHIL.
OF REL. (WOMEN OF THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN BIBLE)
MWF
11:00-11:50----Dr. Harrington
Graduate level version of REL 366.