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. Westmoreland
(See course description for PHIL 101-1.)
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)----TTH 11:00-12:15----Dr. Cozad
(See the course description for REL 308.)
PHIL 310 SOCRATES AND SOPHISTRY (Same as
CLC 310)----MWF 1:00-1:50----Dr. Lobur
(Open only to students enrolled in the Honors College) The intellectual
ferment surrounding the development of philosophy in fifth century Athens; its
origins and consequences in literature and politics. Readings focus on Socrates;
drama, early philosophical texts, the Sophists and Plato.
PHIL 311 PLATO---TTH 11:00-12:15----Dr. Harrington
Study the basic writings of Plato to find out why one great American said that
all subsequent philosophy might be nothing more than a series of footnotes to
Plato. Start with his epic battles with the Sophists and look at the ways in
which he tried to present a philosophy of life tied to knowledge rather than to
opinion. In this process read many of his greatest works. Find out why he was
such a radical for ancient Greece. Requirements include short papers applying Plato
to the 21st century, three
midcourse exams (the last of which takes the place of the final), and regular
attendance.
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 331 POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY----MWF 11:00-11:50----Dr. Westmoreland
We will begin with the anarchist's claim that there should be no state at all. Then we will proceed to the libertarian
claim that there should be only a minimal state--police to protect us from force and fraud, and national defense.
Next comes the classical (right-wing) liberal view that the state may provide other goods besides protection from
force and fraud, but still must be severely limited--e.g., little or no affirmative action. After that we consider
the contemporary (left-wing) liberal view that the state may be active in many ways--e.g., affirmative action--to
enhance individual autonomy, especially the autonomy of minorities. Finally, we will consider certain socialist
views, according to which the economic system must be subject to more political direction than even left-wing liberals
often think. Two short papers, one in-class test, occasional journal entries, a final exam.
PHIL 345 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS----TTH
9:30-10:45----Dr. Manson
This course addresses philosophical and practical issues in
contemporary environmentalism. The relationship between
humanity and the natural world will be explored from various
scientific, philosophical, and economic perspectives.
Questions to be addressed include the following: (1) What is
the distinction between the human and the natural? (2) Does
anything in the natural world have value in itself, or do
all things in the natural world derive their value from
their relationship to us? (3) Do we have a moral obligation
not to harm animals, plants, or ecosystems? (4) Is there any
conception of the human good life that is consistent with
proper treatment of the environment? (5) What is the current
impact of humans on the environment? What are the solutions
to current environmental problems?
PHIL 497 SENIOR SEMINAR----W 2:00-4:30----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----Dr. W. Johnson
The purpose of this course is to introduce the rudiments of our world's most
well-known religions. These religions will provide us a window for understanding how
human
beings have sought to bring perspective to life's most perplexing issues over the
past 4,000 years. Specifically, we'll examine extensively
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam. We'll study briefly the so-called primal religions such as
African indigenous religions and Native American spirituality. Thematically, we want
to assess the commonalities of all religions and try to understand their differences
respectfully. Evaluation will be based on journals, a research paper, quizzes, class
participation, and attendance. Texts: Novak, The World's Wisdom: Sacred Texts
of the World's Religions and Breuilly, O'Brien, Palmer, Religions of the
World: The Illustrated Guide to Origins, Beliefs, Traditions, and Festivals.
REL 101-2 INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION----TTH 8:00-9:15----Dr. Cozad
This course operates as an introduction to the religious traditions of the world. We will focus on key concepts,
divine figures, myths, and rituals as they are reflected in the Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Jewish, Christian,
Islamic, and selected African traditions. While the first half of the course will examine the particular elements
that make each of these traditions unique, the second half will examine the structure of these traditions in order
to compare and contrast their respective forms and functions. During the last unit of the course, we will also
look at the intersection of religion and politics. Most class periods will be split between lectures and discussions
supplemented by videos, recordings and various forms of interactive learning. Evaluation will consist of a mid-term,
final exam, attendance, and class participation. Readings are to be completed for the day they are listed. No prerequisites
required.
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----TTH 11:00-12:15----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 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 380 WESTERN MYSTICISM (Same as G ST
385)----MW
2:30-3:45-----Dr.
Thurlkill
This course will examine Jewish, Christian, and Islamic
mysical expressions, focusing on medieval Christianity and
Islam. Mysticism is notoriously difficult to define, in
part, because it is based upon an experiential encounter
with the Divine, inherently separate from philosophical,
theological, or ritual discourse. In exploring the
varieties of mystical expression within the theistic
traditions, will will focus on the role of gender and
authority in mystical writing, practice, and teaching.
REL 497 CAPSTONE COURSE----TBA----Dr. Thurlkill
(Restricted to and required for senior philosophy majors pursuing the joint philosophy-religion emphasis.)
A senior thesis done under the direction of the religion faculty.
PHIL 607-1 MAJOR WESTERN PHILOSOPHERS (PLATO)----TTH 11:00-12:15----Dr. Harrington
A study of the Platonic dialogues and their influence on later thought.
PHIL 615-1 RESEARCH----TTH 1:00-2:15----Dr. Lawhead
An advanced survey of the history of philosophy covering the period from Descartes to the early twentieth century.
PHIL 616-1 RESEARCH----TTH 9:30-10:45----Dr. Manson
Graduate level survey of environmental ethics.
PHIL 619-1 VALUE THEORY----MWF 11:00-11:50----Dr. Westmoreland
Advanced topics in political philosophy.
PHIL 697 THESIS----TBA----Dr. Westmoreland
REL 613-1 PROBS. IN THE PHIL. OF REL. (BUDDHISM)----TTH 11:00-12:15----Dr.
Cozad
Graduate level version of REL 308.
PHIL 613-2 PROBS. IN THE PHIL. OF REL. (NEW TESTAMENT & EARLY CHRISTIANITY)
TTH 9:30-10:45----Dr. Harrington
Graduate level version of REL 312.
PHIL 613-3 PROBS. IN THE PHIL. OF REL. (ABRAHAMIC TRADITIONS)----MWF 10:00-10:50----Dr.
Thurlkill
Graduate level version of REL 324.
PHIL 613-4 PROBS. IN THE PHIL. OF REL. (WESTERN MYSTICISM)---MW 2:30-3:45----Dr.
Thurlkill
Graduate level version of REL 380.