Department of Philosophy and World Religions
(College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences)
The Department of Philosophy and World Religions offers the following programs:
- Religious Literacy
- Youth Work in Religious Settings (also listed in Department of Health, Recreation and Community Services)
Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs
Philosophy Major
The Philosophy major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes UNIFI/General Education requirements, 36 hours of coursework in the major, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours.
The philosophy major is designed to provide depth and breadth in the study of philosophy, emphasizing the skills of logical reasoning, analytic reading, effective writing, and ethical reasoning, as well as focused study of the history of western philosophy, and fundamental conceptions of human nature and human practices. The major is also flexible, so that students can take courses of interest to them. Courses in the philosophy major give students an opportunity to gain useful conceptual tools, increase their flexibility of mind, and improve their ability to view issues from multiple perspectives. Philosophy is one of the best pre-law majors; philosophy majors typically do extremely well in admission tests to graduate and professional schools.
The philosophy major stresses learning goals that enable students to achieve the skills deemed essential by employers, in particular, strong critical thinking and communication skills. Because the major is organized around learning goals, students know exactly why they are taking each class. As they explore philosophy, they also see that each class is helping them to become college graduates who possess knowledge and skills valued by employers as well as professional and graduate schools.
Philosophy Major - Learning Goals and Courses
What is a learning goal?
A learning goal is a set of skills or body of knowledge that a student should expect to acquire or expand their mastery of by completing a particular major.
By establishing learning goals, majors in Philosophy know exactly why they are taking each class. These learning goals divide the classes taken by majors in Philosophy into categories that are easily understood and that guide the student through the major and the learning process.
Learning Goal 1: Skills: Philosophy majors will demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, analytical writing, reading and understanding complex materials; as well as analyzing, evaluating, and constructing arguments.
Courses that support Learning Goal 1:
| Logical Reasoning | ||
| Required: | 3 | |
| Elementary Logic QR | ||
| Reading for Arguments and Assumptions | ||
| Students who have completed Learning Goal 4 will have satisfied this requirement. | ||
| Analytic Writing | ||
| Students who have completed Learning Goal 4 will have satisfied this requirement. | ||
Learning Goal 2: Ethical Reasoning: Philosophy majors will understand ethical theories and use this understanding to think through moral and ethical problems in a principled and systematic way.
Courses that support Learning Goal 2:
| Required: | ||
| PHIL 2500 | Ethics * | 3 |
Learning Goal 3: History of Philosophy: By reading key texts from the rich western philosophical tradition, Philosophy majors will gain useful conceptual tools, increase their flexibility of mind, and improve their ability to view issues from multiple perspectives.
Courses that support Learning Goal 3:
| Required: at least three course from the following: | 9 | |
| Dawn of Western Thought: Ancient Philosophy | ||
| Faith and Reason: Philosophy in the Middle Ages | ||
| The Age of Reason: Philosophy in the Renaissance and Enlightenment | ||
| The Limits of Reason: Modern Philosophy | ||
Learning Goal 4: Philosophy majors will investigate fundamental conceptions of what it means to be a person and to engage in essential human activities.
Courses that support Learning Goal 4:
| A. Understanding Human Nature | ||
| Required: at least two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Consciousness and Mind: Philosophical Perspectives | ||
| Death, Sex and the Body: Phenomenology and Foucault | ||
| Intellectual Vices and Virtues: Theory and Practice | ||
| Nietzsche, Nihilism, and Technology * | ||
| B. Basic Human Practices | ||
| Required: at least two courses from the following. At least one of these courses must be in "analytical philosophy": either PHIL 3350 or PHIL 3620. (Taking both of these courses will completely satisfy this requirement.) | 6 | |
| Philosophy of Religion | ||
| Political Philosophy * | ||
| How We Know: Philosophical Perspectives | ||
| Philosophy of Law | ||
| Philosophy of Language: Wittgenstein | ||
Learning Goal 5: Career Preparation: Philosophy majors will be able to relate their major to their careers and to their future goals.
| Required: | ||
| PHIL 4490 | Professional Development Seminar | 3 |
| Through thoughtful reflection and critical discernment, students synthesize their work in the major, clarifying what they have done and linking their achievements with life goals, while they also explore how deep learning outcomes in the major offer preparation for a career, graduate or professional school. | ||
Electives: in order to reach 36 hours, students can choose from courses not used above or from the following courses in Philosophy. No more than two courses in applied ethics (PHIL 1540, PHIL 1560 PHIL 2550, PHIL 2570, PHIL 3110, PHIL 3510) count toward the philosophy major:
| Justice and the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives R | ||
| The Art of Critical Thinking and Writing WC | ||
| World Philosophies HCG | ||
| Ethics in Business | ||
| Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE) R | ||
| Environmental Ethics * | ||
| Good Sex: The Ethics of Human Sexuality * | ||
| Perspectives on Death and Dying *^HCG | ||
| Studies in Philosophy | ||
| Bio-Medical Ethics *^R | ||
| Individual Readings in Philosophy | ||
| Total hours 36 | ||
- *
Courses followed by asterisk (*) count toward the Ethics minor (15-hour minor).
- ^
Courses followed by the symbol (^) also satisfy the Liberal Arts Core Capstone requirement.
- QR
Courses followed by (QR) also satisfy the UNIFI Quantitative Reasoning category.
- R
Courses followed by (R) also satisfy the UNIFI Responsibility category.
- WC
Courses followed by (WC) also satisfy the UNIFI Written Communication category.
- HCG
Courses followed by (HCG) also satisfy the UNIFI Human Condition: Global category.
Religious Studies Major
The Religious Studies major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes UNIFI/General Education requirements, 36 hours of coursework in the major, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours.
The Religious Studies major is designed to provide depth and breadth in the study of religion, emphasizing the beliefs and practices of the major world religions, as well as focused study of the multiple ways that religions shape and reflect the world around us. The major is also flexible, so that students can take courses of interest to them. Courses in the study of religion give students an opportunity to become reflective and respectful global citizens in our increasingly diverse world.
In planning the Religious Studies major, we have listened to employers. The major prioritizes learning goals that enable students to learn about religion and achieve outcomes that employers value. We know that employers want to hire college graduates who have strong communication and critical thinking skills and who can interact empathetically and effectively with persons from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Because the major is organized around learning goals, students always know exactly why they are taking each class. As they explore religion, they also see that each class is helping them to become college graduates who possess knowledge and skills valued by employers.
Study of Religion Major - Learning Goals and Courses
What is a learning goal?
A learning goal is a set of skills or body of knowledge that a student should expect to acquire, or expand their mastery of, by completing a particular major.
Having established "learning goals" allows majors in Religion to know exactly why they are taking each class. These learning goals divide the classes taken by majors in Religion into categories that are easily understood and that guide the student through the major and the learning process.
Learning Goal 1:
Majors in the Study of Religion demonstrate an ability to reflect critically and emphathetically on the subject.
Courses support Learning Goal 1:
| A. Religion and Culture | ||
| One course from the following: | 3 | |
| Religion and the Public Schools | ||
| Perspectives on Death and Dying | ||
| Women and Christianity * | ||
| Religion and Race | ||
| Religion and Ethics | ||
| Religion in America * | ||
| B. Textual and Analytical Explorations of Religion | 3 | |
| One course from the following: | ||
| Old Testament and Other Hebrew Scriptures | ||
| New Testament and Early Christian Writings | ||
| Philosophy of Religion * | ||
| Religion and Law | ||
Learning Goal 2:
Majors in the Study of Religion have knowledge of the beliefs, practices, and worldviews of major living religions.
Courses support Learning Goal 2:
| A. Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion | ||
| One course from the following: | 3 | |
| Hinduism and Buddhism | ||
| Confucianism, Daoism, and Zen | ||
| One course from the following: | 3 | |
| Judaism and Islam | ||
| Christianity | ||
| B. Interactions Within and Among Religions | ||
| One course from the following: | 3 | |
| The Power of Myth: (Topic) | ||
| American Religious Diversity | ||
| Faith and Reason: Philosophy in the Middle Ages | ||
| Religion and Politics: (Topics) | ||
Learning Goal 3:
Majors in the Study of Religion have skills that are highly valued by employers; they are able to relate their major to their career and to their future goals.
Courses support Learning Goal 3:
| Writing Enhanced Courses | ||
| Two writing enhanced courses are required. Students must take at least two courses marked with an asterisk (*) for the Study of Religion major. | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Required: | ||
| RELS 4490 | Professional Development Seminar | 3 |
Through thoughtful reflection and critical discernment, students synthesize their work in the major, clarifying what they have done and linking their achievements with life goals, while they also explore how deep learning outcomes in the major offer preparation for a career, graduate or professional school.
| Electives: in order to reach 36 hours, students can choose from courses not used above or from the following courses in Religion. All courses 3000 level or higher (including any RELS 3159 course) that do not already fulfill other requirements for the major are considered Electives: | ||
| Religions of the World | ||
| Religion, Ethics, and Film | ||
| Individual Readings in Religion | ||
| Studies in Religion | ||
| Internship in Religion | ||
| and not more than two courses from: | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Good Sex: The Ethics of Human Sexuality | ||
| Ethics in Business | ||
| Bio-Medical Ethics | ||
| Total hours 36 | ||
Pre-Theological Emphasis
Students preparing for ministry or for graduate professional education in theology at a seminary or divinity school, regardless of major, are advised to consult with the pre-theological advisor, who will help them to know the requirements of individual schools and to plan an undergraduate program appropriately designed for their professional interests.
Minors
Ethics Minor
The Ethics minor is intended to provide students of diverse major fields of study a way to focus and develop their interest in ethics both by offering them a core of courses essential to an understanding of the field of ethics and by advising them in the selection of courses that enable them to develop depth and detail in theoretical, professional and applied ethics.
| Ethics Core--Required: | ||
| Philosophy: | 3 | |
| Ethics | ||
| Religious Studies: | 3 | |
| Religion and Ethics | ||
| Introductory Courses: select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Religious Studies: | ||
| Religions of the World | ||
| American Religious Diversity | ||
| Philosophy or Religious Studies: | ||
| Ethics in Business (can count in introductory, applied, or elective categories, but only one) | ||
| Philosophy: | ||
| Justice and the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives | ||
| Applied Ethics: select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Philosophy: | ||
| Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE) (Can also count as an elective, but not as both) | ||
| Philosophy or Religious Studies | ||
| Environmental Ethics (Can also count as an elective, but not as both) | ||
| Good Sex: The Ethics of Human Sexuality (Can also count as an elective, but not as both.) | ||
| Bio-Medical Ethics (Can also count as an elective, but not as both) | ||
| Management: | ||
| Business, Ethics, and Society (Can also count as an elective, but not as both) * | ||
| Electives: select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Business: | ||
| Legal and Social Environment of Business | ||
| Communications: | ||
| Ethics in Communication | ||
| Freedom of Speech | ||
| Special Education: | ||
| Interdisciplinary Study of Disability | ||
| History: | ||
| Conflict and Justice in History: (Topic) | ||
| U.S. Environmental History | ||
| United States Women's History | ||
| Philosophy: | ||
| Political Philosophy | ||
| Intellectual Vices and Virtues: Theory and Practice | ||
| Nietzsche, Nihilism, and Technology | ||
| Philosophy or Religious Studies: | ||
| Perspectives on Death and Dying | ||
| Political Science: | ||
| Politics of Nonviolence | ||
| Classical Political Theory | ||
| Modern Political Theory | ||
| Psychology: | ||
| Psychology of Gender * | ||
| Social Psychology * | ||
| Sociology: | ||
| Ethics in Crime, Law and Justice * | ||
| Technology: | ||
| Introduction to Sustainability | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- *
*These courses have additional prerequisites as follows:
MGMT 3974/5974 has a prerequisite of MGMT 3100.
PSYCH 2201 has a prerequisite of PSYCH 1001.
PSYCH 2203 has a prerequisite of PSYCH 1001.
Philosophy Minor
| Philosophy: | ||
| PHIL 1040 | Justice and the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives | 3 |
| One course in the history of philosophy: | 3 | |
| Dawn of Western Thought: Ancient Philosophy | ||
| Faith and Reason: Philosophy in the Middle Ages | ||
| The Age of Reason: Philosophy in the Renaissance and Enlightenment | ||
| The Limits of Reason: Modern Philosophy | ||
| Electives in philosophy (PHIL xxxx) | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Religious Studies Minor
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Religions of the World | ||
| American Religious Diversity | ||
| Electives: 15 hours of RELS xxxx courses | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Program Certificates
The University of Northern Iowa makes available, in addition to traditional programs, the opportunity for students to earn program certificates. Program certificates provide an alternative to programs leading to a degree, a major, or a minor; they certify that an individual has completed a program approved by the university. For information on the following program certificates, contact the Department of Health, Recreation and Community Services or the Office of the Registrar, which serves as the centralized registry.
Religious Literacy Certificate
The Certificate in Religious Literacy emphasizes the ways that religion interacts with many different areas of social, cultural, and political life, and will be beneficial to those preparing for careers in a wide variety of fields, including--but not limited to--health, education, business, social work, law, politics, criminology, psychology, family services, and communications. Using the American Academy of Religion's guidelines for teaching and learning religious literacy in K-12 schools and in higher education, UNI's Religious Literacy Certificate provides students with content knowledge and transferable skills based in the academic study of religion.
| Required: (Choose 2) | 6 | |
| Religions of the World | ||
| The Power of Myth: (Topic) | ||
| American Religious Diversity | ||
| Electives: select two of the following | 6 | |
| Old Testament and Other Hebrew Scriptures | ||
| New Testament and Early Christian Writings | ||
| Religion and the Public Schools | ||
| Religion and Politics: (Topics) | ||
| Religion and Law | ||
| Religion and Race | ||
| Religion in America | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Youth Work in Religious Settings Certificate
The Youth Work in Religious Settings Certificate interdisciplinary program is jointly offered by the Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership program within the Department of Health, Recreation and Community Services and the Department of Philosophy and World Religions. The Youth Work in Religious Settings Certification Program prepares students for work in a variety of religious organizations and contexts.
| Required: | ||
| Philosophy and World Religions: | ||
| RELS 1020 | Religions of the World | 3 |
| Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership: | ||
| RTNL 2150 | Foundations of Youth Work | 3 |
| RTNL 3120 | Programming for Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership | 3 |
| RTNL 3340 | Prevention & Intervention Programs in Youth Work | 3 |
| Electives: 6 hours of RELS xxxx courses | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Philosophy, B.A.
Learning Goal 1: Skills: Philosophy majors will demonstrate proficiency in analyzing evaluating, writing, and constructing arguments.
1-A: Logical Reasoning: Philosophy majors will be able to analyze, evaluate, and construct arguments using techniques of both formal and informal logic.
1-B: Reading for Arguments and Assumptions: Philosophy majors will be able to read numerous complex philosophical texts and proficiently (1) identify the author's thesis, (2) reconstruct the author's argument for the thesis, (3) identify explicit and implicit assumptions in the argument, and (4) evaluate the argument by identifying its logical strengths and weaknesses.
1-C: Analytic Writing: Philosophy majors will be able to produce written documents with clarity and rigor.
Learning Goal 2: Ethical Reasoning: Philosophy majors will use their understanding of ethical theories to think through moral problems in a principled and systematic way.
2-A: Philosophy majors will be able to explain some of the major ethical theories.
2-B: Philosophy majors will be able to reconstruct philosophers’ arguments for their theories.
2-C: Philosophy majors will be able to identify some of the strengths and weaknesses of major ethical theories.
2-D: Philosophy majors will be able to illustrate how major ethical theories can be applied to practical issues.
Learning Goal 3: History of Philosophy: By reading key texts from the rich Western philosophical tradition, Philosophy majors will gain useful conceptual tools, increase their flexibility of mind, and improve their ability to view issues from multiple perspectives.
3-A: Philosophy majors will be able to explain key views of the major figures in the history of philosophy.
3-B: Philosophy majors will be to reconstruct philosophers’ arguments for their views.
3-C: Philosophy majors will be able to analyze philosophers’ arguments for their views and identify some of their strengths and weaknesses.
Learning Goal 4: Philosophy majors will investigate fundamental conceptions of what it means to be a person and to engage in essential human activities.
4-A: Through reading key philosophical texts, philosophy majors will be able to explain important philosophical views of what it is to be human.
4-B: Through reading key philosophical texts, philosophy majors will be able to explain important philosophical views of basic human practices (language, knowledge, science, religion, politics, art, etc.).
Learning Goal 5: Philosophy majors will be able to relate their major to their career and to their future goals.
5-A: Philosophy majors will be able to relate their major to their career and to their future goals, and demonstrate skills that are highly valued by employers.
Religious Studies, B.A.
GOAL #1: Majors in the Religious Studies reflect critically and empathetically on the subject.
To demonstrate that they have fulfilled this goal they are able to: differentiate between devotional practices and the academic study of religion, examine the meanings and functions of religion in human life and/or think critically about themselves and their place in the world.
GOAL #2: Majors in the Religious Studies have knowledge of the practices, beliefs, values, and worldviews of major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
To demonstrate that they have fulfilled this goal they are able to: describe similarities and differences among traditions, explain diverse religious viewpoints within each tradition, identify the impact of religions on a local, national, and/or global scale, and/or describe examples of important religious disagreements, controversies, or issues.
GOAL #3: Majors in the Religious Studies have skills that are highly valued by employers; they are able to relate their major to their career and to their future goals.
To demonstrate that they have fulfilled this goal they are able to: explain and interpret a variety of texts, produce professional-quality documents for a variety of audiences, identify and use quality resources to conduct research on religion, competently and comfortably present research or ideas orally, and/or work effectively in teams. They can also persuasively explain to prospective employers outside the field of religion how what they have learned in the study of religion will enable them to be excellent employees who can do a variety of different tasks competently.
Philosophy, B.A.
This is a sample plan of study with a suggested sequencing of classes for the major. University electives may be applied to earn additional academic majors, minors, or certificates. Students should regularly meet with their academic advisor to plan their specific semester schedule to include UNIFI/General Education program and/or university elective hours required.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| PHIL 1040 | Justice and the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives (or PHIL 1050 or PHIL 1560) | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHIL 1030 | Elementary Logic | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHIL 2210 | Dawn of Western Thought: Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHIL 2220 | Faith and Reason: Philosophy in the Middle Ages (or RELS 2220) | 3 |
| PHIL 2500 | Ethics | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHIL 2230 | The Age of Reason: Philosophy in the Renaissance and Enlightenment | 3 |
| PHIL 4490 | Professional Development Seminar (if Even Fall) | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHIL 2240 | The Limits of Reason: Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| Any Philosophy Course | 3 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHIL 4490 | Professional Development Seminar (If Even Fall) | 3 |
| Any Philosophy Course | 3 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| Any Two Philosophy Course | 6 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Religious Studies, B.A.
This is a sample plan of study with a suggested sequencing of classes for the major. University electives may be applied to earn additional academic majors, minors, or certificates. Students should regularly meet with their academic advisor to plan their specific semester schedule to include UNIFI/General Education program and/or university elective hours required.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| RELS 1020 | Religions of the World (or RELS 1040 or RELS 1060) | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| RELS 2120 | Judaism and Islam (or RELS 2130 Christianity) | 3 |
| One RELS course in Textual & Analytical Explorations | 3 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| RELS 2100 | Hinduism and Buddhism (or RELS 2110 Confucianism, Daoism and Zen) | 3 |
| One RELS course in Religion & Culture | 3 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| One RELS Course in Interactions/Traditions | 3 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| RELS 4490 | Professional Development Seminar (If Even Fall) | 3 |
| Two RELS Courses | 6 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Two RELS Courses | 6 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| RELS 4490 | Professional Development Seminar (IF Even Fall) | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| One RELS Course | 3 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Philosophy Courses
PHIL 1030. Elementary Logic — 3 hrs.
Critical thinking, using both formal and informal methods, including proof techniques and recognizing logical fallacies. Enhances reading, writing, and thinking in any area of study, and in preparing for grad-school exams (e.g., LSAT, GMAT, and GRE). (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 1040. Justice and the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives — 3 hrs.
What makes a society just or unjust? What does it mean to lead a good life? The course will provide philosophical perspectives on these questions, including investigations of the principles and virtues that should guide how we interact with others in our communities and lead meaningful lives. (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 1050. The Art of Critical Thinking and Writing — 3 hrs.
The course aims to develop fundamental skills of critical thinking and writing academic essays at the college level and enable students to make the most of their college education. As part of their coursework, students will use the skills they develop in the course to think critically and write with skill, clarity, and rigor on a range of issues that are meaningful to them and relevant to their lives as college students and as citizens. Class sessions will combine lecture and discussion, including small group work. (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 1080. World Philosophies — 3 hrs.
This course introduces multiple philosophical traditions around the globe. One focus is on finding common and diverging themes demonstrating shared human interests across differences. Another is the demonstration of unique philosophical ideas and developments of societies and cultures often given little attention in traditional philosophy courses. (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 1540. Ethics in Business — 3 hrs.
Application of ethical principles and analytic methods to contemporary issues in business. Topics include moral responsibility of corporations and their regulation; economic policy, business practices, and social justice; rights and obligations of employers and employees; meaningful work, motivation, and the worker; affirmative action and reverse discrimination; environment and natural limits of capitalism. (Same as RELS 1540) (Variable)
PHIL 1560. Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE) — 3 hrs.
The course is an interdisciplinary survey of ethical issues raised by recent developments in science and technology. Sample topics include, but are not limited to, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, big data, privacy, energy, medicine, and science itself. (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 2140. Philosophy of Religion — 3 hrs.
Examination of philosophical discussions on the nature and function of religion and religious language; special attention to how philosophical frameworks and methods shape understanding of religion and talk about God and human fulfillment. (Same as RELS 2140) (Variable)
PHIL 2210. Dawn of Western Thought: Ancient Philosophy — 3 hrs.
History of philosophy from the Pre-Socratics to late antiquity, with emphasis on Plato and Aristotle. (Odd Falls)
PHIL 2220. Faith and Reason: Philosophy in the Middle Ages — 3 hrs.
Traces the historical development of philosophical thought on the interrelation of religious faith and reason, from late Roman times through the Middle Ages, in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic philosophical traditions. (Same as RELS 2220) (Even Springs)
PHIL 2230. The Age of Reason: Philosophy in the Renaissance and Enlightenment — 3 hrs.
History of philosophy from Renaissance through Hume, with emphasis on continental rationalism and British empiricism. (Even Falls)
PHIL 2240. The Limits of Reason: Modern Philosophy — 3 hrs.
History of philosophy from Kant to present; emphasis on idealism, romanticism, materialism, positivism, phenomenology, existentialism. (Odd Springs)
PHIL 2500. Ethics — 3 hrs.
Study of the major schools of ethical theory through reading major thinkers and their contemporary commentators. Examination of selected theoretical and practical problems in contemporary ethics. (Variable)
PHIL 2550. Environmental Ethics — 3 hrs.
Introduction to and application of ethical theory to environmental issues, including responsibility for plants and animals, pollution, natural resources, and population growth. (Same as RELS 2550) (Variable)
PHIL 2570. Good Sex: The Ethics of Human Sexuality — 3 hrs.
This course introduces students to a range of ethical perspectives (religious and non-) on what constitutes good sex, morally speaking. It then brings these perspectives to bear on a number of issues in the realm of sexual ethics including: homosexuality, casual sex, sex for sale, and abortion. [Same as RELS 2570] (Even Springs)
PHIL 3110. Perspectives on Death and Dying — 3 hrs.
Multidisciplinary study of death, dying, and bereavement across cultures, religious and ethnic groups, and historical periods, with attention to ritual and memoir, ethical dilemmas at the end of life, and psychology of mourning. (Same as CAP 3194 and RELS 3110) (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 3186. Studies in Philosophy — 3 hrs.
Study of a philosophical thinker or a problem listed in Schedule of Classes. (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 3310. Consciousness and Mind: Philosophical Perspectives — 3 hrs.
No aspect of mind is more familiar and yet more mysterious than consciousness, our conscious experience of ourselves and the world around us. This course examines fundamental questions about consciousness and mind: What does it mean to be conscious? How can physical processes in the brain give rise to subjective conscious experiences? Can artificial intelligence evolve consciousness? What does self-consciousness imply about free will, personal identity, and immortality? More fundamentally, what is the place of consciousness in the universe? Does consciousness appear only when matter achieves a brainlike level of organizational complexity as modern science assumes, or as many religious and contemplative traditions have contended, some form of consciousness is present in all of reality? (Odd Springs)
PHIL 3320. Political Philosophy — 3 hrs.
Critical investigation of contexts of engagement and responsibility of persons as members of social institutions and as participants in public discourse on policy and law. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or consent of instructor. (Even Springs)
PHIL 3330. Death, Sex and the Body: Phenomenology and Foucault — 3 hrs.
Examination of phenomenology, the description of basic structures of human experience. Focus on Martin Heidegger and others on conscious, practical, social, mortal, and embodied life; then Michel Foucault on forms of power in social science and modern culture. (Odd Falls)
PHIL 3350. How We Know: Philosophical Perspectives — 3 hrs.
This introduction to epistemology examines fundamental questions about human knowledge: What distinguishes knowledge from mere belief? What can be known with certainty? How can we know if we have knowledge? How can we use our reason, our senses, the testimony of others, and other resources to acquire knowledge? How do social relationships and interactions affect the knowledge of individuals and groups? How can we evaluate the claims of knowledge by socially accepted authorities? (Even Falls)
PHIL 3360. Intellectual Vices and Virtues: Theory and Practice — 3 hrs.
This course will provide students with opportunities to accomplish four objectives: 1. Gain a rigorous understanding of virtues and vices, and in particular intellectual virtues (such as intellectual humility, intellectual courage, intellectual autonomy, open-mindedness, curiosity, and wisdom) and intellectual vices (such as closed-mindedness, intellectual cowardice, gullibility, wishful thinking, conspiracy mentality, and epistemic injustice). 2. Investigate the relevance of intellectual vices and virtues to specific domains such as education, science, business, leadership, politics and social activism, religious belief and practice, interpersonal relationships, and mental health and well-being. 3. Foster self-improvement to character by cultivating intellectual virtues and mitigating intellectual vices. 4. Develop skills essential to critical thinking and effective communication. (Fall)
PHIL 3370. Philosophy of Law — 3 hrs.
This course provides an introduction to philosophy of law that is both thematically and historically oriented. Our chief concern will be to understand the nature of law and its implications for morality and our social and political existence together. The first part of the seminar focuses on the nature of law: We will begin by considering the essence and nature of law in trying to find answers to questions such as "What is law?", "Can anything be law?", "Do laws have moral content?". The second part inquires into the relationship between law and morality, drawing on the normative standing of law: We will try to answer questions such as "Is there an obligation to obey the law?" and "Is civil disobedience justified?". In the third part, we will turn to the specific context of interpreting the U.S. Constitution, and attempt to understand how to do legal analyses of actual court decisions pertaining to significant issues such as reproductive freedom, equality, and freedom of speech. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or consent of instructor. (Variable)
PHIL 3510. Bio-Medical Ethics — 3 hrs.
Application of principles and analytic methods of ethical theory to contemporary issues in medical practice and research. Topics include fundamental concepts of health and disease, life and death; rights and obligations of medical practitioners and their patients; informed consent and confidentiality; abortion and euthanasia; reproductive and transplantation technologies; and health policy and the provision and rationing of health care. (Same as CAP 3173 and RELS 3510) (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 3610. Nietzsche, Nihilism, and Technology — 3 hrs.
Examination of Nietzsche's genealogy, diagnosis, and prognosis of contemporary nihilism, the experience of one's values as empty or meaningless. Examination of Heidegger's later critique of Nietzsche's views as expressions of problematic aspects of the modern technological age. (Odd Springs)
PHIL 3620. Philosophy of Language: Wittgenstein — 3 hrs.
Examination of Wittgenstein, sometimes called "the two most important philosophers" of the 20th century. Topics include language and formal logic, language as social practice, and ways in which classic philosophical problems arise from a misunderstanding of how we use common words. (Even Springs)
PHIL 3974/5974. Business, Ethics, and Society — 3 hrs.
Application of ethical principles and analytic methods to managerial decision-making and contemporary issues in business. Examination of the roles business does and should play in society. Specific topics will vary, in accordance with current events. Prerequisite(s): MGMT 3100 or 3 hours in Philosophy (PHIL XXXX) or 3 hours in Religious Studies (RELS XXXX); junior standing. [Same as MGMT 3974/5974 and RELS 3974/5974] (Fall and Variable Springs)
PHIL 4080. Individual Readings in Philosophy — 1-3 hrs.
Individually arranged readings and reports drawn from history of philosophy or contemporary philosophical problems. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): junior standing; consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)
PHIL 4490. Professional Development Seminar — 3 hrs.
Through reflection and concerted involvement in a reciprocal relationship with a community organization, philosophy students will bring their work in philosophy to thoughtful integration, clarifying what they have done and linking their achievements with their long-term goals and preparation for professional careers. This critical service-learning course is required of all junior and senior philosophy majors. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or consent of instructor. (Even Falls)
Religion Courses
RELS 1020. Religions of the World — 3 hrs.
Living religions with emphasis on texts, beliefs, tradition, values, and practices. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
RELS 1040. The Power of Myth: (Topic) — 3 hrs.
The Power of Myth examines the functions of "myth" in religious texts, beliefs, rituals, institutions, and communities. Drawing upon key methods and approaches in the Study of Religion, this course introduces students to myths and myth-making as a creative, historical-cultural expression found in many religious communities. Specific myths will be examined in this course as well as its relationship to specific cultural contexts and communities. Topic and theme will differ across sections, but will draw from a range of creative works from ancient sacred texts to popular US culture. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours on different topics. (Fall and Spring)
RELS 1060. American Religious Diversity — 3 hrs.
American Religious Diversity examines the meanings and functions of religion in the United States by focusing on minoritized and marginalized religious identities, communities, and institutions. Drawing upon methods used in the cultural study of religion, students will gain greater awareness of the rich diversity of religious life in the United States while also learning about historical instances of religious intolerance within US history. (Fall and Spring)
RELS 1510. Religion, Ethics, and Film — 3 hrs.
Introduction to study of religion through critical examination of a variety of contemporary films. Draws on student visual literacy as an approach to the study of religion. (Variable)
RELS 1540. Ethics in Business — 3 hrs.
Application of ethical principles and analytic methods to contemporary issues in business. Topics include moral responsibility of corporations and their regulation; economic policy, business practices, and social justice; rights and obligations of employers and employees; meaningful work, motivation, and the worker; affirmative action and reverse discrimination; and environment and natural limits of capitalism. (Same as PHIL 1540) (Variable)
RELS 2001. Old Testament and Other Hebrew Scriptures — 3 hrs.
Introduction to history and ideas of Old Testament and other Hebrew scriptures. (Fall)
RELS 2002. New Testament and Early Christian Writings — 3 hrs.
Introduction to history and ideas of New Testament and early Christian writings. (Spring)
RELS 2100. Hinduism and Buddhism — 3 hrs.
Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam. (Even Falls)
RELS 2110. Confucianism, Daoism, and Zen — 3 hrs.
Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Shintoism. (Odd Falls)
RELS 2120. Judaism and Islam — 3 hrs.
Study of the doctrines and practices of Judaism and Islam in their cultural context with attention to historical development and current situation. (Odd Springs)
RELS 2130. Christianity — 3 hrs.
Introductory survey of development, beliefs, practices, and varieties of Christianity. (Even Springs)
RELS 2140. Philosophy of Religion — 3 hrs.
Examination of philosophical discussions on the nature and function of religion and religious language; special attention to how philosophical frameworks and methods shape understanding of religion and talk about God and human fulfillment. (Same as PHIL 2140) (Variable)
RELS 2220. Faith and Reason: Philosophy in the Middle Ages — 3 hrs.
Traces the historical development of philosophical thought on the interrelation of religious faith and reason in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic philosophical traditions. (Same as PHIL 2220) (Even Springs)
RELS 2550. Environmental Ethics — 3 hrs.
Introduction to and application of ethical theory to environmental issues, including responsibility for plants and animals, pollution, natural resources, and population growth. (Same as PHIL 2550) (Variable)
RELS 2570. Good Sex: The Ethics of Human Sexuality — 3 hrs.
This course introduces students to a range of ethical perspectives (religious and non-) on what constitutes good sex, morally speaking. It then brings these perspectives to bear on a number of issues in the realm of sexual ethics including: homosexuality, casual sex, sex for sale, and abortion. [Same as PHIL 2570] (Even Springs)
RELS 2600. Religion and the Public Schools — 3 hrs.
This course is a study of the relationship between religion, law, and public education in the United States. Through this course, students will understand how and why the role of religion in public education has been lived, legislated, and adjudicated in complicated (and sometimes contradictory) ways. This interdisciplinary course draws from studies of education, law, political science, history, and religion. (Even Falls)
RELS 3080/5080. Individual Readings in Religion — 1-3 hrs.
Individually-arranged readings and reports from: (1) biblical studies, (2) history of religions, or (3) contemporary religious thought. Can be repeated for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): junior standing; consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)
RELS 3110. Perspectives on Death and Dying — 3 hrs.
Multidisciplinary study of death, dying, and bereavement across cultures, religious and ethnic groups, and historical periods, with attention to ritual and memoir, ethical dilemmas at the end of life, and psychology of mourning. (Same as CAP 3194 and PHIL 3110) (Fall and Spring)
RELS 3150. Women and Christianity — 3 hrs.
Examination of history and function of gender in symbolization of Christian tradition; exploration of institutionalization of sex roles in Christianity; discussion of interaction between the Christian religion and cultural patterns that define the social role, status, and image of women. Interested students are encouraged to contact the instructor. (Variable)
RELS 3180. Religion and Politics: (Topics) — 3 hrs.
In this course, students will examine the relationship between religion and politics. Students will familiarize themselves with the ways religion shapes several aspects of political life, such as elections, public activism, policy-making, civil service, and civic discourse. Focusing on interactions within and among religious traditions, students will develop their knowledge of critical thinking methods in Religious Studies by analyzing the role of religion in political participation and political structures. Special emphasis will be given to understanding contemporary issues, rotating international and domestic topics each time it is offered. May be repeated for up to 6 hours. (Odd Falls)
RELS 3200. Religion and Law — 3 hrs.
Americans have long argued about the proper role of religion in public life: can the Bible be taught in schools? What about contemporary flashpoints like abortion and same-sex marriage? Why do religious groups receive special privileges and exemptions under American law? As a class, we will consider how religious groups work alongside and against U.S. law and how, in turn, American law engages, encourages, and restricts religious practice in America. Challenges and debates in American religion and law have reflected the changing nature of the people who make up the United States. We will explore these questions through examining how religion and law affects American politics, education, and the marketplace. (Even Springs)
RELS 3400. Religion and Race — 3 hrs.
This course is a study of the relationship between religion and race in the modern era. Through this course, students will understand how and why ideas about "race" have been invented and maintained, as well as how these ideas have themselves been co-constituted alongside longstanding religious ideas and practices. Particular attention will be paid to the way in which governments mark religious and racial differences through legislation and policing. This course argues that the study of religion is crucial to understanding how race intersects with law, government, gender, and history. (Odd Springs)
RELS 3500. Religion and Ethics — 3 hrs.
Examination of key issues having to do with religion and ethics, including the moral function of religion, religious pluralism, war and peace, freedom and responsibility, religion and politics, religion and gender, and social justice. (Variable)
RELS 3510. Bio-Medical Ethics — 3 hrs.
Application of principles and analytic methods of ethical theory to contemporary issues in medical practice and research. Topics include fundamental concepts of health and disease, life and death; rights and obligations of medical practitioners and their patients; informed consent and confidentiality; abortion and euthanasia; reproductive and transplantation technologies; and health policy and the provision and rationing of health care. (Same as CAP 3173 and PHIL 3510) (Fall and Spring)
RELS 3974/5974. Business, Ethics, and Society — 3 hrs.
Application of ethical principles and analytic methods to managerial decision-making and contemporary issues in business. Examination of the roles business does and should play in society. Specific topics will vary, in accordance with current events. Prerequisite(s): MGMT 3100 or 3 hours in Philosophy (PHIL XXXX) or 3 hours in Religious Studies (RELS XXXX); junior standing. [Same as MGMT 3974/5974 and PHIL 3974/5974] (Fall and Variable Springs)
RELS 4186/5186. Studies in Religion — 3 hrs.
Topics listed in Schedule of Classes. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall and Spring)
RELS 4230/5230. Religion in America — 3 hrs.
Investigation of religious movements and beliefs from colonial times to present, with attention to religion and the U.S. Constitution. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Same as HIST 4250/5250) (Odd Springs)
RELS 4490. Professional Development Seminar — 3 hrs.
Through reflection, integration, and professional discernment, majors in the study of religion will bring their work in the major to critical integration, clarifying what they have done and linking their achievements with life goals. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or consent of the instructor. (Even Falls)
RELS 4600. Internship in Religion — 1-3 hrs.
Experiential learning combined with skills and knowledge learned in the Study of Religion major. Prerequisite(s): 12 hours in RELS courses; junior standing. (Fall and Spring)