Religion and Philosophy

Introduction to critical thinking through inquiry into fundamental aspects of philosophy; methods of critical analysis applied to selected ethical, religious, and metaphysical problems. 

Critical examination of main procedures for making moral decisions. Application of ethical ideas to contemporary moral issues. 

Examination of the development of philosophical ideas from 5th century B.C. through the Middle Ages; emphasis on Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas. 

Development of philosophical ideas as seen in writings of selected thinkers from the Renaissance through the 19th century. Hobbes, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, and Hegel.

Analysis of the philosophical issues that arise in sport, investigation of the function and value of sport in society, and consideration of ethical dilemmas arising from participation in sport.

An examination of ethical questions related to medicine and biomedical research. Special emphasis on patient autonomy, informed consent, medical paternalism, research on animals and human subjects, and allocation of scarce medical resources. 

This course explores a variety of ethical questions regarding the environment and our relationship to it, including but not limited to what obligations we have to animals and wildlife, how those obligations weigh in designing policy, what individual decisions we ought to make regarding our interaction with the environment, and what obligations we have to future generations. 

Introduction to techniques of sound reasoning in written and verbal communication. Formulation and testing of arguments; means of identifying and correcting fallacious reasoning. Practical applications. 

Major works from the history of political philosophy with emphasis on the development of major ideas in political philosophy, debates between major thinkers, and the relevance of great works of political philosophy to human self-understanding and major political issues of our time. 

Beliefs, practices, and scriptures of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto. 

The development of philosophy in the 20th century; logical positivism, ordinary language analysis, existentialism, pragmatism, and process philosophy.

Examination of contemporary issues in philosophy of art: definition of a work of art, the nature of aesthetic experience, standards of aesthetic evaluation. Application to painting, sculpture, music composition and performance, drama, acting, film, and dance.

Critical examination of philosophical problems of religion: nature of religion, religious experience, theistic proofs, religious knowledge, religious language, alternative views of God, problem of evil, relation of religion and value experience.

Examination of contemporary political philosophy and its application to key questions of justice in contemporary political life. 

Selected topics in philosophy chosen by the instructor in response to student interests.

Intensive study of a selected philosophical topic.

Advanced independent research in a specific area of philosophy, under the supervision of a faculty member.

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Individually-designed reading and research program, developed in consultation with faculty in the department, requiring the senior philosophy major to apply acquired analytical skills in attempting to solve a particular philosophical problem.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Exploration of basic questions that arise in the study of religion. Attention is given to the variety of religious experience and practice.

The lives, times, and influences of religious people who have become agents of social change. Attention to changes in culture, economics, and value systems.

Translation of selected passages from New Testament gospels, developing vocabulary, grammar, and interpretive ability.

Study of major theological and philosophical themes in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Analysis of the contribution of works of fiction and poetry to an understanding of contemporary life and the proclamation of the Christian faith.

Translation and interpretation of representative passages from Paul’s writings.

History, liturgy, and doctrine of the church from approximately 100 C.E. to the present. Includes Augustine, Francis of Assisi, Luther, Calvin, Isabella of Spain, Wesley, and John XXIII.

A historical, theological and philosophical survey of Islam form its origins to the modern period.

Study of the contemporary American religious landscape, using current literature and survey data on the range of religious affiliation, participation, beliefs, and practices.

Critical examination of philosophical problems of religion: nature of religion, religious experience, theistic proofs, religious knowledge, religious language, alternative views of God, problem of evil, relation of religion and value-experience.

Exploration of the challenge, promise, and problems of church ministries in the community, including action for social justice, work with the poor, and other forms of outreach. Participation in church and community ministry through a service learning component.

Relationship of cognitive, moral, and emotional developmental processes to the formation of religious faith from childhood through older adulthood. Special emphasis on James Fowler's faith development theory, including psychological and theological sources, critiques, and alternative approaches.

Comprehensive understanding of selected topics through intensive study, discussion, and participation in other learning activities.

Exploration of historical, literary, and artistic portrayals of Jesus through the centuries. 

The lives, writings, and influences of women on Christianity. Attention to the history of thought and the changes in culture and value systems. 

Concentrated, critical study of a theme or block of literature from the Old Testament, such as the Torah. Instructor may permit student to take two different themes under this course heading. 

Concentrated, critical study of a theme or block of literature from the New Testament, such as the "quest of the historical Jesus." Instructor may permit student to take two different themes under this course heading.

Exploration of Paul's life, writings, and influence on the Christian Church. 

Capstone experience required of all majors to review learning in three content areas: Bible, Christian tradition, and non-Christian religions. Evaluation of student research presentations by the entire Religion Department, and reflective evaluation by students of their experiences as majors. For seniors only, except with permission of department chair.

Advanced directed study in a specific area, under the supervision of a faculty member.

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Individually-designed reading and research programs, developed in consultation with faculty in the department, requiring the senior religion major to apply acquired analytical and reasearch skills in exploring an appropriate religious studies topic.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.