Department of Philosophy and Religion

Courses of Instruction in Philosophy and Religion

Department of Philosophy and Religion (PHL/REL)

Conrad E. Ostwalt, Jr. Chair

The objectives of the Department of Philosophy and Religion are to provide students with a critical study of historical and contemporary figures and ideas in Philosophy and Religious Studies; to promote critical examination of and reflective discourse about important ideas, institutions, and practices that have and continue to shape our world; and to cultivate the skills necessary for advancing knowledge in the disciplines of Philosophy and Religion.

In keeping with these objectives the department offers two undergraduate majors and minors: a major and minor in Philosophy and a major and minor in Religious Studies. For participants in the graduate program a limited amount of graduate work is available, including an eight hour graduate minor. The graduate minor is designed for students on an individual basis. For further information, contact the department chairperson. Philosophy provides an opportunity to study and critically engage with ideas that have grounded historical and contemporary understanding of the nature of knowledge, truth, power, reality, beauty, mind, body, identity, experience, justice, and morality. A degree in Philosophy prepares students to clarify complex issues; reason clearly, critically, and persuasively; and analyze and solve problems. Religious Studies provides an opportunity to study and critically engage religious beliefs, practices, and institutions that have shaped our world. A degree in Religious Studies prepares students to participate in the academic study of religion; to understand and interrogate ideas informing diverse religions in the world; and to engage in clear and critical discussion of religious issues. 

The Department of Philosophy and Religion offers an honors program comprised of courses at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. Special honors sections in Philosophy will be designated from the following courses: PHL 1000, PHL 1100, PHL 2000. Special honors sections in Religious Studies will be designated from the following courses: REL 1020, REL 2010, REL 2020. Seniors Honors Thesis, PHL 4510 or REL 4510, is offered exclusively as an honors course. Invitation to enrollment in honors courses may be extended to any qualified students. However, to graduate with “honors in philosophy” or “honors in religious studies” a student must be a Philosophy or Religious Studies major who has completed at least 9 hours of work in departmental honors courses with a combined G.P.A. of 3.4 or above in those courses. Three of the hours taken must be the course PHL 4510 or REL 4510, Senior Honors Thesis. For additional details regarding honors in Philosophy and Religious Studies contact the director of departmental honors, Sandie Gravett.

The department offers an internship program to augment the academic program of majors and minors who will be seeking employment upon graduation. Internship programs are devised on an individual basis. For more information, contact Dr. Bill Hutchins, Director of the department’s internship program.

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COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION (PHL/REL)

This catalog reflects only the fall and spring semester courses. Courses offered in summer terms can be found in the Summer Sessions Bulletin. (For a description of the course abbreviations used in the following list of courses, see the index for abbreviations.)

Philosophy Courses

Religious Studies Courses

Philosophy Courses:

PHL 1000. Introduction to Philosophy/(3).F;S.

A general introduction to the basic patterns and methods of philosophy as presented through representative thinkers. (CORE: HUMANITIES)

PHL 1040. Critical Thinking Skills/(3).F;S.

An introduction to the art of critical thinking, including identifying problems, locating assumptions and analyzing their impact on the products of thought, assessing causal claims, learning problem solving strategies, and examining creativity. (WRITING) (CORE: HUMANITIES)

PHL 1100. Logic I/(3).F;S.

This course is an introduction to logical reasoning. This course will include the study of truth-functions, translations of English sentences into logical notation, truth-tables, deductions, and some fallacy identification.  The concepts of validity, consistency, tautology, contradiction, and logical equivalence are introduced.  Additional topics, such as category syllogisms, inductive reasoning, and quantification may be included at the discretion of the instructor. (CORE: HUMANITIES)

PHL 1530-1549. Selected Topics/1-4. On Demand.

PHL 2000. Philosophy, Society, and Ethics/(3).F;S.

An introduction to ethical reasoning and an examination of moral problems in contemporary social issues. (CORE: HUMANITIES)

PHL 2013. Arts and Ideas/(3).F.

A course which concentrates on the interplay of art and philosophy in ancient through contemporary cultures. (Same as ART/MUS/THR 2013) (MULTI-CULTURAL; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY) (CORE: HUMANITIES)

PHL 2015. Environmental Ethics/(3).F;S.

This course is an introduction to the ethical dimensions of environmental issues. We will study theoretical perspectives such as deep ecology, ecofeminism, Native American views of the land, and social ecology. We will also consider environmental ethical issues such as the moral status of nature, pesticide use, environmental racism, the treatment of animals, deforestation, world population growth, and what it means to live an ecologically responsible life. (WRITING; MULTI-CULTURAL; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY) (CORE HUMANITIES)

PHL 2100. Logic II/(3).S.

A study of some major systems of logic, including a formal study of truth functions and quantification. The notion of proof, theorem and axiom are defined and some theory of logic is included. At the discretion of the instructor, additional topics may be included (for example, the logic of relations, boolean algebra systems, modal logic, the logic of probability or inductive logic). Prerequisite: PHL 1100 or permission of the instructor.

PHL 2500. Independent Study/(1-4).F;S.

PHL 2530-2549. Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand.

PHL 2800: Library and Information Research in Philosophy/(1).F.

This course focuses on developing skills in information-finding and other research techniques.  These skills will be used to conduct research and to build a foundation for life-long learning.  Students will become familiar with the scholarly and professional resources for philosophical research, both traditional and electronic. (COMPUTER SKILLS) 

PHL 3000. Ancient Philosophy/(3).F.

A study of the major philosophers of Greece and Rome including the pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, the Epicureans, and the skeptics. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy or consent of the instructor.(WRITING; MULTI-CULTURAL)

PHL 3013. Philosophy of Art and Beauty/(3).S.

A study of the nature and value of beauty, uniqueness, and creativity in art, nature and human affairs. Prerequisite: PHL 2013 or consent of instructor. (WRITING, CROSS-DISCIPLINARY) (CORE: HUMANITIES).

PHL 3030. Feminist Philosophy/(3).S.

This course examines conceptual and normative issues in contemporary feminist theory. Issues to be discussed include power and the production of knowledge, resistance, violence against women, sex and gender, the interrelatedness of gender, race, class, and sexuality, body image, the personal as political, and the relation between feminist theory and activism. The class also considers western and non-western feminist discussion of these themes. The goal is for each student to gain an appreciation of the diversity and complexity of feminist thought, as well as insight concerning the relation between women’s experiences and feminist theorizing.  (WRTITING; MULTICULTURAL)

PHL 3200. Modern Philosophy/(3).S.

A study of views of eminent philosophers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, including Descartes, Hume, and Kant. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy or consent of the instructor.  (WRITING; MULTICULTURAL)

PHL 3300. Recent Anlgo/American Philosophy/(3).S.

This course is a study of recent American philosophical thought beginning with recent Anglo/European Philosophical Movements which have led to American Philosophical movements including: pragmatism, philosophical analysis, behaviorism, scientific realism, and relativism. Philosophical writing may be drawn from such philosophers as: Carnap, Russell, Wittgenstein, Moore, Ayer, Ryle, Austin, Dewey, James, Quine, Goodman, Putnam, and Rorty. (WRITING)

PHL 3400. Contemporary Continental Philosophy/(3).F.

This course examines some important philosophers and movements in continental philosophy. Philosophical movements such as Phenomenology, Existentialism, Critical Theory, Feminism, Postcolonial Theory, and Poststructuralism will be discussed.  (WRITING; MULTICULTURAL)

PHL 3500. Independent Study/(1-4). F;S.

PHL 3520. Instructional Assistance/(1).F;S.

A supervised experience in the instructional process on the university level through direct participation in a classroom situation. Grading will be on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.  May be repeated for a total credit of three semester hours.

PHL 3530-3549. Selected Topics/(104). On Demand.

PHL 3550. Philosophy of Mind/(3).S.
This course will examine some fundamental questions that arise in the philosophy of mind: What does it mean to say that a person has a mind? Are mental states (such as beliefs and desires) nothing but brain states, or are they states of a different kind? Do robots or animals have minds? The course will also provide a historical survey of various philosophical theories of mind, including substance dualism, philosophical and methodological behaviorism, identity theories, functionalism and connectionism. (WRITING; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

PHL 3600. Philosophy of Science/(3).S.

An investigation of the foundations, structure, actual attainments, and ideals of the sciences. Prerequisite: one course in science or science education or philosophy or consent of the instructor.  (WRITING) (CORE: HUMANITIES)

PHL 4000. Nature of Knowledge/(3).S.

A study of the traditional problems of the origin, nature, and limitations of knowledge. What do we know and how do we know it? Prerequisite: PHL 2800 and one additional course in philosophy or consent of the instructor. (WRITING)

PHL 4300. Ethical Theory/(3).F.

An examination of some major ethical theories and issues raised in relation to epistemology and language, such as the status of knowledge in ethics and the function of ethical language. Prerequisite: PHL 2800 and PHL 1000, PHL 2000, or consent of the instructor. (WRITING)

PHL 4510. Senior Honors Thesis/(3).On Demand.

Independent study and research, directed by a member of the Philosophy faculty and a member of another department appropriate to the topic selected by the student. Prerequisite: PHL 2800 and completion of 6 hours of Honors work below the 4000 level. (WRITING)

PHL 4549. Seminar/(3).F.

An intensive study of special problems, topics, or issues in philosophy. The subject matter of this course will vary.  Barring duplication of subject matter a student may repeat the course for credit. Prerequisite: PHL 2800 and one course in Philosophy or consent of the instructor. (WRITING; SPEAKING) [Dual-listed with PHL 5649]

PHL 4700 Senior Research: Philosophy/(3).S.

Designed for majors in Philosophy. Development and completion of an independent research project in the context of a seminar in which the student’s ideas, drafts and thesis are questioned and defended. In addition to the discussion of each student’s work, issues regarding the nature of philosophy will be discussed. This course provides an opportunity to utilize philosophical skills in a systematic analysis of a philosophical problem. Each student will develop a thesis to be presented and defended in a public forum. Prerequisites: PHL 2800 and one additional course in philosophy. (WRTIING; SPEAKING)

PHL 4900. Internship: Philosophy/(3-6).On Demand.

Field work in applied philosophy. Proposal must be approved by the philosophy faculty. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: PHL 2800.

Religious Studies Courses:

REL 1010.  Introduction to Religious Literature/(3). F.This course introduces the sacred texts and other writings of religious significance that contribute to the major religions of the world.  (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: HUMANITIES/LITERATURE) 

REL 1110 Religions of the World/(3).F;S.This course introduces the major living religions of the world. (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: HUMANITIES)

REL 1530-1549.  Selected Topics/(1-4).  On Demand 

REL 2010. Biblical Literature: The Hebrew Scriptures/(3).F;S.An analysis of Old Testament literature as the product of the life of the Hebrew people, students will examine selected documents in terms of their literary structure, historical context, and religious perspective. (WRITING; MULTI- CULTURAL) (CORE: HUMANITIES/LITERATURE) 

REL 2020. Biblical Literature: The New Testament /(3).F;S.An analysis of early Christian literature as the product the life of the first followers of Jesus Christ, students will examine selected documents in terms of their literary structure, audience, historical context, religious perspective, and their relation to the broader Christian community and Western culture. (WRITING;MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: HUMANITIES/LITERATURE) 

REL 2030.  Islamic Literature./(3).S.An exploration of the Qur’an and of works that have shaped, illustrated, or supplemented Islamic beliefs and practices.   (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: HUMANITIES/LITERATURE) 

REL 2040.  Asian Religious Literature./(3). F.A study of some of the great writings from the Hindu, Buddhist, Confucianist, Taoist, and some select other Asian Religions from the ancient time until the present. (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: HUMANITIES/LITERATURE)

REL 2110. Judaism/(3).F.An examination of the history, literature, and faith of post-exilic Judaism, with concentration on selected topics and periods. (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING) (CORE: HUMANITIES) 

REL 2120 Christianity /(3).S.An exploration of Christianity from the early period through the Enlightenment and rise of contemporary Christian movements, students will explore the history of the church, its doctrinal emphases, and its practice in a variety of locations and time periods. (WRITING; MULTI- CULTURAL) (CORE: HUMANITIES) 

REL 2130. Islamic Religion and Culture/(3).FA selective survey of the religion and its expression in Islamic civilization from the time of the prophet Muhammad to the contemporary Islamic revival. (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: HUMANITIES) 

REL 2140. Hinduism/(3).F.An interdisciplinary examination of Hindu religious and philosophical traditions from Vedic culture to the contemporary period, covering such topics as deity, guru, cosmos, body, ritual, karma, dharma, and yoga. (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING) (CORE: HUMANITIES) 

REL 2150.  Buddhism/(3).S.An interdisciplinary examination of the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana systems of Buddhist thought and practice, charting their development on the South Asian subcontinent and eventual emergence as a religio-cultural force in East Asia, Europe, and North America.  (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING) (CORE:HUMANITIES).

REL 2500. Independent Study/(1-4).  On Demand. 

REL 2530-2549. Selected Topics/(1-4).  On Demand.

REL 3000. Minds, Brains, and Religion/(3).S.An introduction to the psychological study of religious belief, experience, and behavior through a survey of the various sub-disciplines within psychology: e.g., Freudian psychoanalysis, existential psychology, object relations theory, attachment theory, cognitive psychology, and evolutionary psychology.  Prerequisite: REL 1110 or permission of the instructor.  (WRITING; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY) 

REL 3010. Prophecy in Ancient Israelite Literature/(3).S.A study of the prophetic movement and its literature in the Hebrew Scriptures. Prerequisite: 2010 or permission of the instructor. (WRITING; MULTI-CULTURAL) 

REL 3020. The Life and Letters of Paul/(3).F.A study of Paul's life and his role in shaping early Christianity. Prerequisite: 2020 or permission of the instructor. (WRITING; MULTI-CULTURAL) 

REL 3030. Women in the Biblical Tradition/(3).F. This course provides an extensive inquiry into women's stories and images in the Hebrew Bible, New Testament and Apocrypha. Feminist biblical criticism will be emphasized along with a careful study of what we can know about the lives of women in the periods in which these texts were composed. Prerequisite: 2010 or 2020 or permission of the instructor.  (WRITING; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY) 

REL 3110. Religion in America/(3).F.An examination of religious beliefs and practice in the United States. Prerequisite: REL 1110 or permission of the instructor. (WRITING) 

REL 3120. African Thought/(3).S.A selective survey of insights, systems of thought, and cosmologies of traditional folkreligions, of African versions of global religions and of contemporary intellectuals. Prerequisite: 1110 or permission of the instructor.(MULTI-CULTURAL) 

REL 3130. Zen Buddhism/(3).S.An exploration of the impact of Zen Buddhism upon Western cultures through materials drawn from Zen literatures, Western writings about Zen, and paintings.  Prerequisite: 2040 or 2150 or permission of the instructor.  (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING)

REL 3500. Independent Study/(1-4).  On Demand. REL 3520. Instructional Assistance/(1).F;S. A supervised experience in the instructional process on the university level through direct participation in a classroom situation. Grading will be on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. May be repeated for a total credit of three semester hours. 

REL 3530-3549. Selected Topics/(1-4).  On Demand.

REL 3700. Research and Methods in Religious Studies/(3). S.

An introduction to major issues and the methods employed in the academic study of religion.  Students will focus on acquiring the skills necessary to accomplish research in the field of religious studies.  Prerequisite: REL 1010 or 1110.  (WRITING)

REL 3720.  Study Tour Abroad/ (3-6). On Demand.An intensive course exploring religious ideas and expression at a remote site.  Locations have included but are not limited to Israel, Jordan, Greece, France, and Italy. (MULTI-CULTURAL)

REL 4015. Biblical Interpretation/(3).F.An intensive examination of methods and issues in biblical interpretation, with extensive experience in the interpretation of specific biblical texts from both testaments. Major issues in the history of interpretation will be discussed, with emphasis on contemporary methods. Prerequisite: REL 2010 or 2020 and junior or senior status, or permission of instructor. (WRITING) 

REL 4115. Religion and Cultural Forms/(3).S.An examination of the way religious themes and issues have found expression in various types of cultural forms such as literature, art, myth, ritual, etc. (WRITING; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)