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114 I.G. Greer Hall
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-3089
FAX: (828) 262-6619

Department Chair
Dr. Conrad E. Ostwalt, Jr
ostwaltce@appstate.edu

General Questions
ostwaltce@appstate.edu

 

                                                                           

                                                                            Students

 

Welcome from The Department of Philosophy and Religion

              

Why study Philosophy & Religion?    
The skills you acquire can be useful for virtually all areas of study. Certain courses may complement your main field of study.  Business college and pre-professional students are encouraged to take one of our ethics courses.  Science students should consider taking philosophy of science. Computer science students will find the logic courses helpful.  English majors will benefit from Old and New Testament literature courses. Art and music majors can take "Humanities: Arts and Ideas" and "Philosophy of Art and Beauty." History majors will find that studying philosophy and religion add depth to their knowledge of intellectual history.  World religion courses and world history supplement each other.  In addition,  philosophy and religion are recommended for pre-law or pre-divinity students.  We will be happy to suggest other courses to fit your special needs  
Image of cap and diploma.
How will I benefit by taking courses in the disciplines of Philosophy & Religion?    
A: First, each person's understanding of reality is built upon their answers, consciously or unconsciously held, to basic philosophical and religious questions.  Courses in the related disciplines of Philosophy and Religion give you the opportunity to explore these questions from different perspectives and to understand the answers of others.  Secondly, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in thinking independently;  in researching, analyzing, and organizing information; in generating and evaluating ideas, and in communicating written and oral discourse.  Such skills are needed in most types of employment and are useful for life in general.   Photo of front of I.G. Greer.
What are the goals of the courses in the Department of Philosophy and Religion?    
A: Our objectives in the courses in the Department of Philosophy and Religion are to acquaint students with religious and philosophical history, to develop the skills necessary to examine critically and discuss reflectively issues of philosophy and religion, and to promote a desire for advancing frontiers of knowledge in these areas.  

DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION

401 ACADEMY STREET

I.G. GREER - Room 114

P.O. BOX 32104

BOONE, NC 28608-2104

828-262-3089

What are some of the issues in Philosophy and Religion ?    

A: Sample issues in philosophy: What is knowledge?  How do we know?  What makes the difference between sound and fallacious reasoning?  What are the arguments for and against the existence of God?  What is a virtue?  Can a person be taught to be virtuous?  If so, how?  If not, why not?  Is trust in science justified?  What are the presuppositions of science?  What is beauty?  Is it possible to define art?  What is valuable about art?

A: Sample issues in religion: Is religion a matter of behavior, belief, or ritual?  What are the major religions of the world?  How are they similar and different?  How can we read a religion's literature with better understanding?  How does religion relate to science?  Does science disprove religion?  How has Christianity shaped European culture and been shaped by it?  How has Islam influenced the culture of the Middle East?  What happens to religions like Islam and Christianity as they are introduced to new cultures and regions?

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What can I do with a degree in Philosophy and Religion?  Where are your graduates today?    
A:  The general thinking and communication skills  acquired through an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Religion are important in all career pursuits and appeal to a variety of employers or may be used as preparation for further specialized study.  Some of our graduates have gone on to complete advanced degrees in philosophy, ministry, law, religious studies, education, history, and psychology.  We have graduates who are working in counseling, environmental concerns, college teaching, ministry, missions, law, education, the armed services, and many other professions.  

 

Religion Major                Philosophy Major

Religion Minor                Philosophy Minor

Course Descriptions

Concentration

How can I benefit from courses in Philosophy and Religion even if I major in another area?    
A:  The skills you acquire can be useful for virtually all areas of study.  Certain courses may complement your main field of study.  Business college and preprofessional students are encouraged to take one of our ethics courses.  Science students should consider taking philosophy of science.  Computer science student will find the logic courses helpful.  English majors will benefit from Old and New Testament literature courses.  Art and music majors can take "Humanities: Music,  Art and Ideas" and  "Philosophy of Art and Beauty." History majors will find that studying philosophy adds dept to their knowledge of intellectual history.  World religions courses supplement each other.  In addition,  philosophy is especially recommended as a major or minor for pre-law students.  We will be happy to suggest other courses to fit your special needs.  
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Do Philosophy and Religion Courses satisfy any of my Core Curriculum requirements?    
A: Yes. All of our 1000-2000 courses satisfy the Appalachian Core Curriculum requirements for Humanities. Also, the Bible courses 2010 and 2020 may be used to satisfy your literature requirement (if you are not a Philosophy and Religion major or minor).  

Have more questions? Just ask us.

Philosophy and Religion

I.G. Greer Room 114

828 262-3089

Can I minor in either Philosophy or Religion?

   
A: Yes. You have three options. You can make your minor in Philosophy and Religion, or Philosophy, or Religion.  

CHAIR DR. CONRAD OSTWALT

ostwaltce@appstate.edu

Is there an honors program in Philosophy and Religion?  
More Info on Honors Program

A: Yes, We have our own honors program and we participate as well in the university's honors program. There are honors sections for some introductory courses.  You can also write an honors thesis for our department. 

About Honors Program: Dr. Jack Kwong               

 

Welcome

From the Chair

 

 

 

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