Philosophy & Religion

Welcome	Meet the Faculty
Requirements and Courses

PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
2005-2006 Faculty: Dr. Meyer, Dr. Bradley

Requirements for a Minor in Religious Studies
PR 250, 271, 325, 350, and two from 201, 202, 212, 275, 303, 370, or 380.
TOTAL: 18 semester hours

Requirements for a Minor in Philosophy
PR 201, 202, 232, 271, and two from 212, 304, 325, 380 (may be repeated).
TOTAL: 18 semester hours

Courses
201. Being Human (3 hours)
First Semester
Who am I? Do I have a purpose? What should I do? By considering the thoughts of major philosophers, this course addresses the central questions about what it is to be human. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. (IAI: H4 900)

202. Ethics (3 hours)
Second Semester
An introduction to the ways in which ethical theories can be applied to contemporary moral issues. Examples will be drawn from biomedical ethics (death and dying, euthanasia, experimentation on patients), sexual ethics, social ethics, business ethics, and political ethics. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. (IAI: H4 904)

210. Work: Labor and Leaders (3 hours)
Second Semester
Provides students with the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of work and leadership through the examination of a variety of readings (including poetry, short stories, essays, song lyrics, and scholarly works) and their own participation in campus organizations and programs. This course may not be taken to fulfill the Philosophy/Religion component of the Foundations of Learning requirement.

212. Work Ethics (3 hours)
Second Semester
Business practices, economic trends and policies, personal deportment and interpersonal relations in the workplace invite many moral questions. A combined application of the study of moral theories and applied ethics will address contemporary issues related to work. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent.

232. Logic (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2007-2008.
A study of the principles and methods used to distinguish valid from invalid arguments, with special emphasis upon the structure of sound reasoning, both inductive and deductive, and the recognition of fallacies, and critical thinking. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. (IAI: H4 906)

250. The Bible in the Modern World (3 hours)
First Semester
The influence of the Bible in the modern world is ubiquitous. This course considers the origins of the Bible (Old and New Testaments), a brief survey of its contents, methods of interpretation, and the presence of biblical themes in socio-political events and issues, popular culture, and scientific debates of the Twentieth and Twenty-first centuries. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. (IAI: H5 901)

271. Asian Religions (3 hours)
First Semester
A critical study of selected religions originating in Asia including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, and variants of these major religions, through the study of primary sources and in an historical-comparative perspective. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. (H5 904N)

275. Religions in America (3 hours)
Second Semester
Study of the major Christian denominations; indigenous American religious movements; revivalism; the fundamentalist-modernist controversy; missions, voluntarism, and the Social Gospel; African-American religion; ecumenism and pluralism; church-state relations; and civil religion. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. (IAI: H5 905)

303. War, Peace, and Christian Responses (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2006-2007.
Examination of historic and current Christian responses to the problems of achieving peace in a violent and divided world. Individual research, readings, and class discussions will analyze scriptural and historical attitudes and apply them to current Christian responses to this issue. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor.

304. Political Philosophy (3 hours)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2007-2008.
An examination of Western political thought from Plato and Aristotle to Marx and J.S. Mill. Special attention to the concepts of political authority, legitimacy, obligation, political education, virtue, rights, justice, equality, liberty, harm, and political goods. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor.

325. Philosophy of Religion: GOD
First Semester
A consideration of the following areas in an attempt to better understand the breadth and depth of the human search for God: the classical arguments and refutations for the existence of God; the nature of God as understood from the perspectives of major world religions; and an analysis of literature and theological writings reflecting individual understanding of God. (IAI: H4 905)

350. Psychology of Religion (3 hours)
Second Semester
An exploration of (1) the spiritual dimension of our humanity from the insights of psychologists and theologians; (2) biblical views of humanity and their interpretations; and (3) a phenomenology of religious experience. Prerequisites: PY 101 and sophomore standing.

370. Topics in Religious Studies (3 hours)
As Needed
A detailed investigation of some significant theme or issue in religious studies. Topics will change on an annual basis. Course may be repeated with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor.

380. Topics in Philosophy (3 hours)
As Needed
A detailed investigation of some significant theme or issue in philosophy. Topics will change on an annual basis. Course may be repeated with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor.

390. Directed Study in Philosophy (1-3 hours)
As Needed
For advanced tutorial study. Topics, readings, and meetings are to be arranged with the instructor. Proposals involving three or four students will be given preference. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

399. Directed Study in Religion (3 hours)
As Needed
For advanced tutorial study. Topics, readings, and meetings are to be arranged with the instructor. Proposals involving three or four students will be given preference. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

499. Independent Study (3 hours)
As Needed
For students wanting to pursue independent research in philosophy or religion under the guidance of an instructor. Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of the instructor.