Course Listings

Introduction to Philosophy

PHIL 100 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An introduction to the literature, problems, and methods of philosophy. The goal is to identify and consider central, recurring problems of philosophy. Emphasis is on developing awareness of the significance of philosophical problems and learning to offer rationally justifiable solutions. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 125 or PHIL 100.

Practical Reasoning

PHIL 110 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An examination of methods for thinking analytically about real-world problems and solving them. The goal is to apply logical arguments to practical decision making. Topics include inductive and deductive reasoning; the properties of arguments; methods of logical analysis; synthesis of ideas; informal fallacies; and the role of presuppositions and other factors in scientific, social, ethical, and political problems.

Introduction to Moral Philosophy and Ethical Reasoning

PHIL 140 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An introductory exploration of the foundational theories of Eastern and Western moral philosophy and an examination of methods for thinking clearly about ethical issues. The objective is to employ a knowledge of moral theory and the methods of ethical reasoning to address contemporary ethical issues and dilemmas in areas such as business, medicine, information technology, and personal ethics. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 300 or PHIL 140.

Contemporary Social Justice Issues

PHIL 304 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: "An exploration of the political and ethical writings of philosophers who shaped contemporary ideas of social justice and individual rights. The objective is to evaluate political theories and philosophies, defend ethical reasoning on issues of justice, and communicate critical reflections on contemporary social justice issues such as Environmental Justice, Healthcare, Racial Justice, Women's Rights, Immigration, and Religious Freedom. Topics include Freedom and the Social Contract, Individual and Human Rights, Distributive and Economic Justice, Gender and Racial Justice, Internationalism and Theories of War."

Ideas Shaping the 21st Century

PHIL 336 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: "Recommended: PHIL 100 or PHIL 110. An exploration of the philosophical arguments concerning the ideas shaping human knowledge in the 21st century. The objective is to evaluate the ideas and arguments that shape human understanding of reality from antiquity to the 21st century, develop critical reflection of these ideas utilizing the tools of analytical philosophy, and communicate the results of philosophical and critical reflection in writing and oral presentation. Topics of study include an introduction to analytical philosophy, the human mind, consciousness, materialism, naturalism, and the limits of scientific realism. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 336 or PHIL 336."

Religions of the East

PHIL 348 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An examination of South and East Asian religions, including the Jain, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Confucian, Daoist, and Shinto traditions. The goal is to apply key methods in the academic study of religions to examine their geographical, historical, and cultural contexts. Topics include the religious meaning and social significance of rituals, material culture, and written texts. Papers and presentations organize research findings, critical reflections, and creative perspectives. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 348, HUMN 350, or PHIL 348.

Religions of the West

PHIL 349 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An examination of Western religions including the Zoroastrian, Judaic, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The goal is to apply key methods in the academic study of religions to examine their geographical, historical, and cultural contexts. Topics include the religious meaning and social significance of rituals, material culture, and written texts. Papers and presentations organize research findings, critical reflections, and creative perspectives. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 350 or PHIL 349.