Philosophy and Religion
(Phil and Rel)
L. Lindholm (Chair), Lowe, Moore,
Poochigian, and Sanborn
The two disciplines of Philosophy and Religion represent humankind+s abiding interest in the
fundamental questions of life, truth, and value. Questions about the meaning of life, the
significance of truth, the access to knowledge, and the ability to live ethically, have been studied
by philosophers and theologians from the time of Socrates and before. Philosophy seeks answers
which, chiefly, refer to human capacities and ideals and to the world of experience in which we
live; Religion will often include postulates about divine forces and spiritual realities in the
answers it frames. The two disciplines tend to be more distinct in Western culture; philosophers
and theologians have often been in bitter conflict both with each other and with religious
authorities. In Eastern cultures, however, philosophy and religion overlap - often appearing as
complements. In both East and West these two fields of study represent the longest and most
basic traditions of literature and the intellectual life. Though Philosophy and Religion both
address questions of ultimate meaning, each discipline preserves its own literary history and its
own scholarly tradition.
Every student can benefit from course work in Philosophy and Religion. Most courses in the
department fulfill General Education Requirements in Arts and Humanities. Several major
programs require or recommend specific courses to their students. A two to five course series of
courses in Philosophy and Religion can be designed to complement major programs in nursing,
engineering, science, business, criminal justice studies, as well as humanities disciplines. Minor
programs (20 hours) in Philosophy and Religion can also give depth and breadth to any major
program. Neither Philosophy nor Religion requires a large technical vocabulary even in upper
level courses. Juniors and seniors are urged to register for courses at the 300-400 level even
though they have not taken courses at the 100-200 level.
Those students who wish to pursue a major or a second major in Philosophy and Religion must
follow one of the two programs of concentration:
1. B.A. in Philosophy and Religion: Philosophy Concentration
2. B.A. in Philosophy and Religion: Religion Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
B.A. WITH A MAJOR IN PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION:
PHILOSOPHY CONCENTRATION
Required 125 hours, including:
I. General Education Requirements.
II. Philosophy Concentration requirements.
33 major hours, including:
Phil 101 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
Phil 150 Introduction to Logic Scientific Method (3)
3 hours from:
Religion Curriculum
6 hours from:
Phil 300 Classical Greek and Hellenistic Philosophy (3)
Phil 301 Medieval Philosophy (3)
Phil 302 Renaissance and Enlightenment (3)
Phil 303 Kant and the Nineteenth Century (3)
A minimum of 18 hours of upper level work in Philosophy.
6 hours from an open-ended list of diversity/multicultural courses, which will include, but not be
limited to, the following: (for other possibilities, check with advisors in the department).
A&S 225 Introduction to the Study of Women (3)
A&S 250 African American Religious History (3)
CTL 430C Multicultural Education (3)
Engl 365 Black American Writers (3)
Geog 151 Cultural Geography (3)
Hist 345 The Ancient Near East (3)
IS 352 Native American Philosophic Thought (3)
Phil 283 Oriental Philosophy (3)
Rel 203 World Religions (3)
Some of these courses simultaneously fulfill other Philosophy/Religion requirements.
Language requirement:
Reading proficiency in the philosophical literature of any foreign language is strongly
recommended. Majors in philosophy should be aware that proficiency in symbolic logic is
expected in most graduate schools and in some substitutes for proficiency in a foreign language.
MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION:
PHILOSOPHY CONCENTRATION
Required 21 hours in Philosophy:
6 hours from:
Phil 283 Oriental Philosophy (3)
Phil 300 Classical Greek and Hellenistic Philosophy (3)
Phil 301 Medieval Philosophy (3)
Phil 302 Renaissance and Enlightenment (3)
Phil 303 Philosophy Since the Enlightenment (3)
The additional 15 hours should normally include work complementary to the student+s major or
to some developed personal interest. Students may consult department advisors to develop a
special concentration in the minor with an emphasis on philosophy of science, ethics in the
professions, aesthetics in art and literature, etc.
B.A. WITH MAJOR IN PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION:
RELIGION CONCENTRATION
Required 125 hours, including:
I. General Education Requirements.
II. Religion Concentration Requirements:
30 hours, including:
Rel 101 Introduction to Religion (West) (3)
Phil 300 Classical Greek and Hellenistic Philosophy (3)
3 hours from
Rel 102 Introduction to Religion (East) (3)
Rel 109 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
Rel 250 East and West in Religions (3)
Religion Electives (15 must be at 300-400 level) (21)
6 hours from an open-ended list of diversity/multicultural courses, which will include, but not be
limited to, the following: (for other possibilities, check with advisors in the department).
A&S 225 Introduction to the Study of Women (3)
A&S 250 African American Religious History (3)
CTL 430C Human Relations: Multicultural Education (3)
Engl 365 Black American Writers (3)
Geog 151 Cultural Geography (3)
Hist 345 The Ancient Near East (3)
IS 352 Native American Philosophic Thought (3)
Phil 283 Oriental Philosophy (3)
Rel 203 World Religions (3)
Some of these courses simultaneously fulfill other Philosophy/Religion requirements.
Level IV proficiency in a foreign language (i.e., 4 semesters) is strongly recommended.
MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION:
RELIGION CONCENTRATION
Required 20 hours in Religion, including:
Rel 109 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
Rel 203 World Religion (3)
Rel Electives (8 hours must be at 300-400 level.) (14)
Courses in Philosophy
Since a major in philosophy involves a rigorous study of basic questions about human life and
action, knowledge, truth, and values, it is recognized as providing a sound base for those who
plan to continue their education in one of the professional specialties such as law, medicine, or
the ministry. More recently, liberal arts degrees in fields which "make you think" have become
increasingly valued in business and government. Majoring in philosophy also prepares a student
for graduate work in any of the humanities (most notably philosophy); in most cases the graduate
will pursue a doctoral degree to teach at the college level.
Students majoring in other fields who find themselves seriously interested in the theoretical
aspects of their disciplines -- e.g. ethical implications of practice, the functions of knowledge in
the field, the legitimacy of methods -- may want to consider a special concentration, minor, or
second major in philosophy to explore that interest. The emphasis of such studies could be
philosophy of science and technology, ethics in the professions (engineering, medicine), or
aesthetics in literature or fine arts, to name a few examples.
101. Introduction to Philosophy. 3 credits. An introductory survey of the discipline of
philosophy. Students will join the thoughtful search, in which philosophers have engaged
through reading and discussion since ancient days, into the problems of reality (metaphysics), of
truth and meaning (logic and philosophy of language), of moral standards (ethics), of knowledge
(epistemology), of beauty (aesthetics), and other fundamental questions. F,S
210. Contemporary Moral Issues. 3 credits. An introduction to the problems connected with
moral choice. This course examines the moral judgments that follow from the values held by a
wide variety of people today on topics ranging from abortion to race, sexual behavior, the
environment, etc. F,S
220. Logic and Critical Thinking: Their Uses and Limits. 3 credits. A theoretical and practical
introduction to the principles of reasoning--formal and informal, deductive and inductive.
Students will study language and patterns of reasoning as vehicles for and obstacles to critical
thinking. The central characteristics of deduction and validity; the role of hypotheses, inductive
reasoning, probability estimates in scientific and quasi-scientific investigations and other models
of critical thinking and their limits will be covered. F,S
283. Oriental Philosophy. 3 credits. The main philosophical systems of India, China and Japan
will be examined. F/3
300. Classical Greek and Hellenistic Philosophy. 3 credits. The ancient Greeks and Romans laid
the foundations for even the most contemporary philosophy, and their ideas have had a
continuing influence on all Western thought from their time to our own. This course attempts to
examine those ideas and the reasons for their persistent relevance. F/2
301. Medieval Philosophy. 3 credits. Philosophy in Western Europe from the end of the Roman
Empire to the early 15th Century as reflected in the writings of such thinkers as Boethius,
Augustine, Abelard, Aquinas and Ockham. S/2
302. Renaissance and Enlightenment. 3 credits. Philosophy from the time of Petrarch (c. 1350)
to that of the American Revolution as seen in the writings of such philosophers as Bruno, Bacon,
Descartes, Spinoza and Hume. This is the period that sees the origins of modern thought. The
implications of the work of the philosophers had an important role in shaping contemporary
society, including the arts, literature, science, politics, and economics. F/2
303. Kant and the Nineteenth Century. 3 credits. Philosophy from the "Age of Reason"
through the Industrial Revolution as reflected in the writings of Kant and other philosophers such
as Hegel, Mill, Marx, and Nietzsche. S/2
304. Twentieth Century Philosophy. 3 credits. Contemporary developments in Philosophy since
the beginning of the 20th century. S/2
309. American Philosophy. 3 credits. A survey of major figures and movements in American
philosophy. F/3
310. Ethics: Right and Wrong? Good and Evil? 3 credits. A study of traditional problems in
ethical theory including the foundations of ethical philosophy, the nature of the good, ethical
relativity, free will versus determinism. Although case studies and contemporary examples will
appear in discussions, the central focus of the course will be historical and theoretical. F/3
320. Metaphysics: What is Real? 3 credits. A study of the basic categories by which things are
understood. Topics include such issues as appearance and reality, substance, particular and
general, space and time, and personal identity. F/3
330. Epistemology: What Can We Know and How Can We Know It? 3 credits. Inquiry into the
nature and limits of knowledge as distinguished from belief; types of knowledge; the role of
reason and sense experience in empirical knowledge. S/3
350. Symbolic Logic. 3 credits. The modern deductive logic of propositions and functions
(including relations); logistic systems. Students majoring in mathematics or computer science
will be especially welcome in this course. S/2
356. Aesthetics: What is Beauty? 3 credits. Theories of aesthetic experience and value; art and
the creative process; the philosophic basis of criticism; art and society. Students of any major
who are interested in the fine arts and/or literature are encouraged to take this course. S/3
370. Ethics in Engineering and Science. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Junior/senior standing. This
course centers on the ethical issues of particular concern to both citizens and professionals
involved in engineering and related technical/scientific fields. We review ethical history and
ethical theory in all class discussions. The major focus of the course, however, is on ethical
dilemmas, case studies, and codes relevant to contemporary engineering and scientific practice.
Issues surveyed include: ethical responsibility of theorists and of applied scientists, risk and
negligence in technological enterprises, the limits of knowledge/safety/quality, an update of the
two cultures debate. F,S
372. Ethics in Health Care. 3 credits. Some ethical problems and ethical guidelines are of
particular concern to citizens and to professionals interested in health care fields. Examples are
informed consent, abortion, euthanasia, organ transplant policies, professional standards versus
patient rights, assisted suicide, ethics of testing/screening, health care policy and reform. Class
members will explore such issues through case studies in a context of relevant ethical history and
theory. Junior/senior standing encouraged. No prerequisites. S/2
373. Ethics in Business and Public Administration. 3 credits. Extremely important ethical
controversies surround two of the central features of modern civilization: business and public
administration. We will investigate the basic values promoted or inhibited by people and
institutions in these areas. We will also use case studies, within a context of ethical theory and
history, to explore more defined problems such as unsafe products, employee rights, the relation
between business life and personal life, and many more. F/2
395. Philosophic Themes. 1-3 credits. This course provides an opportunity for detailed
examination of important philosophic themes. Topics will vary depending on faculty and student
interests. Investigations into philosophy of religion, foundations of logic, African American
philosophic schools, political correctness, and many others are possible. May be repeated for a
maximum of 6 credits. On demand.
408. Philosophy of Human Nature. 3 credits. A consideration of philosophical problems arising
from the methodology of the behavioral sciences. Students majoring in Political Science,
Economics, Psychology, Anthropology or Sociology are especially welcome. S/2
412. Philosophy of Law. 3 credits. An investigation of the nature of both law and legal
reasoning. Study of the nature of law focuses on theories of natural law, legal positivism, and
legal realism. Legal reasoning concerns justified interpretation of precedent and statute within
the common law tradition. Additional topics dealt with as time allows encompass such issues as
the justification of punishment and enforcement of morality. F
430. Philosophy of Science and Technology. 3 credits. A study of the philosophic aspects of
science and technology. Problems include, what makes a theory scientific?, is there a scientific
"method?", can one believe in science and religion at the same time?, how can we tell whether a
technological enterprise is a reasonable risk or a negligent gamble?, how should a technological
advance be controlled. S/3
472. Seminar in Philosophy. 3-6 credits. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of
the instructor. A consideration of selected philosophical problems or classic texts of mutual
interest to departmental faculty and more advanced students. Previous work in philosophy or
related disciplines is recommended. On demand.
492. Independent Study in Philosophy. 1-3 credits. May be repeated to 6 credits. Prerequisite:
consent of instructor. Supervised tutorial on an individual basis. Typically, a student will work
independently to a considerable extent. In other cases, the course may take the form of regularly
scheduled meetings. F,S
Courses in Religion
Religion at the University is not studied with the assumption that one faith is true and the others
are false. Rather, all religions are seen as creative, living systems of beliefs and practices that
enable men and women around the globe to make sense of their lives. By studying, and to a
limited degree projecting ourselves into, these belief systems, we are better able to appreciate the
outlooks and values of other cultures and gain new insight into what gives meaning and worth to
our lives. At the University religion is studied as the Supreme Court recommended in a 1963
opinion: "It might be said that one's education is not complete without the study of comparative
religion or the history of religion and its relationship to the advancement of civilization."
The study of religion is an integral part of a liberal education. It is also an enrichment for courses
of study in preparation for careers in business, education, health care, social and psychological
services. Courses in religion are a good preparation for post-graduate studies in law, medicine,
and the ministry.
101. Introduction to Religion (West). 3 credits. A survey of the classical stories, rituals, and
symbols of religious culture in Western civilization from ancient times to the present. F
102. Introduction to Religion (East). 3 credits. A survey of the classical stories, rituals and
symbols of religious culture with an emphasis on the traditions of the Orient from ancient times
to the present. S
103. Introduction to the New Testament. 3 credits. A survey of the literature of the New
Testament, its authorship, its literary and historical setting, and its interpretation. S
109. Introduction to the Old Testament. 3 credits. A study of Israel+s awareness of itself as a
faith-community from the Exodus to the post-Exilic period; investigation of the problems of
multiple authorship, literary forms and archaeological evidence. F
116. Women and Religion. 3 credits. An examination of the role women have played in religious
thought throughout history: as goddesses and mythic figures, as religious leaders, and as spiritual
guides. S
120. Religion in America. 3 credits. A study of religious life in America. Emphasis is placed on
the role of religion in the development of American life and character. S/2
203. World Religions. 3 credits. A general survey of major world religions including Hinduism,
Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Stress on the major tenets of
these religions. S
228. Early Christian Traditions. 3 credits. A survey of Christian traditions, from their origins in
Judaism and Greek philosophy; continuing through the growth of Christian doctrine in the 4th to
8th centuries; and concluding with the church in the Middle Ages. F
238. Christianity in the Modern World. 3 credits. A survey of Christianity from the Protestant
Reformation to Vatican II, with an emphasis on the influence of Protestantism, responses to the
Enlightenment in Christian theology, and twentieth-century challenges. S
247. Introduction to Judaism. 3 credits. Comparative Jewish thought in cultural context and as
manifest in Jewish literature. Topics to be studied include the sacred, the human community, the
role of Israel, ethics, the Holocaust. F/3
250. East and West in Religions. 3 credits. A critical and comparative study of people+s
religious orientation between Eastern and Western traditions. F
300. Jesus in Gospel and History. 3 credits. A study of one of the most significant personalities
in religious history. Biblical and non-biblical texts which have defined and described Jesus will
be examined. F
301. Life and Religion of Paul. 3 credits. A study of the Pauline themes underlying the Christian
faith as seen through the writings of this creative religious personality. Emphasis on current
Pauline studies. S
305. Mysticism. 3 credits. A study of mystics and their writings from the Eastern and Western
traditions and the application of methods of religious inquiry into the presence of mystical
phenomena. F
309. Atheism, Theism, and Secularism. 3 credits. Exploration of the basic theistic and atheistic
options regarding the ultimate meaning and value of human life, with a study of the impact the
rise of secularism has had on religious faith. On demand.
315. Religion and Philosophy in China and Tibet. 3 credits. A survey of the major religions and
philosophical systems of China and Tibet, from the bronze age through the
Marxist-Leninist-Mao Zedong thought of the People's Republic of China. S/3
320. Religion and Philosophy in India. 3 credits. A survey of the incredible range of beliefs and
practices developed by the great religions and philosophical teachers of India. F/3
342. Religious Ethics. 3 credits. Problems concerning the presuppositions of religious ethics and
their application to personal moral issues and to such areas of community life as business, race
relations, war and peace. On demand.
345. Death and Dying. 2 credits. An examination of various perspectives on death and dying in
our own and other cultures with a view to coping with the problems of mortality and immortality.
Medical, psychological, philosophical, and religious aspects contributing to an understanding of
the meaning of death will be offered by resource people whose experience will lend assistance to
the student's confronting the reality of death and dying. Lecture and discussion. F
390. Buddhism. 3 credits. A historical and critical survey of different Buddhist schools in India,
China, Tibet, and Japan. S/3
395. Selected Topics. 1-3 credits. A selected topic in the area of religious studies such as
Atheism, Religion and Public Life, Lessons of the Holocaust, Religion and the Environment,
Greco-Roman Religion, African American Religious History, Women Religious Writers, F,S
410. Asian Religions in the United States. 3 credits. A survey of Asian religions in the U.S., with
special attention paid to the ways in which Asian religions are becoming Americanized and
American popular culture is becoming Easternized. S/3
423. Psychology of Religion. 3 credits. The psychological significance of various types of
religious experience, personal and social. An examination of classical psychological statements
about religion including James, Allport, Kierkegaard, Freud, and Jung. S/2
470. Seminar on Religion. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and some upper level work in Religion or consent of the instructor. A consideration of selected topics or religious
classics of mutual interest to departmental staff and advanced students in Religion. On demand.
480. Independent Studies in Religion. 1-3 credits. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
Supervised reading and study on an individual basis. F,S