Spring 2008 Courses
(scroll down or click here for courses in Religion)

Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy
Phil 101 $ #8536  $ 3 credits
(Section 1)   10:00-10:50 a.m.    MWF     Dr. Lindholm

Phil 101 $ #9074  $ 3 credits
(Section 2)   2:00 – 3:15 p.m.       TR     Dr. Poochigian 

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.

Introduction To Ethics
Phil 209  $ #9078   $ 3 credits
(Section 1)   1:00 – 1:50 p.m.    MWF     Dr. Lindholm

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.

Introduction To Ethics (Through Film)
Phil 209  $ #9079   $ 3 credits
(Section 2)   6:00 – 8:00 p.m.    T    Dr. Weinstein

Ethics may be the area of philosophy with the most obvious connections to everyday lives. Our lives are filled with difficult decisions that often have lasting consequences. The ability to make the right decision is an ability that must be cultivated and investigated. Many have asked if there is such a thing as the right decision in the first place. This course investigates the nature of Good life, of moral principles, and the application of moral systems to contemporary debate with special attention to sexual ethics and its relationship to popular culture. Through readings, papers, and journals, students will develop their own positions on these issues, and provide a theoretical defense against criticism of their conclusions.
      This class uses films to create a common set of examples to foster student discussion. Students will be expected to read primary texts in the history of philosophy and relate their arguments to the movies viewed in class. We will see both domestic and foreign films, major studio releases, and independent projects.

Please note, this is a reading-and writing intensive class.

Introduction to Logic

Phil 220  $ #11159   $ 3 credits
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.    W     Dr. Lindholm 

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.

Medieval Philosophy
Phil 301  $ #11160   $ 3 credits
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.    TR     Dr. Weinstein

Medieval Philosophy focuses on thinkers in the expansive period from the end of the Roman Empire to the early fifteenth century. It is the second course in our history of philosophy sequence, but open to anyone who has interest. The philosophers we will study will be the first to try to make sense of Platos legacy, then, after his rediscovery, of Aristotles. Together, these thinkers will strive to reconcile the tension between their religions holy scriptures and the thoughts of the classical Greeks. Perhaps more than at any other point in history, the medieval period saw a convergence of the three most enduring monotheistic religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Each philosopher saw his or her central project as using the insights of the Greeks as a foundation for their holy teachings, and each addresses such topics as free will, the nature of reason, how one is to read philosophical and religious texts, justice and righteousness, and the nature of god. This class is ideal for religion majors. Please note: this is a writing- and reading-intensive class. You will have both writing and reading assignments virtually every single night.

Ethical Theory
Phil 325  $ #11161  $ 3 credits
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.     TR      Dr. Weinstein

Ethical Theory seeks to offer a more in-depth account of the moral theories that guide our lives. In particular, it will elaborate on the controversies found in virtue ethics, deontological ethics (ethics of duty), utilitarianism (consequentialism), existentialist ethics, and feminist ethics. Students will read both classical and contemporary writers, essays and complete books, and primary as well as secondary sources.
In particular, the course will concern itself with questions such as Why be moral? Who has moral responsibility? Who has moral standing? What constitutes moral knowledge? Does one morally evaluate acts or deeds? and, How does moral psychology relate to moral judgment? Although there is no prerequisite for this course, students are strongly advised to have taken PHIL 209 Introduction to Ethics before enrolling. Please note: this is a writing- and reading-intensive class. You will have both writing and reading assignments virtually every single night.

 

Ethics in Engineering and Science
Junior/Senior standing is the prerequisite
Phil 370  $ #8731  $ 3 credits
11:00 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.     TR      Beltz

This course provides an in depth investigation into the ethical concerns involved in engineering and scientific decision-making. Contemporary society places a significant amount of prestige in scientific and engineering experts.  Professionals within these fields of expertise often lose sight of their role in protecting public safety and the public good. This course focuses on understanding the ethical responsibilities of professionals, the nature of moral decision making, and applying ethical frameworks to concrete situations.

Drawing on case studies, ethical dilemmas, and real-world scenarios, this course examines the significance of honesty, competence, safety, teamwork, whistleblowing, confidentiality, consent, integrity, and imaginations in the professional lives of engineers and scientists. This course seeks to understand and apply the professional codes relevant to contemporary engineering and scientific practices.

Ethics In Heath Care
Phil 372  $ #8539   $ 3 credits
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.   TR    Beltz

At some point in our lives, we become involved in the health care system. Whether we are patients, nurses, doctors, or family members of patients, we must understand how the decisions we make about health care are ethical decisions. This course focuses on understanding the ethical responsibilities of professionals, the rights of patients, the nature of moral decision making, and applying ethical frameworks to concrete situations.

       Drawing on case studies, ethical dilemmas, and real-world scenarios, this course examines the significance informed consent, abortion, euthanasia, organ transplant policy, professional standards, assisted suicide, drug screening, national health care policy and reform. The rights and responsibilities or professionals and patients will be examined through contemporary ethical theories and through the codes of professional ethics.

Metaethics: Is Ethics Possible?
Phil 425  $ #11162  $ 3 credits
2:00 – 2:50 p.m.    MWF     Dr. Poochigian

Ethics is the study of moral choice, traditionally divided into the areas of theoretical and applied ethics.  Theoretical ethics is the first concern of the course, laying the foundation for the investigation of practical issues in applied ethics.  There are two basic issues in theoretical ethics, beginning with what is referred to as meta-ethics.  This is the investigation of the justification of moral judgment, focusing on whether such judgments are relative or not.  Normative ethics is the second issue in theoretical ethics, its purpose to identify the standard of what is moral. Applied ethics encompasses many topics, attention focusing on issues in medical ethics including abortion, business ethics, and issues in public policy. Readings, discussion, and essay examinations.

Text: Louis P. Pojman, Ethics: Discovering Right and Wrong

Metaphysics:  What is Real?
Phil 440  $ #11163   $ 3 credits
9:30 – 10:45 a.m.    TR    Dr. Poochigian

Although there are diverse conceptions of what constitutes metaphysics, that pursued in this class, following D. W. Hamlyn, “is concerned to set out in the most general and abstract terms what must hold good of conscious beings and the world in which they live if that world is to constitute reality for them.”  Understood in this way, as Brian Carr observes, “Its subject matter is the most fundamental aspects of the way we think about and talk about reality, the most fundamental features of reality as it presents itself to us.”  Considered in this way, the study of metaphysics is perhaps the most basic there is, presupposed by every other discipline.  Topics incorporated include appearance and reality, ontology or what there is, substance, particulars and generals, space and time, and personal identity.

Course Requirements:
Two essay exams
One research paper
Text: D. W. Hamlyn, Metaphysics

Independent Study in Philosophy
Phil 494  $  Hours Arranged
Consent of Instructor Needed

This course is designed for students who want to follow a supervised course of reading and study on an individual basis with a particular professor.  The student must have a topic of special interest that he/she wants to pursue.

In every case, before enrolling for independent studies, students must visit with the instructor concerned and design a particular course of study and agree upon the number of credit hours (2-3).

Religion
Introduction to Religion (West)
Rels 101 $  # 8873  $ 3 credits
3:00 – 5:30 p.m.     W     Dr.  Miller

The purpose of this course is to introduce the beginning student to the academic study of religion, as well as to the most important resources available for that study. Since no religion exists in a cultural vacuum, we will explore the world of religion primarily within the context of cultural studies. Although we will focus our attention on the study of religion (in general), we will be drawing on the three western monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) to illustrate the issues we explore. In this way, we will balance our study of religion both with general theory and with examples from specific practice.

World Religions
Rels 203  $  #14655  $ 3 credits
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.      TR       Dr. Lawrence

A sympathetic introduction to characteristic beliefs and practices of selected world religions:  Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Baha'i and Taoism.  The goal is to give the students a sense of the vitality and enduring significance of each of the religions as a way of life for large numbers of people.  We will also view movies to gain greater familiarity with expressions of the religions in practical life.  There are no prerequisites for this course.

Women and Religion
Rels 216  $  #8649  $ 3 credits
9:30 – 10:45 a.m.      TR       Dr. Baldwin

"Women and Religion" is more properly named "Women in Religion," for this course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding the experiences and effect of women in a variety of religious traditions.  This course is also an introduction to the growing body of contemporary scholarship by women who critique and inevitably reshape their traditions primarily through the experiences of women. We will explore the patriarchal assumptions of religion that have silenced the influence of womens experience as well as the effects of "feminisms" on religious traditions. This course approaches religion as a product and shaper of culture. Such an approach assumes that the rising voices of women in religion will reshape culture as well as religious traditions.

Christian Scripture/New Testament
Rels  231  $ #8849  $  3 credits
9:00 – 9:50 a.m.     MWF     Dr. Miller

The purpose of this course is to introduce the beginning student to the academic study of the New Testament, as well as to the most important resources available for understanding and interpreting this literature. During the semester, in addition to the writings themselves, we will focus on the literary, historical, cultural, and religious background that provides the context for these writings. We will also examine the fundamental interpretive approaches employed by scholars in their attempts to explain the meanings of these texts. In this way we hope to gain a critical perspective by which we may more responsibly read the NT itself and better understand the various interpretations generated by other readers.

Christianity in the Modern World
Rels 238 $  #11164  $ 3 credits
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.    TR     Dr. Baldwin

The title of this course will soon be changed to "Contemporary Christianities" suggesting that Christianity as a unified religious system of beliefs and practices does not exist.  It could be argued that it never did exist, but globalization and the "post-colonial" critique of the imperialism of Euro-American Christianity politic serve to highlight the diversity of Christianities existent in the contemporary world.

     This course introduces students to the impact of religion and culture on the doctrine and practice of the Christian faith from the Protestant Reformation to the present.  Modern and contemporary Christianities originated in response to the clash of worldviews brought about by the discoveries of modern science and philosophical and theological questions concerning the validity of biblical texts and traditional doctrine.  This division of "Conservative/Liberal" has never been resolved and is complicated by issues of race, class and social location.  Students will explore the variety of positions on social and theological discussions among current Christianities.

Prophets and Prophecy
Rels  321  $  #11165  $  3 credits
11:00 – 11:50 a.m.      MWF     Dr. Miller

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the prophetic phenomenon - both in its ancient setting and in its contemporary manifestations. During the semester we will review the history and literature of prophecy in ancient Israel, early Judaism, and at the beginning of Christianity. We will also explore this phenomenon within a variety of cultures that exist in the world today, including those in Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific, and native cultures in America. We will give special attention to comparative material in ancient and other cultures, as well as the social world of prophetic phenomena, including community politics and personal ecstasy.

Death and Dying
Rels  345  $  #9071  $  3 credits
3:00 – 5:30  p.m.   M    Dr. Graf

This class will explore various aspects of death and dying from cultural, psychological, medical, social, and religious perspectives.  Weekly readings, in-class speakers, field trips and personal reflections will inform the discussion.  Students will consider both personal choices surrounding end-of-life matters and current political debates concerning life, death, and the transition between the two.  Several short written reflections and a final paper will be required.  Class participation is expected of all students.

Asian Religions in the U.S.
Rels  410  $  #11166  $  3 credits
12:30 – 1:45 p.m.   TR    Dr. Lawrence

Asian Religions in the United States: An overview of Asian religions in the United States--including Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam--with special attention to the ways in which Asian religions are becoming "Americanized" and American popular culture is becoming "Easternized." We will compare the religious priorities of Asian immigrants to the U.S. with those of non-Asian Americans who have converted to Asian religions. We will also reflect upon the significance of the growing presence of Asian religions for national identity and domestic policies regarding religious freedom. Movies will be shown to illustrate the religious movements in America. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Seminar On Religion

Junior/Senior standing and some upper level work in Religion or consent of instructor are prerequisites.

Rels  491  $  #11167  $  3 credits
3:00 – 5:00  p.m.     TR      Dr. Baldwin

This course allows students to explore the diverse practices and beliefs within the African American religious and spiritual experience.  This includes, but is not limited to Afro-centrism, humanism/atheism, the black church (Protestant, Christian), the "prosperity gospel" churches, folk healing and spiritualism, spiritualist and syncretic options that combine diverse personal and social beliefs and practices.

     Readings will be chosen from a variety of sources, including popular writing, academic writing, and contemporary African American literature and essays.  Students will be encouraged to design their semester study according to their personal interests.

     This is a seminar and therefore aimed at advanced students, with each student shouldering equal responsibility to prepare and contribute to the class.  However it is not limited to religion majors or minors.

See the instructor if you are not sure this course is for you.
 

Independent Study in Religion
Rels 494  $   Hours Arranged
Consent of Instructor Needed

This course is designed for students who want to follow a supervised course of reading and study on an individual basis with a particular professor.  The student must have a topic of special interest that he/she wants to pursue.

In every case, before enrolling for independent studies,  Students must visit with the instructor concerned and design a particular course of study and agree upon the number of credit hours (2-3).

 Course Summary Archives