Course Offerings In Philosophy example essay topic

tate ment of philosophy The education mission of the philosophy and religion department serves the general studies core and the major. The department takes seriously its obligation to introduce general studies students to philosophy and religion as humanities disciplines. All courses at the 100 and 200 level are open to and designed for students at different stages of their general education, yet the department also seeks to offer a balanced array of courses for majors and minors. Course offerings in philosophy introduce students to logic, the history of western philosophy, a sample of important areas of philosophical investigation and applied philosophy.

In every philosophy course, the careful analysis and construction of arguments is emphasized. Reading and discussion of primary sources is preferred to textbook summaries in most courses. Course offerings in religion cover biblical studies, the history of Christian thought, world religions (Judaism, Islam, and South and East Asian religions), and religious ethics. Nearly all courses contain a strong emphasis on the historical development of religious ideas and practices. Students are taught to interpret texts rather than to amass pre-interpreted information. Since the core religion requirement is connected with the colleges identity as a liberal arts college in the Christian tradition, the department offers a wide variety of courses which introduce students to the sources and development of the Christian tradition, with other religious traditions presented on their own terms, not in relation to Christianity.

PHILOSOPHY Philosophy major requirements 30 semester hours Including 3 semester hours in logic: PHIL 125 General Logic (3) 221 t Classical Thought (3) 222 Modern Thought (3) 18 semester hours at the 200-300 level Philosophy minor requirements 15 semester hours 9 semester hours at the 200-300 level, including: PHIL 125 General Logic (3) 3 semester hours in history of philosophy: 221 t Classical Thought (3) 222 t Modern Thought (3) 3 semester hours from the following: 240 t Political Philosophy (3) 260 t Metaphysics (3) 261 t Moral Philosophy (3) 262 Philosophies of the Sciences (3) 264 t Theory of Knowledge 360 It Readings in Metaphysics (3) 361 It Readings in Moral Philosophy (3) 399 I Independent Study (Arr) Philosophy / religion minor requirements 18 semester hours 18 semester hours from the philosophy / religion tracks, selected to focus on a particular theme such as great ideas, beliefs and values, or the Christian faith. The department must approve the minor, both as to thematic focus and to the courses used to satisfy it. Students wishing to complete such a minor should have a minor adviser within the department. With department approval, one course from outside the department and outside the students first major may be used to count toward the minor.

Critical thinking minor requirement 18 semester hours 18 semester hours chosen from the following list: One advanced course from the students major field which treats theory or methodology (subject to the approval of the philosophy and religion). At least one course in logic or persuasion: PHIL 125 General Logic 221 t Classical Thought or COMM 318 Persuasion At least two courses in the history of thought: PHIL 221 t Classical Thought 222 t Modern Thought 223 Contemporary Thought or REL 230 r Asian Religions 272 r Modern Christian Thought or One course (if needed) from: PHIL 120 ft Introduction to Philosophy 121 ft Ethics or REL 112 fr The Christian Heritage or 255 r Christian Ethics Communication skills endorsement The skills endorsement of the philosophy and religion department indicates that the student who completes a major in either philosophy or religion can verbally communicate at the high level appropriate for the recipient of a Bachelor of Arts degree in core areas of a liberal-arts curriculum. To insure achievement at the required level, the communication performance of philosophy and religion majors will be monitored from the time of declaration. An evaluation of the students abilities will be made in the earliest class possible and assessments and recommendations deriving from this evaluation will be discussed with the student and the students adviser. Where appropriate, evaluation and recommendation will continue through the coursework in the major until such time as the appropriate faculty (philosophy or religion) is satisfied that the student is consistently performing at the desired level. Course offerings in PHIL 120 ft Introduction to Philosophy (3) An examination of four significant philosophical issues, typically including one social issue (e. g., the morality of capital punishment), ethical relativism and objectivity, relationship between human freedom and the scientific outlook, and rationality of belief in God).

Develops analytical thinking, critical reading and writing and sensitivity to argumentation. 121 ft Ethics (3) The course examines two questions which have exercised moral philosophers in the West at least since the time of Plato: Are assessments of moral right and wrong any more than expressions of personal or group preferences What is the proper relation between morality and the law in a society that values highly the rights and interests of individuals The course promotes college-level skills especially writing and analytical reading. 122 f Social Issues (3) Addresses issues that create conflicts and controversies in contemporary society such as the legality and morality of abortion, the death penalty, homosexuality, and pornographic material. Promotes college-level skills, especially writing and analytical reading. 34 f.