Department of Philosophy and Religion

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Chair: David H. Nikkel

Faculty:  Mordechai Inbari, Sharon Lea Mattila, Melinda Rosenberg, S. Brian Stratton, Ray K. Sutherland

Philosophy and religion have long been considered integral parts of the Liberal Arts Programs. The courses presented here are planned to give the inquiring student an introduction to these broadening disciplines, the means whereby the significance of various disciplines can be interpreted, and a way of viewing, understanding and resolving some of the conflicts and issues in modern culture. These courses prepare the student to take an active part in community activities or in planning for graduate study.

A combined major in philosophy and religion of thirty hours is offered. Minors of eighteen hours are also offered.

Students interested in majoring in philosophy and religion should discuss their interests with a faculty member in the Department. In order to help fulfill the aims of the individual student, courses are to be selected in conference with the student’s departmental advisor.

Minor in Asian Studies, British Studies, Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies, Popular Religious Cuture in America, or Terrorism Studies

In addition to the minors in Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion, and Religion, the department also participates in the following interdisciplinary minors: Asian Studies, British Studies (see History Department listings); Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies, Popular Religious Culture in America (see below); and Terrorism Studies (see Sociology and Criminal Justice Department listings).

Programs

• Philosophy and Religion, B.A.

• Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies Minor
• Philosophy and Religion Minor
• Philosophy Minor
• Popular Religious Culture in America Minor
• Religion Minor

• Philosophy and Religion Academic Concentration

Courses

• PHI 1000. Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)
• PHI 1010. Logic (3 credits)
• PHI 1020. Perspectives on Humanity (3 credits)
• PHI 2040. Introduction to Ethics (3 credits)
• PHI 2050. Social and Political Philosophy (3 credits)
• PHI 2070. Contemporary Moral Issues (3 credits)
• PHI 2110. American Philosophy (3 credits)
• PHI 2220. Introduction to Asian Studies (3 credits)
• PHI 3010. Moral Theory (3 credits)
• PHI 3080. The Great Philosophers: Ancient and Medieval (3 credits)
• PHI 3090. Modern Philosophy (3 credits)
• PHI 3110. Theories of Knowledge and Reality (3 credits)
• PHI 3160. Sports Ethics (3 credits)
• PHI 3200. Ethics, Politics, and Law (3 credits)
• PHI 3210. Philosophy of Science (3 credits)
• PHI 3220. Religion and Science (3 credits)
• PHI 3300. Environmental Ethics (3 credits)
• PHI 3400. Writing in Philosophy and Religious Studies (3 credits)
• PHI 3550. Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)
• PHI 3760. Medical Ethics (3 credits)
• PHI 4000. Contemporary Philosophy (3 credits)
• PHI 4030. War and Morality (3 credits)
• PHI 4230. Philosophy of Art and Beauty (3 credits)
• PHI 4430. Business Ethics (3 credits)
• PHI 4500. Advanced Studies in Eastern Philosophies and Religions (3 credits)
• PHI 4990. Independent Study in Philosophy (1-3 credits)

• PHIS 4xxx. Seminar in Philosophy (1-3 credits)

• REL 1020. Perspectives on Humanity (3 credits)
• REL 1050. Introduction to the Old Testament (3 credits)
• REL 1060. Introduction to the New Testament (3 credits)
• REL 1080. Introduction to Religious Thought (3 credits)
• REL 1220. Understanding Religious Practices (3 credits)
• REL 1300. Introduction to Religion (3 credits)
• REL 1430. Society and Religion (3 credits)
• REL 2050. Religion, Art, and Culture (3 credits)
• REL 2090. Religion in America (3 credits)
• REL 2130. American Indian Religious Traditions (3 credits)
• REL 2140. Introduction to Religious Ethics (3 credits)
• REL 2160. Asian Religions (3 credits)
• REL 2180. Middle Eastern Religions (3 credits)
• REL 2340. Classical Mythology (3 credits)
• REL 3025. Fundamentalisms (3 credits)
• REL 3028. Cultural and Religious History of China (3 credits)
• REL 3029. Cultural and Religious History of Korea and Japan (3 credits)
• REL 3030. Islam (3 credits)
• REL 3150. Judaism (3 credits)
• REL 3160. Biblical Wisdom Literature (3 credits)
• REL 3180. Apocalyptic Literature (3 credits)
• REL 3190. Modern Religious Thought (3 credits)
• REL 3210. The History of Biblical Worship (3 credits)
• REL 3220. Religion and Science (3 credits)
• REL 3270. History of Western Religious Thought (3 credits)
• REL 3280. Violence and Religion (3 credits)
• REL 3290. Life and Letters of Paul (3 credits)
• REL 3310. The Pentateuch (3 credits)
• REL 3350. Sexuality and Religion (3 credits)
• REL 3360. Life of Jesus (3 credits)
• REL 3370. Prophetic Literature of the Bible (3 credits)
• REL 3400. Writing in Philosophy and Religious Studies (3 credits)
• REL 3420. Hindu Traditions (3 credits)
• REL 3430. Buddhist Traditions (3 credits)
• REL 3550. Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)
• REL 4010. Biblical Narrative (3 credits)
• REL 4070. Origins of Judaism and Christianity (3 credits)
• REL 4080. The Paranormal (3 credits)
• REL 4150. Amerindian Oral Traditions (3 credits)
• REL 4170. Sociology of Religion (3 credits)
• REL 4230. Jerusalem In Time, Space, and Imagination (3 credits)
• REL 4270. Sects, “Cults,” and New Religions (3)
• REL 4350. Greek and Roman Religion (3 credits)
• REL 4410. Theories and Methods in Religion (3 credits)
• REL 4500. Advanced Studies in Eastern Philosophies and Religions (3 credits)
• REL 4990. Independent Study (1-3 credits)

• RELS 4xxx. Special Studies in Religion (3 credits)

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