Philosophy Courses

NOTE: All Philosophy courses except PHIL 111 emphasize the ability to write short essays. There are no formal prerequisites for any Philosophy course.

PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

The course introduces students to the foundational theories and methods of philosophical analysis, emphasizing critical examination of some fundamental principles and problems of philosophy, with examples from the major areas of philosophy: metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.

Offered Online: Yes
General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

PHIL 101H - Introduction to Philosophy (Honors)

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

The course introduces students to the foundational theories and methods of philosophical analysis, using a particular theme or subgenre-such as art, ethics, or truth-to at once focus student inquiry, while broadening the interdisciplinary nature of the course. Students learn to write and speak critically about philosophical theories, with emphasis on interpretation as well as relationships between philosophy and other academic disciplines. 

General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation
Prerequisite:

ENGL 101, which may be taken concurrently.

PHIL 111 - Critical Thinking

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Principles of thinking and problem solving, deductive and inductive logic and fallacies. Includes the analysis of formal and informal arguments.

Offered Online: Yes

PHIL 151/RS 151 - World Religions

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to many of the world’s major religious traditions (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam) as well as other selected ancient and modern religious traditions. The course will also consider the nature and significance of religious experience, the impact of religion on culture, basic approaches to the study of religion, and different theories used to interpret religious beliefs and practices. 

Offered Online: Yes
General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

PHIL 152/RS 152 - Philosophy of Religion

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Systematic and historical analysis of philosophical problems of religion, such as the problem of evil and theodicy, the conflict between religion and science, the relationship between faith and reason, the nature of religious language, and arguments about the nature and existence of God.

General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

PHIL 202 - Philosophy of Love

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Philosophical exploration of love, including concepts of love from Plato to contemporary thinkers and types of love, including romantic and sexual love, as well as love in friendship, family and religious devotion. Discussion of selected topics may include what love is, the place of desire in love, the role of love in a good life, and the ethics of love.

General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

PHIL 211 - Ethical Problems

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

A study of theories of morality and values and their application to selected topics in personal and social ethics such as euthanasia, abortion, capital punishment, sex and marriage, human and animal rights, the environment, hate speech, world hunger and poverty and censorship. 

Offered Online: Yes
General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

PHIL 215 - Social and Political Philosophy

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces some of the issues of central importance in the study of social and political philosophy. A variety of perspectives are considered, including a range of historical and contemporary writings. Theoretical and applied problems within the field are explored. Topics include the nature of law, morality, and duty. Special attention is given to the concepts of justice, freedom, property, and civic responsibility.

General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

PHIL 297H - Philosophy in the Context of Intellectual History: Ancient and Medieval (Honors)

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Ancient and medieval philosophy from the pre-Socratics to the Reformation with special attention to its relationship to intellectual history and contemporary intellectual problems.

General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation
Prerequisite:

ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

PHIL 298H - Philosophy in the Context of Intellectual History: Modern (Honors)

3-0-3
Credit Hours: 3

Modern philosophy from Descartes and Hobbes to the 21st century with special attention to its relationship to intellectual history and contemporary intellectual problems. 

General Education Fulfillment: Cultural Analysis and Interpretation
Prerequisite:

ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H