Course Descriptions
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI | 107 | INTRO TO THE ART OF REASONING | 3 (3-0) | SPR SS |
This course is concerned with techniques for identifying an argument, its components and suppositions, and for evaluating all these elements. Besides the analysis of arguments, topics will include deductive and inductive forms, rational decision-making and recognition of informal fallacies. Emphasis will be on heightening the student's ability to convey ideas concisely, to formulate arguments clearly and to appraise them critically.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI | 201 | INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY | 3 (3-0) | SPR SS |
This course involves a survey of representative problems in some of the major areas of philosophy, and the positions of different schools of philosophic thought on these problems. Topics considered include free will, the problem of religious belief, knowledge and truth, the problem of the self, morality, reality and being, and the problem of the external world.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI | 203 | MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD | 3 (3-0) | SPR SS |
An exploration of the cultural expressions and spiritual values of the world's great religions. The course aims at extending and deepening the student's awareness of the doctrine, mythology, symbolism and ritual at the heart of each religion. Among those religions studied will be Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI | 205 | INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS | 3 (3-0) | SPR SS |
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of ethics and the nature of morality. A wide range of ethical issues is considered, including moral relativism, the principle of utility, duty-based ethics and natural law theory. Additionally, the course will focus on problems of applied morality, examining and discussing alternative positions on such issues as abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, economic justice, etc.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI | 271 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT I | 1 (1-0) | SPR SS |
A special learning experience designed by one or more students with the cooperation and approval of a faculty member. Proposed study plans require departmental approval. Projects may be based on reading, research, community service, work experience, or other activities that advance the student's knowledge and competence in the field of philosophy or related areas. The student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 35-50 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI | 272 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT II | 2 (2-0) | SPR SS |
Similar to PHI 271, except that the student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 70-90 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI | 273 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT III | 3 (3-0) | SPR SS |
Similar to PHI 271, except that the student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 105-135 hours.