Philosophy Department Sample Course Offerings

The following list of course offerings in the Philosophy Department provide an insight into the range of philosophical explorations students can pursue. The list is not intended to be comprehensive. Additional courses may be offered. In addition, students are always free to take an independent studies course with an individual faculty member on a topic of specific interest but which is not offered as part of the regular course offerings. Students may not take an independent studies course until they have completed their two-course core curriculum requirement.

Introduction to Philosophy (Phil 113) must be completed before students can take additional philosophy courses.

Course Offerings

PHIL 113 Introduction to Philosophy (3)

An introduction to the broad range of thinkers and issues that constitute philosophy. Students will examine critically the accumulated wisdom about God, nature, and humanity in order to evaluate their own life positions and choices and to make ethical decisions in an interdependent world.

PHIL 213 Theory of Knowledge (3)

A critical inquiry into the nature, scope, origin, and justification of human knowledge.

PHIL 215 Critical Thinking (3)

An introduction to the skills necessary for analyzing and evaluating arguments.

PHIL 219 Philosophy of Sport and Play (3)

A critical inquiry into the nature and value of sport and play.

PHIL 300 Metaphysics (3)

A reflecting inquiry into the ultimate principles, properties, and relationships of real beings.

PHIL 312 Philosophy of Religion (3)

A philosophical examination of selected primary sources in relation to: religious experience; God's existence; the problem of evil, death, and human destiny; religion and life; faith and reason, and religious language.

PHIL 314 Phenomenology (3)

A study of a critical, methodological approach to human experience, with current applications.

PHIL 315 Ethics (3)

A study of the nature of the good life and what constitutes good and bad, right and wrong human conduct.

PHIL 316 Philosophy, Society, and Law (3)

An inquiry into the relationships between law and society, focusing on issues such as free speech, civil rights, and freedom of the press.

PHIL 318 Perspectives on the Pursuit of Peace (3)

A philosophical analysis of relevant primary sources in terms of possible personal contributions to a more compassionate, just, and peaceful world.

PHIL 326 Political Philosophy (3)

An examination of the assumptions underlying the world's major political systems.

PHIL 404 Biomedical Ethics (3)

A study of concepts, principles, and human values bearing on ethical issues and problems raised by contemporary science, especially the biological sciences.

PHIL 414 Perspectives on Punishment (3)

An analysis of the nature, meaning, and justification of punishment, including such issues as the distribution and severity of punishment and capital punishment.

PHIL 427 Business Ethics (3)

Major contemporary moral issues facing the business community analyzed through the use of cases drawn from a variety of business activities.

PHIL 430 Utopian Thought (3)

Philosophical examination of selected utopists in order to generate awareness of personal responsibility for compassion, justice, and peace in an interdependent world.