Philosophy and Religious Studies

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Extend Your Understanding of Religion and Culture Through The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

The Philosophy and Religious Studies department prepares students to carry out Marywood's goal for all students: learning to live responsibly in an interdependent world. Religious Studies majors experience a comprehensive overview of the religious beliefs, practices, and values of Christianity and Judaism, as well as other religious traditions. Special attention is given to the Catholic tradition, but course offerings are broad enough to benefit students of all traditions. Philosophy majors take an exciting intellectual journey with the greatest minds that have ever lived and receive excellent preparation for a professional career in law, medicine, business, education, government, or further graduate study. The department offers different tracks for both majors and minors. In the Bioethics Certificate Program, students learn how to think through complex ethical issues

Brien McChesney

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Brien works at Marywood as a Campus Minister, and his job allows him to continue doing what he was passionate about as an undergraduate—sharing the faith and empowering students.
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Accreditations

Institutional:
Middles States Commission on Higher Education

About The Philosophy and Religious Studies Department

The Philosophy and Religious Studies Mission

The Religious Studies Program is central to the Marywood experience. Every student takes several courses in religious studies as part of Marywood's liberal arts core curriculum. An accurate understanding of religion prepares one to be a responsible citizen in this diverse and interdependent world.

The Philosophy Program promotes the development of the person as an individual and as a meaningful contributor to society. The primary goal of philosophy courses is to address some of life's ultimate questions, to enable to students to lead a more substantive and meaningful life. Philosophical reflection on the ultimate questions should lead to reasoned foundations conducive to support for human values; to an awareness of a duty to work for justice, compassion, and peace; and to the integrated and rich human life worth living, thus providing students the abilities and opportunities to be more responsible for the interdependent world in which they find themselves.

Meet the Faculty & Staff

Philosophy and Religious Studies Faculty

Our faculty members have diverse backgrounds and experiences and are sensitive to your needs and goals. We're eager to help you answer Marywood's call to live responsibly in an interdependent world.

Krokus, Dr. Melinda

Associate Professor
krokus@marywood.edu
x2169

Bio

Dewey, Bryan

Lecturer
bdewey@marywood.edu

Bio

Gowe, Bruce E

Lecturer
bgowe@marywood.edu

Bio

Hawkins, Sr. Nancy M

Associate Professor of Practice
nhawkins@marywood.edu
x6071

Bio

Jenkins, Dr. Philip W

Associate Professor
pjenkins@marywood.edu
x2972

Bio

Lewis, Llewelyn B

Bio

Petrin, Dr. Anna A

Assistant Professor
aapetrin@marywood.edu

Bio

Petrin, Dr. Michael J

Assistant Professor
mjpetrin@marywood.edu

Bio

Placke, Alexander S

Lecturer
asplacke@marywood.edu

Bio

Rusk, William R

Lecturer
wrrusk@marywood.edu

Bio

Simmons, Dr. Aaron

Associate Professor
asimmons@marywood.edu
x2305

Bio

Skierski II, Stephen M

Lecturer
sskierski@marywood.edu

Bio

Spitzer, Jeffrey A

Lecturer
jaspitzer@marywood.edu

Bio

Tyrrell, Elizabeth Maria

Bio

Vanpelt, Dustin

Lecturer
dvanpelt@marywood.edu

Bio

Vanston, Douglas

Lecturer
dvanston@marywood.edu

Bio

White, David Alan

Bio

Yanik, Kathryn

Lecturer
kwindels@marywood.edu

Bio

Facilities & Technology

Liberal Arts Center

Liberal Arts Center Classrooms

Learning Commons

Learning Commons Computer Labs

Resources

Religious Studies Resources:

Theology Library
Provides a comprehensive treatment of various aspects of theology.
www.shc.edu/theolibrary

America Magazine
A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.
www.americamagazine.org

National Catholic Reporter
A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.
www.natcath.org

US Catholic
A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.
www.uscatholic.org

Documents of Popes, Bishops, and Councils About Justice and Peace
Contains a wealth of documents related to Catholic social justice teachings.
www.justpeace.org

Network: A Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Provides a voice within the Catholic community calling for peace and economic justice.
www.networklobby.org

Bread for the World
Bread for the World seeks justice and the end to hunger.
www.bread.org

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The USCCB is an assembly of Catholic Church bishops who work together to unify, coordinate, promote and carry on the work of the Catholic Church in the U.S.
www.usccb.org

Vatican: The Holy See
Official Web Site of the Vatican.
www.vatican.va

The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
http://pluralism.org

Biblical Archeology Review
Provides biblical and archeological news and select articles online.
www.bib-arch.org

Catholic News Service
Major source of Catholic news.
https://catholicnews.com/

We offer the following as places to begin a search for material about a philosopher, a philosophical work, ideas, theories, or principles. By no means do the following websites begin to cover the vast number of web sites available in Philosophy.

General Philosophy Websites:

Philosophy Pages provides some excellent introductory material to Philosophy. The site contains a dictionary of philosophical terms, a one-page overview of over thirty philosophers, a section on logic, a guide to the history of Western philosophy, and a timeline for Western philosophers. There are web links virtually everywhere throughout the site, so it is relatively easy to follow through on any specific philosophical quest.

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy contains excellent entries on many philosophers and branches of philosophy.

The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy contains good overviews of philosophers' ideas.

Bartleby defines itself as follows: "The preeminent Internet publisher of literature, reference and verse providing students, researchers and the intellectually curious with unlimited access to books and information on the web, free of charge." Check it out.

Bioethics:

Religious Tolerance offers a general view of the controversy concerning physician-assisted suicide as well as statistics.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS is the main advocate for global action on HIV and AIDS.

The National Transplant Society provides current statistics and background information on the allocation of transplantable organs in the United States.

The United Network for Organ Sharing offers information on and explanation of organ sharing with "quick links" to data and resources.

The President's Council on Bioethics contains government information on numerous ethical issues in biomedical science and technology.

Human Genome Project Information provides, obviously, information on the human genome project.

Philosophy of Religion:

Judaism 101 gives an account of thirteen principles of Jewish Faith, G-d's attributes, human nature, the Messiah and the three categories of Jews.

General Information on Islam contains a summary of Islamic belief in God, angels, the Koran and the prophets. A brief piece on Muhammed's life, the five pillars of Islam, terrorism and the jihad are also included.

Hinduism: The World's Oldest Religion provides a general introduction to Hinduism followed by a treatment of the Hindu Trinity, puja (daily prayer), the Bhagavad Gita, Hindu classes and castes, the four periods of Hindu life, karma, the major schools about the relationship between humans and Truth.

Buddhist Information and Education Network recounts the life of the Buddha, the basic tenets of Buddhism, the four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the five precepts, the three jewels of Buddhism, and the various groups of Buddhists.

Critical Thinking/Logic:

Logic contains very good general background information on logic in general and formal and informal reasoning in particular; as one might "deduce," this is the logic section from Philosophy Pages.

Logic and Fallacies (from "The Atheism Web") contains an introduction to logic and, like the previous site, a formidable list of informal fallacies, also with definition and example; yes, even atheists must be logical.

Clubs

Socrates Cafe
Students, staff, faculty and visitors meet monthly in the Learning Commons for lively discussions on wide-ranging topics. Typically, the assembled group proposes topics and then decides democratically which will be the focus of the session's discussions; thereafter the topic is addressed from all angles, with everyone getting their fair say.

Agape Latte

Abide: Women's Ministry

Food Recovery Network

Students Organized to Uphold Life (SOUL)

Student Resources

Commencement Medals

Czachor Medal for Academic Excellence in Religious Studies
The Czachor Medal for Academic Excellence in Religious Studies was founded by the Czachor family of Archbald, PA, and was first awarded in 1975. To be eligible, a student must be a graduating senior with a major or minor in Religious Studies. Minors must have completed 15 credits in religious studies.

Evaluation Criteria

Up to four (4) points will be awarded to each student for his/her overall Q.P.A.
Up to four (4) points will be awarded to each student for his/her Q.P.A. in religious studies. In order to be eligible, a student must have a minimum Q.P.A. of 3.0 in religious studies.
The student with the highest combined number of points will receive the medal.
The student with the second highest number of combined points will receive Honorable Mention.
If a tie occurs, the following considerations will be weighed in order to determine the winner: 1) total number of religious studies courses completed and 2) service to the department.

Mary Pace Medal for Excellence in Philosophy
The Mary Pace Medal was founded by Reverend William Pace in memory of his mother, Mary Pace, to honor a graduating senior who has demonstrated, according to the criteria stated below, an understanding of and appreciation for philosophical inquiry. Students do not need to major or minor in Philosophy in order to qualify for this prestigious award. All graduating seniors are invited to submit papers for consideration in the competition for the Pace Medal.

To compete, three things must be done. One, complete three courses in philosophy by the end of the Fall semester in the year you are to graduate. Course work counts 10%. Students seeking the Gold Medal must maintain a 3.25 QPA overall as well as in Philosophy.

Two, write an essay of approximately four to eight pages. Essays count 50%. Use proper format, e.g. essay must be typed, double-spaced, title page with name, local address and phone number, and so on. Essays must be submitted to a faculty member of the philosophy program no later than February 1 of graduating year. A submitted essay may be a formal research paper or an informal creative essay, but it must present an argument supporting the student’s opinion on a significant philosophical subject. And it may be a paper that was submitted for a course and revised for the competition or one especially written for the competition. Essays must meet the objectives of the department as stated in the catalog, i.e., you should write a philosophical essay that is a clear, coherent exposition of a concept, problem or theory, which demonstrates the ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize the matter discussed.

Three, participate as a finalist. To be eligible for an interview as a finalist, a student’s paper must receive an overall assessment as being above average by a majority of the philosophy faculty. Such participation involves an approximately 20 minute informal student-faculty discussion based on your essay and certain specific questions.

What is philosophy? In the course of your answer be prepared to discuss at least two major areas of philosophy of your choosing (epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, etc.).
What is the value of philosophy to you personally, and what role will philosophy have in your future?
From your course work in philosophy, whom do you consider a great philosopher and why?
What is a significant philosophical position you are convinced is correct? Come ready to explain and defend your conviction.
Informal discussion, which counts 40%, will be conducted in a relaxed atmosphere. You will be notified regarding specific time and place.

Questions on the competition are available from Dr. Aaron Simmons at asimmons@marywood.edu.

Other

Undergraduate

Bioethics

Environmental Studies - Humanities

Environmental Studies - Justice

Environmental Studies - Science

Philosophy

Religious Studies

Philosophy and Religion Events

Jazz Ambassadors Concert

Apr 27 Swartz Center Marian Chapel Sat, Apr 27, 7:00PM - Sat, Apr 27, 8:30PM

Jazz Ambassadors Concert

Date/Time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 7 – 8:30pm EDT
Location: Swartz Center Marian Chapel

Jazz Ambassadors Concert

Email Reminder

Jazz Ambassadors Concert

Chamber Singers Concert

Apr 28 Swartz Center Marian Chapel Sun, Apr 28, 2:00PM - Sun, Apr 28, 3:30PM

Chamber Singers Concert

Date/Time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 2 – 3:30pm EDT
Location: Swartz Center Marian Chapel

Email Reminder

General Recital

Apr 29 Swartz Center Marian Chapel Mon, Apr 29, 8:00PM - Mon, Apr 29, 9:30PM

General Recital

Date/Time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 8 – 9:30pm EDT
Location: Swartz Center Marian Chapel

General Recital

Email Reminder

General Recital

Concert Choir Performance

May 04 Liberal Arts Center Rotunda Sat, May 4, 7:30PM - Sat, May 4, 9:00PM

Concert Choir Performance

Date/Time: Saturday, May 4, 2024, 7:30 – 9pm EDT
Location: Liberal Arts Center Rotunda

Concert Choir Performance

Email Reminder

Concert Choir Performance

May 05 Liberal Arts Center Rotunda Sun, May 5, 2:00PM - Sun, May 5, 3:30PM

Concert Choir Performance

Date/Time: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 2 – 3:30pm EDT
Location: Liberal Arts Center Rotunda

Concert Choir Performance

Email Reminder

Concert Choir Performance

Classes Meet

May 06 Academic Dates Mon, May 6, 12:00AM - Tue, May 7, 12:00AM

Classes Meet

Date/Time: Monday, May 6, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Classes Meet

Email Reminder

Classes Meet

Spring Semester Ends

May 11 Academic Dates Sat, May 11, 12:00AM - Sun, May 12, 12:00AM

Spring Semester Ends

Date/Time: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Spring Semester Ends January 16th-May 11th 2024

Email Reminder

Spring Semester Ends January 16th-May 11th 2024

Final Grades Due by Noon

May 14 Academic Dates Tue, May 14, 12:00AM - Wed, May 15, 12:00AM

Final Grades Due by Noon

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Final Grades Due by Noon

Email Reminder

Final Grades Due by Noon

PA White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

May 16 Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium) Thu, May 16, 9:00AM - Thu, May 16, 3:00PM

PA White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

Date/Time: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 9am – 3pm EDT
Location: Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium)

White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

Email Reminder

White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

Hooding Ceremonies

May 17 Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium) Fri, May 17, 7:00AM - Fri, May 17, 7:00PM

Hooding Ceremonies

Date/Time: Friday, May 17, 2024, 7am – 7pm EDT
Location: Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium)

Marywood University 106th Hooding Ceremonies

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Marywood University 106th Hooding Ceremonies

106th Annual Commencement Ceremony

May 18 Academic Dates Sat, May 18, 12:00AM - Sun, May 19, 12:00AM

106th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Date/Time: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Commencement

Email Reminder

Commencement

Summer Session I Begins.

May 20 Academic Dates Mon, May 20, 12:00AM - Tue, May 21, 12:00AM

Summer Session I Begins.

Date/Time: Monday, May 20, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Summer Session III Begins.

May 20 Academic Dates Mon, May 20, 12:00AM - Tue, May 21, 12:00AM

Summer Session III Begins.

Date/Time: Monday, May 20, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Memorial Day: No Classes. Administrative Offices Closed.

May 27 Academic Dates Mon, May 27, 12:00AM - Tue, May 28, 12:00AM

Memorial Day: No Classes. Administrative Offices Closed.

Date/Time: Monday, May 27, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

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Summer I & III Classes Resume

May 28 Academic Dates Tue, May 28, 12:00AM - Wed, May 29, 12:00AM

Summer I & III Classes Resume

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Summer I & III Classes Resume: All Administrative Offices Open

May 28 Academic Dates Tue, May 28, 12:00AM - Wed, May 29, 12:00AM

Summer I & III Classes Resume: All Administrative Offices Open

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Summer I& III Classses Resume..All Administrative Offices Open

Email Reminder

Summer I& III Classses Resume..All Administrative Offices Open

Juneteenth: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Jun 19 Academic Dates Wed, Jun 19, 12:00AM - Thu, Jun 20, 12:00AM

Juneteenth: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

All Administrative
Offices Closed

Email Reminder

All AdministrativeOffices Closed

Summer Session I & III Classes Resume

Jun 20 Academic Dates Thu, Jun 20, 12:00AM - Fri, Jun 21, 12:00AM

Summer Session I & III Classes Resume

Date/Time: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Location: Academic Dates

Email Reminder

Design Your Future Camp 2024

Jun 22 Center for Architectural Studies 105 Sat, Jun 22, 2:00PM - Sat, Jun 29, 5:00PM

Design Your Future Camp 2024

Date/Time: Saturday, June 22, 2pm – Saturday, June 29, 2024, 5pm EDT
Location: Center for Architectural Studies 105

From June 22nd until June 29th 2024, junior and senior high school students enrolled in the Design your Future Program will be actively participating in the eight – days combination of fun design projects and competitions organized and guided by our school’s experienced faculty. Students will be exposed to a number of practical and theoretical questions presented as part of guest lecture and workshop series, and will have the opportunity to converse with a number of practicing architects and designers.

Design your Future Program 2024 will be housed in the Center for Architectural Studies at Marywood University. Students will be assigned individual desks and will have the opportunity of using the same spaces as our undergraduate and graduate students. Furthermore, students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity of seeing in action various laboratories and shops (wood / metal / 3D printing / CNC router / laser cutting / etc.). Design your Future Program 2024 is designed with the desire of an immersive experience, engaging students in a number of demonstrations anchored to the Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Construction Management Programs. The program’s principal goal is to reach out to a wide group of high school students. The program considers diversity and inclusivity to be important factors in the establishing of an affordable participation fee of $1,150 (including room & board, program supplies, and day trip bus & venue entrance fares). The program will also offer a number of need-based scholarships.

Secure Your Spot!

Camps Agenda

Email Reminder

From June 22nd until June 29th 2024, junior and senior high school students enrolled in the Design ...