Fall 2008 Courses
(scroll down or click here for courses in Religion)

Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy

Phil 101   #1806   3 credits

12:30 – 1:45 p.m.    TR     Staff

      An introductory survey of the discipline of philosophy.  Students will join the thoughtful search, in which philosophers have engaged through reading and discussion since ancient days, into the problems of reality (metaphysics), of truth and meaning (logic and philosophy of language), of moral standards (ethics), of knowledge (epistemology), of beauty (aesthetics), and other fundamental questions.

Introduction to Philosophy

Phil 101  (Through Film)   #1805    3 credits

6:00 – 8:30 p.m.     T      Dr. Weinstein

This course is an introduction to the key figures and themes of western philosophy. We will read both primary and secondary texts and write summary, reaction, research, and persuasive papers. The course will be supplemented by a wide range of films domestic and foreign, major studio releases, and independent projects each of which has been chosen to highlight the philosophical controversies elucidated in the texts. Students will be required to integrate the films into their written work and class discussion. The course is thematically organized, focusing on classical philosophy and theories of the good life, philosophical methodology, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. It takes a skills-development approach, emphasizing complex reading, advanced writing, in-depth argumentation, and in class discussion. Since this is a GER course, it is my hope that the skills emphasized in this course will help with assignments in other classes as well. Please note: this is a reading- and writing intensive course.

Introduction to Ethics

Phil 209    #2571     3 credits

3:30 – 4:45 p. m.   TR      Dr. Lindholm

An introduction to the problems connected with moral choice.  This course examines the moral judgments that follow from the values held by a wide variety of people today on topics ranging from abortion to race, sexual behavior, the environment, etc.

Introduction to Logic

Phil 220   #2500    3 credits

11:00 – 11:50  a.m.     MWF     Lindholm

      A theoretical and practical introduction to the principles of reasoning – formal and informal, deductive and inductive.  Students will study language and patterns of reasoning as vehicles for and obstacles to critical thinking.  The central characteristics of deduction and validity; the role of hypotheses, inductive reasoning, probability estimates in scientific and quasi-scientific investigations and other models of critical thinking and their limits will be covered.

Ancient Philosophy

Phil 300    #10248     3 credits

11:00 a.m. – 12:15  p.m.   TR     Dr. Weinstein

                The first installment in the history of philosophy sequence, this course begins where you would expect: the birth of western philosophy. It focuses on the classical Greek philosophers and their attempts to articulate a new kind of critical inquiry one guided by reason and questioning. We will begin with the pre-Socratic fragments and progress through Plato and Aristotle. Students will read primary and secondary sources and write both reaction and interpretive papers. This course is required for Religion majors and strongly recommended for philosophy majors. As with Dr. Weinsteins other courses, it takes a skills-development approach, emphasizing complex reading, advanced writing, in-depth argumentation, and in class discussion. Please note: this is a reading- and writing intensive course. 

Philosophy of Language

Phil 335    #10245     3 credits

2:00 – 2:50 p.m.     MWF     Dr. Poochigian

      An examination of the nature of language concerning issues of meaning, reference, language use, linguistic structure, and difference from other symbol systems. There will be two essay examinations and a research paper.

Texts: William G. Lycan, Philosophy of Language

Symbolic Logic

Phil 350    #10249     3 credits

9:00 – 9:50  a.m.     MWF      Beltz

     This course aims to introduce students to the basic concepts and achievements of modern logic. Symbolic logic is the application of formal, mathematical methods in the study of reasoning. Beyond its central role as a tool in philosophical inquiry, deductive logic is also important in the foundations of mathematics and computer science, and in linguistics and psychology.
     The material covered in this course will include such topics as the nature and general features of deductive arguments, logical form, argument validity and soundness, symbolization, truth-functional logical connectives, and using truth-tables to check argument validity. The bulk of the course will be devoted to the development of two artificial formal languages (that of sentential logic or the propositional calculus and that of quantificational logic or the predicate calculus) that capture certain formal aspects of our talk and thought. We will study the techniques for constructing formal deductive proofs in these languages and for evaluating `

such proofs as valid or invalid.
     Students majoring in mathematics or computer science will be especially welcome in this course.

Social and Political Philosophy

Phil 355    #10250     3 credits

2:00 – 3:15 p.m.    TR     Dr. Weinstein

     This course investigates the nature of justice and related concepts. This includes human rights, diversity, institutions of governance, and social interaction and conflict. In particular, we will focus on late twentieth-century political theory, emphasizing the work of John Rawls and his critics. We will likely read additional works by Isaiah Berlin, Ronald Dworkin, Virginia Held, Alasdair MacIntyre, Martha Nussbaum, Michael Sandel, and Charles Taylor. The issues discussed will be of great relevance to the contemporary world, and we will see how philosophical discussion help frame contemporary political discourse. Students will read primary and secondary sources, and write reaction, interpretive, and persuasive papers. As with Dr. Weinstein's other courses, Social and Political Philosophy takes a skills-development approach, emphasizing complex reading, advanced writing, in-depth argumentation, and in class discussion. Please note: this is a reading- and writing intensive course.

Ethics in Engineering and Science

Junior/Senior standing is the prerequisite

Phil 370    #2608    3 credits

11:00 – 12:15 a.m.    TR      Beltz

     This course provides an in depth investigation into the ethical concerns involved in engineering and scientific decision-making. Contemporary society places a significant amount of prestige in scientific and engineering experts.  Professionals within these fields of expertise often lose sight of their role in protecting public safety and the public good. This course focuses on understanding the ethical responsibilities of professionals, the nature of moral decision making, and applying ethical frameworks to concrete situations.

Drawing on case studies, ethical dilemmas, and real-world scenarios, this course examines the significance of honesty, competence, safety, teamwork, whistleblowing, confidentiality, consent, integrity, and imaginations in the professional lives of engineers and scientists. This course seeks to understand and apply the professional codes relevant to contemporary engineering and scientific practices

ST:  George Bernard Shaw – Philosophy,

Religion and Ethics

Phil  399     #20240     3 credits

7:00 – 9:30 p.m    R    Dr. Lindholm

[See Rels 399 for description]

Philosophy of Law

Phil 412    #1807     3 credits

9:30 – 10:45  a.m.    TR     Dr. Poochigian

        Fundamental concern is an investigation of the nature of both law and legal reasoning.  Study of the nature of law focuses on theories of natural law, legal positivism, and legal realism.  Legal reasoning concerns justified interpretation of precedent and statute within the common law tradition.  Additional topics dealt with as time allows encompass such issues as the justification of punishment and the justifiability of the legal

enforcement of moral standards.

     There will be two essay examinations and a research paper.

Texts:

        1. Martin P. Golding, Philosophy of Law
        2.  Martin P. Golding, Legal Reasoning.

Independent Study in Philosophy

Phil 494             Hours Arranged

This course is designed for students who want to follow a supervised course of reading and study on an individual basis with a particular professor.  The student must have a topic of special interest that he/she wants to pursue.

In every case, before enrolling for independent studies, students must visit with the instructor concerned and design a particular course of study and agree upon the number of credit hours (2-3).

Religion

Introduction to Religious Inquiry

Rel 100    #2495    3 credits

11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.     TR     Dr. Baldwin

          This is an introduction to religion as an academic discipline, examining the questions asked by various religions and the methods and basic vocabulary of studying religion and religious traditions.  Religion in general attempts to provide hope, meaning, and a code of behavior for living a fully human life.  Religion also attempts to answer the problem of evil and continued injustice in the world in reference to a transcendent vision.  However, the interpretation of this vision and response to human life originates in and is shaped by specific histories and cultures. Religion then is not always about belief, but about social practice.   Because of its complex nature, religion often raises more questions than it provides answers.  Therefore, an open, inquiring mind is a good prerequisite for this introductory course for students who have never had

courses in religion.

Intro to Religion (West)

Rel  101    #2270     3 credits

3:00 – 5:30 p.m.     M     Dr. Graf

     This class gives an overview of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including their shared and distinctive histories, their contributions to Western culture and the diversity of their current beliefs. In addition the class looks at some general haracteristics of Native American religions and of New Thought movements. A key question: What is religion and what does it mean for persons to practice particular religions?

Intro to Religion (East)

Rel  102    #2494     3 credits

9:30 – 10:45 a.m.    TR     Dr. Lawrence

     This course is an introduction to the characteristic beliefs and practices of selected religions that developed in Asia:  Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. We will devote special attention to scriptures and other classic literature of the traditions.  Students will gain an appreciation of the vitality and enduring significance of each of the religions as a way of life for large numbers of people. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Jewish Scripture/Old Testament

Rel  221    #2248     3 credits

9:00 – 9:50 a.m.     MWF       Dr. Miller

     The purpose of this course is to introduce the beginning student to the academic study of the Hebrew Bible [= Jewish Scripture/Old Testament], as well as to the most important resources available for understanding and interpreting this literature. During the semester, in addition to the writings themselves, we will focus on the literary, social, and historical background that provides the context for these writings. We will also examine the fundamental interpretive approaches employed by scholars in their attempts to explain the meanings of these texts. In this way we hope to gain a critical perspective by which we may more responsibly read the Hebrew Bible itself and better understand the various interpretations generated by other readers.

East and West In Religions

Rels  250     #10236     3 credits

2:00 – 3:15 p.m.    TR      Dr. Lawrence

         This course is a critical and comparative study of selected Eastern and Western traditions as facing the challenges of the contemporary world.  It may be surprising for some that the very polarity of “East” and “West” epitomizes many of these challenges.  We will first consider the development of the East-West polarity in the history of Christian encounters with non-Christian religions, colonialism, and the still-spreading conflict between “modernity” and religious traditions.  We will proceed to focus on the efforts of some influential Asian and Western religious leaders to overcome the polarity–with constructive approaches to religious and cultural plurality, tolerance and egalitarian justice.  Students will be encouraged to develop their own views on how diverse communities may peacefully coexist and engage in tolerant yet critical dialogue.  There are no prerequisites for this course.

Jesus in Gospel and History

Rel  300    #10238     3 credits

3:00 – 5:30 p.m       W       Dr. Miller

          This course will introduce you to the academic study of the ancient traditions associated with Jesus of Nazareth, as well as offer you an opportunity to explore some of the more interesting modern interpretations of the Jesus story. We will critically examine the ancient records of the life and teachings of Jesus, concentrating primarily on the Gospel of Mark and the synoptic tradition. These texts, as well as a sampling of other canonical and non-canonical traditions, will serve as a foundation for our search for the Jesus in Gospel and History and for our attempt to understand better his religious, historical, and cultural context. Throughout the semester, we will also investigate some of the modern representations of those traditions as they have appeared in our culture – especially in the creative medium of film, but also in literature, visual art, and music.

Religion and Philosophy In India

Rels  320     #10239     3 credits

12:30 – 1:45 p.m.     TR      Dr. Lawrence

         The Indian subcontinent is one of the great historic centers of world civilization, and it has extended its cultural influence throughout Asia and the world; like China, it now also comprises about one fifth to one sixth of the earth’s population.  This class will introduce students to the region’s preponderant religious and philosophical tradition of Hinduism, treating topics such as understandings of God or gods, teachings of a universal Self, reincarnation, views for and against the caste system, and Hinduism and globalization.  We will treat examples of Hinduism from the ancient to contemporary periods, devoting special attention to selections of classic texts.  There are no prerequisites for this course.      

ST:  George Bernard Shaw – Philosophy,

Religion and Ethics

Rels  399     #10235     3 credits

7:00 – 9:30 p.m    R    Dr. Lindholm

       G. B. Shaw [1856-1950] was a celebrated playwright who melded important radical ideas into new approaches to the theatre; he created and popularized the play of ideas.  Simultaneously, he was a remarkably astute and articulate moral, political and social philosopher; many of the prefaces to his published plays are vigorous and intense, radical diatribes often as long or longer than the plays they were appended to on important issues of his day (and ours).  We will concentrate on his masterwork plays connected with religious topics on which he was always both serious about

  religion and seriously critical. 
      Students interested in politics, religion, theatre arts, society, activism:  Experience a master writer and revolutionary thinker with attitude!

[Cross-listed with Phil 399]

Religious Violence and the

Apocalyptic Mind

Rel  431    #16624     3 credits

11:00 – 11:50 a.m       MWF       Dr. Miller

Religious violence is not a new phenomenon. In fact, one of the troubling aspects of the history of religions is the problem of how religious groups tend to define themselves by promoting their differences and encouraging intolerance - at times through violent means. There are many ways to approach this problem, but in this class we will examine the issue within one particular (but widely diverse) context - apocalypticism. We will begin our semester by exploring ancient apocalyptic literature (e.g., Enoch, Daniel) and attempt to understand the circumstances that gave rise to it. We will then take an in-depth look at one particular example of this literature, the Book of Revelation. Finally, we will examine the ways in which the violence of these ancient texts has not been restricted to the life of the mind, but has spilled over into the lives of countless people. Although we will want to survey briefly the history of religious violence, our main focus will be on contemporary examples of religious violence especially as they may be understood within the context of an apocalyptic world view.

Sex, Gender and Religion

Rel 466    #10237    4 credits

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.     TR     Dr. Baldwin

      Course Description:   This course addresses the issues generated by the multi-layered dialogue between sex, gender and religion.  In patriarchal societies, religion is a discourse of power which seeks to maintain the status quo of the dominant society.  Gender essentialism (what is male, what is female) and the sexual norms of society are reinforced by religion which then equates these "norms" to moral absolutes.  While religion seeks to control, there is resistance from those who seek spiritual wholeness, but do not fit societal categories. This sets up a prophetic tension within religious traditions, as well as political resistance and a quest for human rights.

      In this course we carefully examine the creation of gender and sexuality discourses, learn the skills of interrogation of these discourses and listen to the stories of those whose experiences both affirm and do not affirm the dominant interpretation.  We begin with the Judeo-Christian tradition in order to identify certain concepts and methods, but then expand to consider other religious traditions and their approaches to sex and gender issues.  We will use films, fiction, documentaries as well as reading from key theoretical thinkers who have contributed to this cutting edge field of inquiry in religion. 

      Note:  This course requires intellectual maturity.  Suggested pre-requisites are RELS 100 or RELS 101.

Independent Study in Religion

Rels 494             Hours Arranged

This course is designed for students who want to follow a supervised course of reading and study on an individual basis with a particular professor.  The student must have a topic of special interest that he/she wants to pursue.

In every case, before enrolling for independent studies,  Students must visit with the instructor concerned and design a particular course of study and agree upon the number of credit hours (2-3).

 Course Summary Archives