Philosophy and Religion
Philosophy see also: 2002-2003
Course Schedule
Religion see also: 2002-2003
Course Schedule
The Philosophy and Religion Department invites and provokes students
to examine themselves and the world in ever more comprehensive ways,
as well as to look at the most fundamental aspects of human reasoning
and discourse. The Department also continues the College’s heritage
of insisting that examination of the religious dimensions of human
existence is essential to a liberal arts education; all religion courses
are taught in a non-sectarian manner.
The Department offers a major and a minor both in philosophy and
in religion. A major in philosophy provides excellent preparation
for graduate work in law, ethics, religion, philosophy and other fields
in which reasoning and argumentation skills or the ability to work
at a high level of abstraction are important. A major in religion
is useful for those desiring to pursue a church-related vocation or
as preparation for graduate work in any aspect of academic religious
studies.
In addition, a major or minor in either religion or philosophy can
serve as an excellent complement to other aspects of one’s liberal
arts education. As a result, double majors are common, with recent
graduates successfully combining either philosophy or religion with
fields as diverse as biology, history, music, chemistry, English or
political science. The Department encourages such creative combinations.
Internships in religion or philosophy often are cross-disciplinary
with another field.
Philosophy majors can emphasize such areas as ethics, the analytic
tradition, Continental philosophy and Asian philosophy. Independent
studies can be arranged for in-depth exploration of special topics
of interest. The religion curriculum permits majors to focus on either
the Judeo-Christian tradition or the broader range of world religions;
regardless of the emphasis chosen by the student, the Department affirms
the wisdom of the maxim that "Those who know only one religious
tradition know none."
Students interested in attending seminary to prepare for ordained
ministry should confer with the appropriate church authorities and
seminaries as early in their college program as possible. The Department
will work closely with all concerned to provide the most appropriate
college preparation. Academic counseling of pre-seminary students
adheres to the recommendations of the Association of Theological Schools,
which emphasizes breadth of training in the liberal arts. Regardless
of one’s major field (which need not be religion), those planning
to attend seminary should include 12-18 credits of philosophy and religion
courses in their undergraduate program.
Philosophy Major: consists of 32 credits, to include one course
in non-Western philosophy, three credits of course work designated "topics"
(PHI
308, 316, 330, 333, 334, 351, 416), an independent study or honors
project in philosophy in which a major paper is produced and presented
in philosophy seminar senior year, and the following required courses:
PHI 214 Introduction to Logic
PHI 251 Ethical Theory or PHI 335 Advanced Ethical Theory
PHI 310 Ancient Philosophy
PHI 311 Modern Philosophy
PHI 498 Philosophy Seminar
Students considering graduate work in philosophy are strongly advised
to take PHI 413, Analytic Philosophy.
The Foreign Language Requirement: Students electing to major
in philosophy or religion can meet the Department’s foreign language
requirement in one of two ways: 1) satisfactorily completing the second
year of language study at the college level (or passing a second-year
equivalency test), or 2) satisfactorily completing the first year
at the college level (or by passing a first-year equivalency test)
in two different languages. Latin or Greek may be used in the second
option. The equivalency tests must be agreed upon by the Modern Foreign
Language Department and by the Philosophy and Religion Department.
Philosophy Minor: consists of 18 credits, to include PHI 214,
251 or 335, 310, and 311.
Religion Major: consists of 32 credits, to include one course
in non-Christian religion, one course in ethics (from either the Religion
or Philosophy course listings), an independent study or honor’s project
in religion in which a major paper is produced, an additional 12 upper-division
credits in religion, and the following required courses:
REL 100 Introduction to Religious Studies
REL 111 Old Testament Introduction OR
REL 112 New Testament Introduction
REL 315 Christian Theology
The Foreign Language Requirement: Students electing to major
in philosophy or religion can meet the Department’s foreign language
requirement in one of two ways: 1) satisfactorily completing the second
year of language study at the college level (or passing a second-year
equivalency test), or 2) satisfactorily completing the first year
at the college level (or by passing a first-year equivalency test)
in two different languages. Latin or Greek may be used in the second
option. The equivalency tests must be agreed upon by the Modern Foreign
Language Department and by the Philosophy and Religion Department.
Religion Minor: consists of 18 credits in religion, to include
one course from REL 100, 111, or 112 and at least nine upper-division
credits in religion.
Asian Studies Minor. For a description of this
interdisciplinary minor, see the Asian Studies section of the catalog.
Philosophy
Interdisciplinary
IND-200 China: Change & Continuity 1.0 cr.
Fall 2002. This course gives an overview of history,
politics, and religions of modern China. It will help students
acquire necessary knowledge of Chinese society and prepare them for
the off-campus study in China during winter session 2003. This
course does not count toward any general graduation requirement.
PHI/REL-390 China: Change & Continuity in Philosophy and Religion
3.0 cr.
(Same as REL 390) Winter 2003. Prereq.: permission.
Coreq.: HIS 390. A
study of the status of philosophy and religion in contemporary
China. This course will focus on the transformations of the
classical religious and philosophical traditions of
China-Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and folk religions-over the past
two decades, and the emerging role of "foreign"
traditions-Islam, Christianity and Western philosophy. (CULTURAL
DIVERSITY NOT RELIGION OR PHILOSOPHY)
LOWER DIVISION (INTRODUCTORY LEVEL)
PHI-201 Introduction to Philosophy 3.0 cr.
Fall, spring. An introduction to philosophy through the
study of selected problems and figures. Emphasis will be placed upon
learning to read, write and think critically.
(PHILOSOPHY)
PHI-214 Introduction to Logic 3.0 cr.
An introduction to symbolic logic through first order predicate
logic.
PHI-215 Plato's Republic 3.0 cr.
May be offered winter 2003. Prereq.: WRI 150. A detailed reading and
consideration of Plato's Republic, focusing on its theories of
justice, the good person, education, and ethical knowledge.
(PHILOSOPHY)
PHI-251 Ethical Theory 3.0 cr.
Spring. An introduction to ethical theory with readings of historical
and contemporary theoretical works. This course will emphasize learning
to read, write and think critically. Students who have previously
passed a course in philosophy, must register for PHI 335.
(PHILOSOPHY)
PHI-294 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: one course in philosophy and permission.
Intended for non-majors or freshman/sophomore level students who have
declared a philosophy major or minor. This course does not fulfill
the general graduation requirement for independent work. See independent
study guidelines.
UPPER DIVISION (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)
PHI-300 Zen 3.0 cr.
(Same as REL 300). Winter 2002. Prereq.: One religion course or
one course in Asian philosophy or permission. A study of the doctrines,
practices and institutional formations of the meditation school of
Mahayana Buddhism in China, Korea, Japan and the contemporary West.
Emphasis will be placed upon the transmission/creation of the tradition
in China, its transmission/re-creation in medieval Japan and its transmission/re-creation
in the West after World War II. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
PHI-308 Philosophical Perspectives in Science 3.0 cr.
Fall. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or permission. A study of philosophical
questions about science covering two major areas: metaphysical and
epistemological issues (what we can know and how we can know it) and
ethical issues. This course is recommended to fulfill the General
Graduation Requirement in philosophy for students who are juniors
or seniors in natural and social science majors.
(PHILOSOPHY)
PHI-310 Ancient Philosophy 3.0 cr.
Fall. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or permission. A survey
of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics through Aristotle.
(PHILOSOPHY)
PHI-311 Modern Philosophy 3.0 cr.
Spring. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or permission. A survey
of Western philosophy from Hobbes to Kant. (PHILOSOPHY)
PHI-316 Philosophy of Mind 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or permission. A
critical examination of issues in philosophy of mind, such as our
knowledge of other minds, the relation of mind and body, the nature
of the self, and artificial intelligence.
PHI-317 The Philosophy of Kant 2.0 cr.
Winter. Prereq.: One course in philosophy or permission. A study
of selected topics and problems in Kant's thought.
PHI-333 Environmental Ethics 2.0 cr.
Winter 2002. Prereq.: One course in philosophy or permission.
A critical examination of various approaches in environmental ethics
including anthropocentricism, deep ecology, and eco-feminism. The
class will also consider applied issues to be determined by student
interests.
PHI-334 Feminist Theory 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. Prereq.: One course in philosophy or permission. A
survey of various theoretical approaches in feminist political theory
(e.g., liberal feminism, social feminism, and radical feminism) plus
a study of one or more topics in current feminist philosophy chosen
by the students (e.g., feminist work in ethics, religion, philosophy
of science, or epistemology).
PHI-335.1 Advanced Ethical Theory 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: One course in philosophy or permission. A study
of historical and contemporary works in ethical theory. Students who have already taken PHI 251 may not
register for PHI 335.1.
PHI-351 Philosophy of Religion 3.0 cr.
(Same as REL 351.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy
or religion, or permission. A philosophical consideration of such
fundamental ideas as the existence and nature of God, evil, miracles,
freedom and immortality with special attention given to religious
language and to representative systems of thought.
PHI-352 Indian Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.
(Same as REL 352.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy
or religion, or permission. A survey of the principle philosophical
and religious traditions of India. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
PHI-353 Chinese Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.
(Same as REL 353.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy
or religion, or permission. A survey of the principle philosophical
and religious traditions of China. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
PHI-356 Japanese Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.
(Same as REL 356.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy
or religion, or per mission. A survey of the principle philosophical
and religious traditions of Japan. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
PHI-367 Buddhism 3.0 cr.
(Same as REL 367.) Prereq.: one course in religion or philosophy.
A survey of the major contemporary traditions of Buddhism, including
Theravadin, Mahayana and Vajrayana. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
PHI-399 Readings in Philosophy 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Directed readings in
philosophy on a topic selected by the student, to be evaluated by
quizzes, examinations, journal and/or papers, as agreed upon with
the instructor. This course does not fulfill the general graduation
requirement for philosophy, religion or independent work.
(ADVANCED LEVEL)
PHI-412 Postmodern Philosophy 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or permission. A
study of selected problems through the works of such contemporary
figures as Derrida, Foucault, Rorty, Irigaray and Habermas.
PHI-413 Analytic Philosophy 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. Prereq.: PHI 214 and 311 or permission. A survey of
philosophers in the analytic tradition.
PHI-415 19th Century Philosophy 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or permission. A
study of selected figures and problems in philosophy from Kant to
Freud.
PHI-416 Feminist Ethics 2.0 cr.
Winter. A survey of contemporary feminist approaches to ethical
theory.
PHI-417 Phenomenology & Existentialism 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or permission. A
study of selected figures and problems in 20th century Continental
philosophy with special emphasis on phenomenology and existentialism.
PHI-494 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: philosophy major or minor, PHI
310 and 311 and permission. Research studies in philosophy for qualified
students. See independent study guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)
PHI-498 Philosophy Seminar 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: declared philosophy major or minor. Advanced study in philosophy
with intensive reading in such topics as aesthetics, metaphysics or
the theory of knowledge, as selected by the instructors. Most class
discussion is student led. Seniors are required to present their paper
from their independent research (carried as independent study or extra
hours of PHI-498). All philosophy majors and minors are required
to enroll in the seminar each year, though freshmen, sophomores, and
juniors may petition to be excused. (IF MORE THAN 1 CREDIT,
MEETS INDEPENDENT WORK)
Religion
LOWER DIVISION
REL-100 Introduction to Religious Studies 3.0 cr.
Fall, spring. An introduction to the variety of religious experience and
expression, and the methods by which religion is studied. Topics may
include: religious pluralism in the United States, the idea of
religion, the problem of evil, the relationship between religion and
personal commitment, the role of worship, and the function of sacred texts
-- with particular
reference to the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. (RELIGION)
REL-111 Old Testament Introduction 3.0 cr.
Fall. A survey of the books of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible)
in relation to their social, historical and cultural settings in the
ancient Near East. In addition, the role and impact of that literature
in Jewish and Christian faith communities is addressed. (RELIGION)
REL-112 New Testament Introduction 3.0 cr.
Spring. A survey of the books of the New Testament in relation
to their socio-historical context within Jewish and Hellenistic culture.
(RELIGION)
REL-199T.2 Religion & Film 3.0 cr.
A critical exploration of religious motifs in modern cinema,
including the cinematic use of biblical literature. Through
screening and analysis of several films, which may include The
Matrix, Pulp Fiction, Jesus of Montreal, and Breaking
the Waves, the class will examine such topics as religious
identity, sacrifice and forgiveness, and the ways in which cinema may
challenge and shed light on contemporary understandings of these
themes. (RELIGION)
REL-251 Theology & the Sciences 3.0 cr.
Winter. An examination of the past and present relationship between
theology and the sciences, and of the boundary issues between them.
Particular attention will be focused on the use and misuse of biblical
literature in that relationship. (RELIGION - Science majors are especially
encouraged to take this as a way of fulfilling this requirement.)
REL-294 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Research studies in
religion for qualified students. This course will not fulfill the
general graduation requirement for independent work. See independent
study guidelines.
UPPER DIVISION
REL-300 Zen 3.0 cr.
(Same as PHI 300). Winter 2002. Prereq.: One religion course or
one course in Asian philosophy or permission. A study of the doctrines,
practices and institutional formations of the meditation school of
Mahayana Buddhism in China, Korea, Japan and the contemporary West.
Emphasis will be placed upon the transmission/creation of the tradition
in China, its transmission/re-creation in medieval Japan and its transmission/re-creation
in the West after World War ll. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
REL-301 The Bible in Ethical Decision-Making 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: REL 100, 111, or 112. An examination of the problems and
possibilities of using the Bible in relation to contemporary ethical
issues. The course will include consideration of biblical perspectives
on love and justice, the nature of biblical authority, and topics
such as concern for the other, use of possessions, sexuality, boundary
issues of life and death, and care for the environment.
REL-302 Ritual, Myth & World View 3.0 cr.
(Same as ATH 302.) Spring. An anthropological approach to religious
meaning and ritual in tribal and pre-industrial cultures. The course
analyzes theories of religion, myth and ritual by comparing cultures
in various areas of the world including contemporary crisis and change.
REL-313 The Life & Teachings of Jesus 3.0 cr.
Fall. Alt. years. Prereq.: REL 112 or permission. An exploration
of what can be known about the activity and teaching of the historical
Jesus and of the methodological problems involved. (RELIGION)
REL-315 Christian Theology 3.0 cr.
Fall. Alt. years. Prereq.: REL 100, 111 or 112 or permission.
A topical examination of the task of theological reflection and of
its expression in the primary beliefs of the Christian church. Particular
attention will be focused on the mutual correlation of scripture and
tradition with a contemporary understanding of society.
(RELIGION)
REL-325 Ancient Greek Language & Literature I 3.0 cr.
(Same as HIS 325.) Fall. Alt. years. A study of basic Classical
and Hellenistic (Koine) Greek grammar and syntax with primary involvement
in the New Testament. (LITERATURE)
REL-326 Ancient Greek Language & Literature II 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. Prereq.: HIS/REL 325. A continuation of REL 325 with
a focus on the translation of selected Greek texts and the use of
textual criticism. (LITERATURE)
REL-327 Greek Readings 1.0 cr.
(Same as HIS 327.) Prereq.: HIS 326/REL 326 or permission. Reading
and translation of Greek texts selected to meet student needs and
interests. This course is designed to maintain and improve student
proficiency in Greek (may be repeated for a total of 4 credits).
REL-340 Topics in Theology 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: two courses in religion and/or philosophy or permission.
Topics vary from year to year, focusing on specific issues, themes
or figures in theology.
REL-346 Reformation of the 16th Century 3.0 cr.
(Same as HIS 346.) Spring. Alt. years. An examination of the tumultuous
changes that rocked Europe between 1517 and 1648, focusing on the
interactions between theological, economic, political and personal
factors that split the Christian church and changed the Western world.
REL-351 Philosophy of Religion 3.0 cr.
(Same as PHI 351.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy
or religion, or permission. A philosophical consideration of such
fundamental ideas as the existence and nature of God, evil, miracles,
freedom and immortality with special attention given to religious
language and to representative systems of thought.
REL-352 Indian Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.
(Same as PHI 352.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy
or religion, or permission. A survey of the principle philosophical
and religious traditions of India. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
REL-353 Chinese Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.
(Same as PHI 353.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy
or religion, or permission. A survey of the principle philosophical
and religious traditions of China. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
REL-356 Japanese Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.
(Same as PHI 356.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy
or religion, or permission. A survey of the principle philosophical
and religious traditions of Japan. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
REL-362 The History of Christianity 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. A survey of the history of Christianity from its origins
to the present.
REL-364 Judaism & Islam 3.0 cr.
Spring. Alt. years. A study of the beliefs and practices of these
two major religions from their origins to the present. Special attention
is given to the interaction of these religions in their relationship
to their respective social contexts. (RELIGION OR CULTURAL
DIVERSITY)
REL-367 Buddhism 3.0 cr.
(Same as PHI 367.) Prereq.: one course in religion or philosophy.
A survey of the major contemporary traditions of Buddhism, including
Theravadin, Mahayana and Vajrayana. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
REL-399 Readings in Religion 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Directed readings in
religion on a topic selected by the student, to be evaluated by quizzes,
examinations, journal and/or papers, as agreed upon with the instructor.
This course does not fulfill the general graduation requirement for
philosophy, religion or independent work.
REL-399T.1 Liberation Theology 3.0 cr.
(Same as HIS 399T.1) Winter 2003. An examination of the
Liberation Theology Movement from the 1960s to the present in Latin
America. The course will examine the historical and theological
context of the movement and consider its impact on other
nations. This course does not count toward any general
graduation requirement.
REL-494 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Research studies in
religion for qualified students. See independent study
guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)
REL-497 Internship 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Individually arranged
internships designed to pro vide practical experience in the work
and organization of religious institutions. Periodic reports and papers
may be required. See internship guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)
REL-498 Biblical Seminar 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: two courses in religion or permission. Topics vary from year
to year, focusing on specific biblical books, themes or issues in
biblical studies.
|