Philosophy and Religion

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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, 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 331 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, 331, 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 (PHI)

LOWER DIVISION (INTRODUCTORY LEVEL)

PHI-202 Introduction to Philosophy 3.0 cr.

An introduction to philosophy through the study of selected problems and figures. Emphasis will be placed upon learning to read, write and think critically. A second PHI 202 course may be taken only with permission.

• PHI 202.1   The Good Life
  A study of how we ought to live. (PHILOSOPHY)
• PHI 202.2   Science & the Environment
  A study of the nature of scientific knowledge claims, the role of values in the scientific enterprise, research ethics, and environmental philosophy. (PHILOSOPHY)

PHI-214 Introduction to Logic 3.0 cr.

An introduction to symbolic logic through first order predicate logic.

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-309 Feminist Philosophy 3.0 cr.

A study of topics in feminist philosophy, which may include political theory and ethics.

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-330 Biomedical Ethics 3.0 cr.

Winter. Prereq.: one philosophy course or permission. A study in applied ethics of contemporary problems such as abortion, euthanasia and the distribution of scarce medical resources.

PHI-331 Ethical Theory 3.0 cr.

Prereq.: One course in philosophy or permission. A study of historical and contemporary works in ethical theory.

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-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 (REL)

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. 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 16^th 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. 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.