Philosophy and Religion Major and Minor
Philosophy Major
Consists of 32 credits to include one upper-division course in non-Western philosophy or religion, 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-310 Ancient Philosophy
- PHI-311 Modern Philosophy
- PHI-331 Ethics
- PHI-498 Philosophy Seminar
Students considering graduate work in philosophy are strongly advised to take PHI-413, Analytic Philosophy.
The Foreign Language Requirement
Students majoring in philosophy can meet the Department’s foreign language requirement by satisfactorily completing the first year of language study at the college level in either a modern or ancient foreign language, or passing a first-year equivalency test.
Philosophy Minor
Consists of 18 credits, to include:
Religion Major
Consists of 32 credits (of which 18 must be upper division), which include the following elements:
Foundations
- REL-111 Old Testament Introduction
or
REL-112 New Testament Introduction - REL-101 Living a True Myth
or
REL-251.1 Theology and the Sciences
or
REL-115 Introduction to Buddhist Studies - REL-498 Religious Studies Seminar
Non-Western Religion
A course that focuses on one or more non-Western religions (i.e., religions other than Judaism, Christianity or Islam).
Ethics
A course in ethics drawn from either religion or philosophy course listings.
Depth-examination of two religious traditions
At least two upper division courses in Christianity (including REL-315 Christian Theology) and at least two upper division courses in one other religious tradition. These courses may include courses in which a particular tradition plays a prominent role, "topics" Religion courses in which the student designates a focus on a particular religious tradition, and/or REL-399.
Directed Readings or REL-494 Independent Study
Honors or independent study project during the senior year in which a major paper is produced; although this paper may focus on an aspect of just one of the religious traditions selected for depth-examination, the project must demonstrate the ability to use the other tradition in an ancillary role. Apart from the "foundations," courses may count for more than one element.
The Foreign Language Requirement
Students majoring in religion can meet the Department’s foreign language requirement by satisfactorily completing the first year of language study at the college level in either a modern or ancient foreign language, or passing a first-year equivalency test.
Religion Minor
Consists of 18 credits (of which at least 9 must be upper division), to include:
- REL-111 Old Testament Introduction or
REL 112 New Testament Introduction - REL-101 Living a True Myth or
REL-251 Theology and the Sciences or
REL-115 Introduction to Buddhist Study
Other programs of study that may be of interest to philosophy and religion majors include: