Philosophy and Religion Department Minors
Philosophy Minor
PEAKS | Humanities & Fine Arts |
The philosophy minor 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. A minor in philosophy provides excellent preparation for graduate work in law, ethics, religion, philosophy and other fields in which reasoning and argumentation skills or ability to work at a high level of abstraction are important.
Minor Requirements (15-19 credits):
- PHI-214 Introduction to Logic (3 cr)
- One course emphasizing ancient philosophy (3 cr)
- One course emphasizing modern philosophy (3 cr)
- Electives taken from: (at least 5 credits)
- Any course listed as PHI
- Non-PHI courses as approved by the department or minor supervisor
- PHI-498 Philosophy Seminar (1 cr)
- At least one credit of which must be taken after completing 9 credits of the minor.
- Additional restrictions:
- At least 9 credits must be upper-division.
- At least 9 credits must be PHI courses
- At least 3 credits mus be from Art, Music, or Theatre
Please see advising guide for: - lists of courses that will satisfy the categories above including pre-approved non-PHI courses
Information for approval of fine arts courses as philosophy electives (necessary for completing the minor with 15 credits).
Student Learning Outcomes
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Reasoning
- Problem Solving
- Written Communication
- Students will show an understanding of the major figures in the history of philosophy
Religion Minor
PEAKS | Humanities & Fine Arts |
A Religion Minor invites students to explore the ways in which humanity's deepest values and commitments shape society through stories, beliefs, rituals, behaviors and institutions.
Minor Requirements (16 credits):
- Three credits from:
- Three credits from:
- Three credits from:
- Three credits from:
- Another course in Religion (3 cr)
- One approved course in Philosophy, History, Literature, or Anthropology (3 cr)
- Three credits in the Fine Arts (Music, Theatre, Art) or in Creative Writing
- REL-398 Writing in Religion (1 cr), a competence demonstration to be taken concurrently with the final course that completes the minor, or no later than one academic term after the minor's completion
Student Learning Outcomes
- Critical Thinking in Religion
- Analytical Reasoning in Religion
- Problem Solving in Religion
- Written Communication in Religion
- Religious literacy, consisting of
- being able to articulate the nature, role and necessity of “symbols” for expressing ultimate commitments and values in society and the interpretive issues involved in dealing with them
- being able to make meaningful and fruitful comparisons between the key historical developments, practices and beliefs of at least two religious systems/movements/traditions and of the diversity within each of them
Associated Minors
Asian Studies Minor
PEAKS | Humanities & Fine Arts | Social Science & History |
Home to over half of the world's population, Asia is a region of immeasurable significance to contemporary global society. The Asian Studies minor allows students to pursue a course of study that includes a variety of regional emphases across East, Southeast, and South Asia and disciplinary perspectives across English, Philosophy and Religion, History, and Political Economy. The minor consists of at least 16 credits.
This minor qualifies for either the Fine Arts & Humanities or the Social Science & History PEAK.
With approval of the Asian Studies faculty, students who complete study abroad coursework can appeal to substitute credits in the Humanities and Social Science from other disciplines not listed above.
Students are also encouraged to study abroad in Asia through internationally recognized programs or College of Idaho study tours. Credits from ASN-designated courses that include study tours to Asia are distributed according to the sponsoring discipline of the participating faculty. For example, a six-credit ASN course that includes Religion and Political Economy will count as three credits toward each discipline.
Minor Requirements (16 credits):
Humanities & Fine Arts PEAK
- A major outside the Humanities & Fine Arts PEAK
- Nine credits from the following:
- ENG-299T.23 Asia through its Movies (3 cr)
- ENG-299T.28 Asian Pop Culture (3 cr)
- ENG-299T.35 The Literature of Immigrants (3 cr)
- ENG-380.5 Seminar: Narratives against Oppression (3 cr)
- ENG 309 Seminar: Constructing World Literatures (3 cr)
- REL-115 Introduction to Buddhist Studies (3 cr)
- REL-300 Zen (3 cr)
- REL-352 Indian Philosophy & Religion (3 cr)
- REL-353 Chinese Philosophy & Religion (3 cr)
- REL-303 Islam: History, Practices and Beliefs (3 cr)
- REL-356 Japanese Philosophy & Religion (3 cr)
- PHI-367 Buddhist Philosophy (3 cr)
- Six credits from the following:
- HIS-210 History of Modern East Asia (3 cr)
- HIS-338 Modern India (3 cr)
- HIS-343 Religion & the State in Late Imperial China (3 cr)
- HIS-340 Pre-Modern Chinese History (3 cr)
- HIS-345 Modern China (3 cr)
- HIS 354 History of Southeast Asia (3 cr)
- HIS-357 Popular Culture in Modern Chinese (3 cr)
- HIS-384 Modern Japan (3 cr)
- POE-321 Comparative Economics (3 cr)
- POE-370 Political Economy of China (3 cr)
- POE-371 Political Economy of Japan (3 cr)
- POE-374 Political Economy of Southeast Asia (3 cr)
- ASN-302.1 Southeast Asia: Traditions and Transitions (2 cr)
- ASN-302.2 Southeast Asia: Traditions and Transitions (4 cr)
- ASN-494 Independent Study (1 cr)*
Social Science & History PEAK
- A major outside the Social Science & History PEAK
- Nine credits from the following:
- HIS-210 History of Modern East Asia (3 cr)
- HIS-338 Modern India (3 cr)
- HIS-343 Religion & the State in Late Imperial China (3 cr)
- HIS-340 Pre-Modern Chinese History (3 cr)
- HIS-345 Modern China (3 cr)
- HIS 354 History of Southeast Asia (3 cr)
- HIS-357 Popular Culture in Modern Chinese (3 cr)
- HIS-384 Modern Japan (3 cr)
- POE-321 Comparative Economics (3 cr)
- POE-370 Political Economy of China (3 cr)
- POE-371 Political Economy of Japan (3 cr)
- POE-374 Political Economy of Southeast Asia (3 cr)
- ASN-302.1 Southeast Asia: Traditions and Transitions (2 cr)
- ASN-302.2 Southeast Asia: Traditions and Transitions (4 cr)
- Six credits from the following:
- ENG-299T.23 Asia through its Movies (3 cr)
- ENG-299T.28 Asian Pop Culture (3 cr)
- ENG-299T.35 The Literature of Immigrants (3 cr)
- ENG-380.5 Seminar: Narratives against Oppression (3 cr)
- ENG-309 Seminar: Constructing World Literatures (3 cr)
- REL-115 Introduction to Buddhist Studies (3 cr)
- REL-300 Zen (3 cr)
- REL-352 Indian Philosophy & Religion (3 cr)
- REL-353 Chinese Philosophy & Religion (3 cr)
- REL-303 Islam: History, Practices and Beliefs (3 cr)
- REL-356 Japanese Philosophy & Religion (3 cr)
- PHI-367 Buddhist Philosophy (3 cr)
- ASN-494 Independent Study (1 cr)*
*For ASN-494 Independent Study minors must expand a paper they have written for one of their ASN-related courses. These "starred papers" will be graded on a pass/fail basis by the faculty member who originally supervised the project and should constitute a polished piece of work that serves as the student's highest achievement in the minor.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Reasoning
- Problem Solving
- Written Communication
- Acquire a basic familiarity with major traditions and themes in the study of Asia across at least three disciplines
- Think comparatively about at least three different regions of Asia
- Demonstrate an ability to write thoughfully and persuasively about Asia's diverse cultures and history
Classics Minor
PEAKS | Social Science & History |
The minor in classics combines academic work in the histories, languages, literatures, and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Minor Requirements (15 credits):
- HIS-331 Ancient Greece (3 cr)
- HIS-332 Ancient Rome (3 cr)
- Six credits of either Greek or Latin
- Three additional credits dealing with the ancient world, including but not limited to:
- ART-239 Ancient to Medieval (3 cr)
- ENG-371 The Epic Tradition (3 cr)
- HIS-322 Latin Readings (1 cr)
- HIS-327 Greek Readings (1 cr)
- HIS-363 The Rise of Christianity (3 cr)
- PHI-310 Ancient Philosophy (3 cr)
- REL-112 Introduction to the New Testament (3 cr)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Reasoning
- Problem Solving
- Written Communication
Criminal Justice Studies Minor
PEAKS | Humanities & Fine Arts | Social Science & History | Professional Studies & Enhancements |
The Criminal Justice Studies (CJS) minor offers a distinctly liberal arts approach to the burgeoning field of criminal justice studies. This program offers students the opportunity to investigate the field from a number of disciplinary perspectives. The Prison Experience capstone course, during which students visit a variety of adult and juvenile facilities, provides direct contact with prisons, insights into prison life, and the means by which students can enter the field. The internship option provides additional valuable experience in regional facilities, forging connections for future employment
Minor Requirements (18 credits):
Social Science & History PEAK
- IND-368 The Prison Experience (5 cr)
- SOC-330 Criminology (3 cr)
- SOC-494 Independent Study (1 cr)*
- Nine credits from:
- ATH-202 Cultural Diversity (3 cr)
- ATH-302A Cultural Diversity (3 cr)
- EDU-300 Schools & Society (3 cr)
- POE-241 Introduction to Public Policy (3 cr)
- PSY-404 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY-407 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (3 cr)
- SOC-360 Race & Ethnic Relations (3 cr)
- SOC-349 Social Stratification (3 cr)
- SOC-497 Internship (1 to 3 cr)
Humanities & Fine Arts PEAK
- IND-368 The Prison Experience (5 cr)
- ENG-299T.25 Prose & Cons (3 cr)
- SOC-494 Independent Study (1 cr)*
- Three credits in the Fine Arts (Art, Music, or Theatre)
- Six credits from:
Professional Studies & Enhancement PEAK
*Six weeks before graduation, students will submit a portfolio of relevant work completed for the minor, such as exams and papers, including a two-page essay describing important academic lessons and skills acquired in this minor.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Critical thinking about the field from a number of disciplinary perspectives
- Analytical reasoning applied to crime- and prison-related arguments
- Problem solving in regards to social, political economy, and humanitarian issues
- Written communication through intensive journals, research and response papers
- First-hand experience visiting adult & juvenile correctional facilities
- Opportunities to explore criminal justice-related professions
Leadership Minor
PEAKS | Professional Studies & Enhancements |
Leadership is a specialized ability necessary for success in particular endeavors and for success in life in general. All the key institutions in our society -- arts, business, education, government, health care, human services, religious, scientific and social -- require effective leaders. The Leadership Studies minor is designed to teach students competencies in communication skills, problem solving, and decision-making and group or team development, using a creative, interdisciplinary approach.
The Leadership CORE is augmented by an interdisciplinary area of emphasis.
Minor Requirements (15 credits):
- LSP-101 Leadership Development (2 cr)
- LSP-201 Leadership Theories, Styles, Realities (2 cr)
- LSP-299T Special Topics in area of emphasis (3 cr)
- LSP-497 Internship in area of emphasis (2 cr)
- Two classes (6 cr) from the broader curriculum related to area of emphasis (see below).
Business Emphasis
- One from the following:
- One from the following:
Christian Emphasis
- REL-112 New Testament Introduction (3 cr)
- One from the following:
Outdoor Emphasis
- Wilderness First Responder
- One from the following:
- GOL-101 Physical Geology & Laboratory (4 cr)
- ENV-160 Environmental Science & Laboratory (4 cr)
- ENV-200 Nature and Culture: Introduction to Environmental Studies (3 cr)
- BIO-129 Murder, Medicine, & Magic & Laboratory (3-4 cr)
- BIO-140 Idaho Natural History & Laboratory (4 cr)
- BIO-199T.1 The Life of Birds & Laboratory (4 cr)
Student Learning Outcomes
Through core leadership classes students will gain skills and concepts that will contribute to their effectiveness as leaders in multiple settings. Through interdisciplinary study, students will gain skills and concepts that will contribute to their effectiveness as leaders in their area of emphasis. Students will gain other skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Reasoning
- Problem Solving
- Written Communication
Pre-Law Minor
PEAKS | Professional Studies & Enhancements |
The Pre Law Minor is meant to create a foundation in preparation for a career in law. As a professional enhancement minor, the Pre Law Minor is further designed to help prepare students to succeed in law school. Through the minor students will be introduced to the American political system, precedent-setting Supreme Court cases, and philosophical/ethical frameworks for judging legal questions.
Minor Requirements (18 credits):
- POE-250 Introduction to Political Philosophy (3 cr)
- POE-241 Introduction to Public Policy (3 cr)
- POE-300 Constitutional Law I (3 cr)
- POE-301 Constitutional Law II (3 cr)
or
BUS-391 Legal Environment (3 cr) - A three credit course in English, either from:
ENG-299T (3 cr) (any topic)
or
300-level (3 cr)* - One ethics course in Philosophy:
Potential Options to Prepare for Law School
There are multiple pathways to law school. No particular major is recommended. Indeed law schools accept students who have majored in everything from Music to Environmental Studies. Regardless of the major, students would benefit from courses in several disciplines not required for the minor including: International Relations, History, Sociology, and Environmental Studies.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Help prepare students for a career in law by introducing them to the American political system, precedent-setting Supreme Court cases, and philosophical/ethical frameworks for judging legal questions
- Help prepare students for law school by teaching them how to brief a constitutional law case and become comfortable and competent in reading and understanding constitutional jurisprudence
- Critical Thinking
- Analytic Reasoning
- Problem Solving
- Written Communication