2021-22 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Jun 17, 2024  
2021-22 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Philosophy Department


Andrew Fitz-Gibbon, chair
Old Main, Room 138
607-753-2727
Fax: 607-753-4114
cortland.edu/philosophy

School of Arts and Sciences

Philosophy professor with students

Faculty

Andrew Fitz-Gibbon, Nikolay Karkov, Mechthild Nagel, L. Sebastian Purcell

Adjunct Faculty

For a listing of adjunct faculty see the Faculty and Administration  section.

Degree and Minors

Bachelor of Arts in Social Philosophy
Minor in Peace and Conflict Studies
Minor in Social Philosophy

Description

Philosophy is essentially an activity, rather than a fixed set of teachings. Philosophy cultivates the capacities and appetite for self-expression and reflection, for debate and exchange of ideas, and for reflecting on and puzzling over problems of living, being human and being part of a community. Philosophy prepares one for the tasks of citizenship, for participation in political and community affairs and for responsible and intelligent engagement in public life. This department's unique major (and minor) in social philosophy is meant to instill these skills. As such, it is a valuable tool and indeed the very paradigm of a liberal arts education major.

Special Features

  • Unique program in social philosophy — one of only two in the SUNY system
  • Small department allows close interaction with faculty
  • Philosophy majors perform exceptionally well on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
  • Cortland students who have graduated with a philosophy degree have gone on to widely varied careers — law school, human services, business, journalism, graduate study in philosophy, etc.
  • Philosophy majors do better than the average liberal arts students at obtaining jobs after graduation — a surprise to many people who think of philosophy as impractical.

Requirements

  1. Degree requirements  listed in this catalog apply to all of the majors offered by this department.
  2. Liberal Arts Requirements: 90 credit hours

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

  • PHI 100 - Introduction to Philosophy

    Introduction to subject matter and methods of philosophy. Readings include classical and contemporary writers on a range of philosophical topics including social and political philosophy, philosophy of religion, questions of metaphysics and epistemology, ethics and basic characteristics of rational inquiry. Fulfills: GE 7; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code A = offered every semester

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the major concepts and theories used in an introductory course in philosophy in terms of contemporary society.
    2. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 110 - Critical Thinking and Argumentation

    Exercises and principles designed to enhance critical thinking and evaluation of arguments. In addition to a focus on philosophical inquiry, classes also concentrate on daily situations such as ordinary conversations, reading newspapers and advertising. Not open to students with credit for COM 241. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Identify the logical structure of arguments.
    2. Identify common forms of logical fallacies, both formal and informal.
    3. Apply logical techniques of analysis to real-world cases.
  • PHI 111 - Symbolic Logic

    Principles of symbolic logic used in determining validity or invalidity of arguments. Fulfills: GE 1: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Express natural language statements in predicate logic using overlapping quantifiers.
    2. Derive proofs using truth tables.
    3. Derive proofs by natural deduction in first-order predicate logic.
  • PHI 129 - Special Topics in Philosophy

    Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Conduct an independent directed study in social philosophy, as appropriate for a 100-level course.
  • PHI 135 - Introduction to Ethics

    Exploration of the world's major ethical theories. Special attention is given to the science of the environment and the moral problems surrounding it. Other problems likely addressed include racial and sexual discrimination, abortion and euthanasia, and problems in bioethics and business ethics. Fulfills: GE 12; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code A = offered every semester

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the major theories of ethics.
    2. Apply these theories to contemporary society.
    3. Write a reasoned ethical argument.
  • PHI 140 - Prejudice, Discrimination and Morality

    Freedom, justice and equality are examined in connection with racism and sexism, heterosexism, ableism and classism. Fulfills: GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code A = offered every semester

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the major concepts and theories used in an introductory course in philosophy in terms of contemporary society.
    2. Identify the ethical and political dimensions of diversity, pluralism and marginality in contemporary society.
    3. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 160 - Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies

    Introductory exploration of issues related to origins of human conflict and the peaceful resolution thereof. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize key theories of non-violence through the consideration of cross-cultural texts.
    2. Identify theories operationalized in social movements by studying historical and contemporary sources.
    3. Formulate a personal philosophy of non-violence by making use of critical inquiry.
  • PHI 170 - Philosophical Meditations

    Theoretical exploration of the relationship of mind and body. Basic meditation techniques such as zazen, walking meditation, qigong and taiji forms. S and U grades assigned. May be repeated for up to four credit hours. (1 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize understandings of the relationship of mind and body in terms of philosophy.
    2. Perform zazen breath meditation in sitting posture.
    3. Perform a basic taijiquan form from memory.
  • PHI 201 - Ancient Social Philosophy

    Explores ancient social philosophy as part of the social, political and historical development of Western Civilization from its origins in Greece, emphasizing Plato and Aristotle to the Epicureans and Roman Stoics and comparing them to developments in other parts of the world. Analyzes the Greeks' understanding of the human person in society and how that has influenced our thinking today. Covers such topics as democracy, justice, friendship and the family. Fulfills: GE 5; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = at least once per year

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the principal concepts, theories and positions of key philosophers or philosophical schools in the ancient world.
    2. Analyze the principle theories or positions of key philosophers or philosophical schools in the ancient world.
    3. Formulate a personal outlook on the good life and its relationship to ethics.
  • PHI 202 - Modern Philosophy

    Explores modern European philosophy as part of the historical development of industrialization and colonialism and considers the influence of European ideas on non-European and contemporary societies with particular regard to gender, race and social class. Analyzes the theories of human nature, property rights, and the ideal role of government in liberal democracies. Specifically examines the ideas of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hume and Descartes in the context of Britain's Glorious Revolution as well as the American and French Revolutions. Fulfills: GE 5; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = at least once per year

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the principle concepts, theories and positions of key philosophers or philosophical schools beginning just after the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
    2. Analyze the principle theories or positions of key philosophers or philosophical schools in the modern period.
    3. Formulate a personal outlook on the character of human knowledge.
  • PHI 203 - Social Ethics

    Basic theories of ethics and their application to the problems of social justice. Theorists studied will include: Kant, J. S. Mill, Rawls, Nozick. Issues to be discussed may include affirmative action, political liberty and civil disobedience, and equality. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the principle concepts in social ethics.
    2. Apply these concepts to contemporary social issues by construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 205 - Prisons and Punishment

    A consideration of theoretical issues surrounding the concept and justification of punishment from traditional sources (Kant, Bentham, Mill) to modern critiques (Foucault). A number of special issues surrounding prison policy and practice (race, supermax, prisons, youthful offenders) are also analyzed. Also listed as AAS 205. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Analyze classical theories of punishment by using primary sources.
    2. Summarize key factors contributing to the rise of the modern prison by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
    3. Identify critiques of punishment theories and concepts through critical reflection.
  • PHI 229 - Special Topics in Philosophy

    Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Conduct an independent directed study in social philosophy, as appropriate for a 200-level course.
  • PHI 235 - Aesthetics and Film

    Theoretical issues surrounding film, including the nature of film and judgments about film, comparison of film theories and theories of film criticism, genres. Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy or consent of instructor. Also listed as CIN 225. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the principal concepts, schools, and arguments of film theory.
    2. Apply these concepts and theories in a philosophical analysis of specific films.
  • PHI 240 - Social and Political Philosophy

    With an emphasis on the relationship between the individual and the state as well as on opposing conceptions of democracy, freedom, and a just society, the course relates themes of social and political philosophy with historical, economic, and political events and movements from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. Fulfills: GE 5; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the major concepts and theories used in social and political philosophy in terms of contemporary society.
    2. Identify the ethical dimensions of diversity, pluralism and marginality in social and political philosophy.
    3. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 270 - Race and Racism

    An examination of political and philosophical issues stemming from relations of power based on "race" in the U.S. Subjects will include how the concept of "race" has been used to classify humans, designating them as inferior or superior; the notions of racial identity or race consciousness; and political philosophies addressing the problem of racial oppression. Also listed as AAS 270. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the major concepts and theories of race and racism in terms of contemporary society.
    2. Identify the significant ethical, political, and epistemological dimensions of racism, anti-racist struggle and multicultural co-existence through critical reflection.
    3. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 271 - Philosophy of Human Nature

    Discussion of various existential approaches to the problem and meaning of human existence. Focus on existentialist themes such as self-consciousness, freedom, absurdity, responsibility, being and nothingness. Fulfills: GE 7; LASR; PRES. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Explain different theories of human nature by studying relevant cross-cultural texts.
    2. Identify an ethical dimension by constructing a sound philosophical argument.
    3. Critique a theory of human nature by an evaluation of a relevant primary source.
  • PHI 272 - Utopias

    An investigation of the concept of ideal societies. The course will investigate the literary expressions of utopian sentiment, historical attempts at founding utopian communities and the philosophical implications of utopian thought. Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy or consent of instructor. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occassionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the main theories and concepts of utopia thought, from the modern period to the present. 
    2. Identify the significant ethical, political, and epistemological dimensions of utopian thinking as a critique of existing societies.
    3. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 300 - Philosophical Issues

    Detailed study of one philosophical problem or comparative study of two or more philosophers. May be repeated as subtitle changes. Prerequisite: 200-level course in philosophy or consent of instructor. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Examine in depth a particular philosophical problem or compare the position on a particular philosophical problem of two or more philosophers.
    2. Construct a reasoned philosophical argument around the contemporary issue.
  • PHI 301 - Philosophy of the Aztecs, Maya, Incas

    Analysis of the philosophical world view from three distinct pre-Columbian civilizations, namely the Aztecs, the Maya and the Incas. Topics to be addressed are time cosmology and the meaning of life. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the principle concepts, theories and positions of key philosophical schools representative of the Pre-Columbian era.
    2. Analyze the principle theories or positions of key philosophical schools in the Pre-Columbian era.
    3. Formulate a personal outlook on the character of the good and interpersonal obligations.
  • PHI 302 - Contemporary Latin American Philosophy

    A systematic introduction to the history and most important topics of contemporary Latin American philosophy. Topics to be addressed are: globalization, the human condition, epistemology and the ethics of recognition. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the principal concepts, theories and positions of key philosophers or philosophical schools from Latin America since 1900. 
    2. Analyze the principal theories or positions of key philosophers or philosophical schools from Latin America since 1900. 
    3. Form a personal outlook on the meaning of human existence and the good life. 
  • PHI 320 - Environmental Ethics

    A consideration of ethical issues as they arise in human interaction with the environment. Topics will include environmental racism, "speciesism," the Gaia hypothesis and the impact of population growth on ecology. Fulfills: GE 12; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the major ethical concepts and theories used in environmental ethics by an evaluation of the relevant texts.
    2. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
    3. Identify the ethical dimensions of environmental ethics through critical reflection.
  • PHI 321 - Medical Ethics

    Consideration of ethical issues as they arise in contemporary medical practice and related health-care professions. Readings from philosophy, law and medicine. Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy or consent of instructor. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the major ethical concepts and theories used in medical ethics by an evaluation of the relevant texts.
    2. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
    3. Identify the ethical dimensions of diversity, pluralism and marginality in medical ethics through critical reflection.
  • PHI 329 - Special Topics in Philosophy

    Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Conduct an independent directed study in social philosophy, as appropriate for a 300-level course.
  • PHI 330 - Philosophies of Nonviolence

    Examination of a variety of philosophies, theories and practices of nonviolence from both western and eastern perspectives. Fulfills: LASR (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize a variety of philosophies of nonviolence using primary and secondary sources.
    2. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 331 - War and Terrorism

    An examination of war and terrorism from a philosophical perspective. Definition and limits of war, origins of terrorism and nonviolent responses to terrorism. Fulfills: LASR (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Synthesize philosophical arguments about war and terrorism by a consideration of primary and secondary texts.
    2. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 332 - Asian Philosophy

    An examination of Asian philosophy. Topics may include Daosim, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism and other minor philosophies. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize an area of Asian philosophy by evaluating primary and secondary sources. 
    2. Discriminate between Eastern and Western philosophy using critical reflection.
    3. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 333 - Ethics of Love

    Analysis of the philosophy and ethics of love, including erosic love, friendship, affection and agapic love. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Explain the different facets of love from a philosophical perspective.
    2. Analyze concepts and theories about love in relationship to moral philosophy.
    3. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 340 - Philosophy of Law

    Nature of law with special attention to relation of law to morality. Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy or consent of instructor. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize different strands of legal theories in a study of case law. 
    2. Critique a theory by an evaluation of a relevant primary source.
    3. Identify critiques of legal theories and concepts through critical reflection.
  • PHI 375 - Science, Truth and Bias

    Examines accounts of scientific methods and the influence of social values or human interests on scientific reasoning. Contemporary challenges to the idea of objectivity will be looked at to understand knowledge claims in the natural and social sciences. Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy or consent of instructor. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize different scientific theories of truth.
    2. Analyze the ethical, political, and epistemological dimensions of scientific theory.
    3. Apply these theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument. 
  • PHI 380 - Feminist Social Thought

    Discussion of various philosophical approaches to problems of women's oppression, like sex-role stereotyping, economic discrimination and treatment in family. Comparison of political theories and strategy. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize different strands of feminist theories in a study of classical feminist texts.
    2. Apply feminist theories to social and political contexts by constructing a sound philosophical argument.
    3. Develop a feminist theory through critical reflection. 
  • PHI 382 - Marxist Philosophy

    Discussion of Karl Marx, major theorists and schools in the Marxist tradition, especially with respect to the relevance of their ideas for the present. Topics will include political economic theory, alienation, sexism, racism and imperialism. Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy or consent of instructor. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize major concepts and theories in the field of Marxism in terms of contemporary society.
    2. Analyze concepts and theories about capitalism and the state in relationship to Marxist philosophy.
    3. Apply these concepts and theories to areas of contemporary concern by the construction of a reasoned philosophical argument.
  • PHI 385 - Black Feminist Thought

    Analysis of diverse Black feminist philosophical approaches to Black women's oppression and agency; economic and educational discrimination; criminal justice; health and housing disparities; and the Black family. Comparison of Afrocentric political theories and movement strategies.  Also listed as AAS 385; WGS 385 Fulfills: GE 7; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize different strands of Black feminist theories in a study of contemporary feminist texts.
    2. Apply one theory to a social and political context by constructing a sound philosophical argument.
    3. Develop a feminist theory through critical reflection.
  • PHI 390 - Contemporary Philosophical Approaches

    In-depth study of contemporary trends in philosophy, e.g. logical positivism, phenomenology, ordinary language philosophy, analytic philosophy, pragmatism, naturalism, postmodernism. May be repeated as subject area changes. Prerequisite: 200-level course in philosophy or consent of instructor. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occassionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Summarize the concepts and theories of contemporary philosophical trends. 
    2. Apply those theories to social and political contexts by constructing a sound philosophical argument.
  • PHI 399 - Directed Study in Philosophy

    An independent directed study in social philosophy. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of department. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occassionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Conduct an independent directed study in social philosophy.
  • PHI 400 - Seminar in a Major Philosopher

    Detailed study of one philosopher's works. May be repeated as subtitle changes. Prerequisite: Nine hours of philosophy or consent of instructor. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Examine in depth the work of a major philosopher.
    2. Construct a philosophical argument using the work of a major philosopher. 
  • PHI 429 - Special Topics in Philosophy

    Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Conduct an independent directed study in social philosophy as appropriate for a 400-level course.
  • PHI 450 - Philosophy Teaching Assistant

    Students will act as teaching assistants in a lower-level philosophy class. Responsibilities will include:assisting instructor in classroom management, group work, grading under supervision, occasional class teaching, mentoring other students. Grade of B or higher required in the host course. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Explain concepts and theories as investigated in PHI 100.
    2. Prepare lectures, discussion questions and philosophical argumentation.
  • PHI 481 - Philosophy Internship

    Students intern in a philosophically related department, agency or business. Examples include work in the areas of environmental policies, human resources, social media or business analytics. Fieldwork experience combined with instructor-led seminars. Prerequisite: Consent of department. (1-6 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code A = offered every semester

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Apply philosophical knowledge in a philosophically related environment.
    2. Prepare lectures, discussion questions and philosophical argumentation.
  • PHI 490 - Senior Thesis in Social Philosophy

    Independent research in social philosophy, culminating in a substantial research paper to be written under the guidance of a philosophy faculty member. Prerequisites: Nine credit hours of philosophy courses at the 300 level or consent of the department. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Develop a senior thesis in social philosophy.
  • PHI 499 - Independent Studies

    Directed research culminating in substantial paper. For majors and minors only. Prerequisite: Consent of department. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occassionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Perform directed research in Philosophy.
    2. ​Write a substantial philosophical paper.
  • PHI 529 - Special Topics in Philosophy

    Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code O = offered occasionally

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Conduct an independent directed study in social philosophy as appropriate for a 500-level course.
  • RLS 140 - Judaism: Historic Insights and Perspectives

    Examines the historical development of Judaism as a religion, culture, ethnicity, nationality and civilization. Topics may include: connection of Judaism to Western civilization and religions; major holy days and general rituals; challenges facing contemporary Judaism; and the relationship of Israel and Zionism to Judaism. Texts, including the Torah, will be studied and critically analyzed. No prior knowledge of Judaism is required. Also listed as JST 140. Fulfills: GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year

  • RLS 200 - World Religions

    Introduction to variety of ways for understanding religion and religious experience through examination of some major world religions, their origins, historical development, contemporary manifestations. Fulfills: GE 6; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
    Frequency code B = offered at least once per year



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