PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSES (PRS)

201 Introduction to Philosophy (3) F, S, SU. On the nature of philosophical thinking. Discussion of the philosophical ideas which shape Western consciousness and civilization. Sample topics: philosophical examination of values, religion, and the foundation of society.

202 Introduction to the Study of Religion (3) F, S, SU. Examination of religion from the perspective of its project of maintaining predictable order, derived from a sacred source, and contending against forces of dissolution. Specific references to religious traditions (one familiar and one unfamiliar) will be made. Theoretical and practical issues explored.

203 Logic (3) F, S, SU. Study of methods and principles used to distinguish well (correct) from bad (incorrect) reasoning. Consideration of hypothetical, inductive, and deductive reasoning.

204 Old Testament (3) F. Survey of Old Testament literature and thought. Discussion of the text in terms of the significance of the creation stories, the Exodus, the law, the prophets, etc.

205 New Testament (3) S. Survey of New Testament literature and concepts within their historical context. The four gospels, Acts, Paul's writings, and Revelation are examined as documents reflecting the diversity of early Christianity.

300 Religions of the East (3) S. Comprehensive study and comparison of the fundamental concepts, practices, institutions, and writings of the major world religions.

301 Ancient Philosophy: The Greeks (3) S. Introduction to the development of Greek culture through consideration of certain key concepts. An in-depth study of the articulation of these concepts in the works of Plato, Aristotle, and others.

302 Philosophy in the Modern Age (3) F. Emergence of modern thought and culture through considering the articulation of modernity in such thinkers as Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, et al.

305 Existentialist Thought (3) AS. Study of existentialism as a critical response to the philosophical problems peculiar to modern culture as presented in the writings of Kierkegaard, Sartre, Camus, et al.

306 Ethics (3) S. Study of the basic ethical theories and their application to ethical dilemmas in the real world of human relations, politics, business, health care, etc.

311 The Muslim Experience (3) F. Discusses the past, present, and future of Islam across nations and continents. Focuses on the Islamic demand for social justice, its encounters with other religions of the Bible (Judaism and Christianity), and its encounters with other cultures.

312 Christian Philosophy in the Middle Ages (3) S. Examines the thought of the major philosophers of the Middle Ages, especially that of St. Augustine of Hippo and St. Thomas Aquinas. The major issues of the age will be discussed. Included are nominalism and realism, reason and revelation, faith and reason, nature and grace, the sacred and the secular.

397 Special Topics (3) (Prerequisite: Permission of department) AF. In-depth seminar in a topic in philosophy and/or religious studies. May be taken twice for academic credit with departmental approval.

400 Science, Technology, and Human Values (3) AS. Explores the formative impact of modern science and technology upon the character of modern culture. Conceptual, ethical, moral, and religious effects will be examined.

401 Philosophy of Religion (3) AF. Study of selected topics from ancient times to the present emphasizing fundamental philosophical-theological problems.

402 Contemporary Philosophy (3) AF. Critical philosophical investigation in light of contemporary thinking of such topics as perception, language, mind, and God.

499 Advanced Study (3) (Prerequisite: 18 hours in Philosophy and Religious Studies) AS. A research project, offered as an independent study, that culminates in a major research paper or philosophical essay. This research and writing project is to be designed in consultation with, and is subject to the final approval of, a Faculty Project Committee. This Faculty Project Committee will consist of three faculty members who are selected by the student and agree to serve in this capacity. At least two members of the Faculty Project Committee must be PRS faculty, one of whom will serve as the project supervisor. Such projects are normally undertaken in the final semester of residence.

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