Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies

For information regarding the GRADUATE PROGRAM, click here.  

Philosophy

Philosophy is a traditional part of a university education. This department offers a wide range of courses dealing with fundamental philosophical questions and with the history of philosophy. An undergraduate major or minor in philosophy complements the study of linguistics and computer science, and provides background for further study in law, history, literature, medicine, the business disciplines, and other fields.

Some philosophy courses deal with issues that arise in other fields of study and in certain professions and vocations. Such courses include professional ethics, bioethics, philosophy of art, philosophy of science, and philosophy and film. Logic is especially recommended for students in business, mass communication, and pre-law. Ethics courses are especially recommended for students in business, education, engineering, mass communication, pre-law, pre-medicine, nursing, and other health related fields.

Several honors tutorials and seminars are offered for qualified students (PHIL 2034 , PHIL 2036 ), and a special curriculum leading to the BA with departmental honors in philosophy is offered. Details are available from the departmental office.

Students with a philosophy major who do not elect a concentration in religious studies are required to complete 27 hours of philosophy courses, including PHIL 2010 ; PHIL 2020  (or PHIL 2050  , or PHIL 3052 ); PHIL 2033  (or PHIL 2053 ), and PHIL 2035 , plus 15 hours of electives. At least 15 of the 27 hours must be in courses numbered 3000 and above, and at least six of the 15 must be at the 4000 level. Degree credit will not be allowed for more than six hours of courses numbered below 2000.

Religious Studies

Students majoring in liberal arts may elect a concentration in religious studies.

The concentration in religious studies is non-confessional and focuses on the study of religion as an academic discipline. It is designed to examine general questions regarding the nature of religion through the study of religious literature and religious practice, and to foster a better understanding and appreciation of religion as a universal component of the human experience. Courses in religious studies bring together perspectives and approaches from a variety of disciplines–including history, philosophy, literature, and anthropology–and students are encouraged to double major or to minor in these or other related fields.

Students concentrating in religious studies must complete a minimum of 27 semester hours of religious studies courses. They must take two of the following courses: REL 1000 , REL 2000 , REL 2027  (or REL 2031 ), or REL 2029  (REL 2030 ). They must also take a course in theories of religion (REL 4301 ), as well as 18 hours of religious studies electives. At least 15 of the 27 hours must be at the 3000 level or above, and of these at least six hours must be at the 4000 level (including REL 4301 ).

Some religious studies courses are cross-listed with other departments. These courses should be taken under the Religious Studies rubric (REL) if they are to count toward the 27 hours needed for the major or toward the 15 hours needed for the minor.

Please see the Liberal Arts section for more information on the degree requirements for the religious studies concentration.   

Programs

• Philosophy, B.A.

• Philosophy Minor