Philosophy
Courses
Argument (ARG)
ARG 120 Critical Thinking 3 cr
This course will examine complex types of reasoning, including statistical judgment, decision making, and causal and analogical thinking. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of concrete examples of reasoning in various fields. Students will learn how to evaluate arguments, fallacies, common errors, and biases in reasoning and decision making. Identical with PHL 120. Credit cannot be received for both ARG 120 and PHL 120. Fulfills the General Education requirement.
Cross-Listed: PHL 120
ARG 210 Argumentation 3 cr
Examines the role of argumentation in a democratic society and aims to develop critical thinking and reasoned advocacy. Course makes functional a knowledge of tests of evidence and the modes of logical reasoning. Students participate in various forms of argumentation and debating. Identical with ARG 210. Students cannot receive credit for both ARG 210 and CA 210.
Cross-Listed: CA 210
ARG 222 Rhetoric, Culture and Society 3 cr
Cross-Listed: CA 222
ARG 371 Approaches to English Grammar 3 cr
A course designed primarily to help education majors translate between the languages of conventional grammar and the syntactical grammar relevant to the teaching of English at Precollege levels. Consideration will also be given to the rationales basic to the formation of different grammars and to methods of presenting grammatical material in a classroom situation. Non-education majors interested in a sophisticated approach to the study of grammar might also benefit from this course. Identical with EH 371. Credit cannot be received for both ARG 371 and EH 371.
Cross-Listed: EH 371
ARG 390 Special Topics - 3 cr
Different figures, periods, or topics of significance in Argument will be studied as announced. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours. Requires Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing.
ARG 490 Special Topics - 3 cr
An investigation of issues and concepts in Argument for advanced undergraduate students. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.
ARG 492 Seminar 3 cr
ARG 494 Directed Studies- 1-3 cr
Directed research in Argument under the guidance of a member of the department. Credit according to the magnitude of the individual project. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of six hours. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and approval of directing professor and department chair.
Classics (CLA)
CLA 105 Encounter with the Humanities 3 cr
Introduction to the various disciplines within the humanities with emphasis on the role each plays in a liberal arts education. Identical with AIS 105. Credit cannot be received for both CLA 105 and AIS 105. Core Course.
Cross-Listed: AIS 105
CLA 110 Intro Anc Greek Roman Culture 3 cr
A survey of the history, literature, philosophy, religion, art architecture, sociology, and political institutions of the Greek and Roman world with readings in translation from major Greek and Latin authors.
CLA 290 Sp Top - 3 cr
Different figures, periods or topics of significance in Classics will be studied as announced. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours.
CLA 304 Ancient Greek Art Architecture 3 cr
Architecture, sculpture, and painting in Ancient Greece and the expansion and influence of Greek culture in the Ancient World.
Cross-Listed: ARH 304
CLA 306 Roman Art 3 cr
Roman Art: Architecture, sculpture, and painting in Ancient Rome and its empire.
Prerequisite: (ARH 103 Minimum Grade of C or CLA 103 Minimum Grade of C) or CLA 110 Minimum Grade of C
Cross-Listed: ARH 306
CLA 310 Classical Mythology 3 cr
Through the disciplines of English and Philosophy, this course will provide a introduction to myths and to the literature that recounts the myths and to the literature that recounts the myths, legends, and folktales of ancient Greece and Rome. This course will also look at how different writers treat the material and why their treatments vary. Cross-listed with PHL 310, REL 310, and EH 310. Credit cannot be received for both CLA 310 and either PHL 310 or REL 310 or EH 310.
CLA 311 Classical Political Thought 3 cr
CLA 390 Sp Top - 3 cr
Different figures, periods or topics of significance in Classics will be studied as announced. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours.
CLA 402 Rhetoric:Ancient and Modern 3 cr
Readings in rhetorical theory, ancient and modern, are applied in specific writing assignments which encourage students to adopt a point of view and address a specific audience.
CLA 454 Ancient Greek Culture 3 cr
Through the disciplines of History and Philosophy, ancient Greek culture, including its history, literature, philosophy, art and architecture will be examined.
CLA 455 Ancient Roman Culture 3 cr
Through the disciplines of History and Philosophy, ancient Roman culture, including its history, literature, philosophy, art and architecture will be examined.
CLA 492 Seminar - 3 cr
An in-depth investigation of figures, periods or topics in Classics for advanced undergraduates. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours.
CLA 494 Directed Studies 1-3 cr
Directed research in Classics under the guidance of a member of the department. Credit according to the magnitude of the individual project. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of three hours. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and approval of directing professor and department chair.
CLA 499 Honors Thesis -W 3-6 cr
Extended research paper prepared under the direction of thesis advisor plus two-person committee selected by advisor in consultation with student. Prerequisites: The student must have developed a proposal for the thesis in consultation with the advisor, and received permission for the work from the committee. In addition, the student must be a senior major or minor, have completed the common core, and have at least 3.3 GPA in the Classics concentration of the Philosophy major. Credit for this course is only given as an addition to the hours required for the major.
CLA 594 Directed Studies 3 cr
Directed research in philosophy under the guidance of a member of the department. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of six hours. Prerequisite: Graduate Student in Department conferring a Graduate Degree (hence not open to Philosophy majors in any Concentration in Philosophy.)
Philosophy (PHL)
PHL 110 Introduction to Philosophy 3 cr
An introduction to philosophical analysis and criticism through a survey of the major branches of philosophy. Topics may include, but are not limited to: the mind/body problem, theory of knowledge, skepticism, ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics, and philosophy of religion. Fulfills the General Education Requirement.
PHL 120 Critical Thinking 3 cr
This course will examine complex types of reasoning, including statistical judgment, decision making, and causal and analogical thinking. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of concrete examples of reasoning in various fields, including science, religion and theology, politics, law as well as alternative medicine and other non-traditional disciplines. Students will be encouraged to improve their own judgment and decision making by learning how to evaluate arguments and by learning about fallacies, common errors and biases in reasoning and decision making. There will also be extensive discussion on the relation between how people do reason and how they ought to reason. Fulfils the General Education Requirement.
Cross-Listed: ARG 120
PHL 121 Introduction to Logic 3 cr
Studies arguments: what they are, how to identify them, and how to judge their quality; and examines inductive and deductive arguments in both their informal and formal aspects. Fulfills the General Education Requirement. MA 110 or equivalent is recommended.
PHL 131 Introduction to Ethics 3 cr
Examines ideas about good and bad, right and wrong, and moral obligation through a survey of major ethical systems in western philosophy. The course includes consideration of how these ideas apply to moral problems and issues. Fulfills the General Education Requirement.
PHL 220 Medical Reasoning 3 cr
This course will examine complex types of reasoning, including statistical judgment, decision making and causal and analogical reasoning. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of concrete examples of reasoning in the medical field. Students will learn how to evaluate arguments, fallacies, common errors, and biases in medical reasoning and decision making.
PHL 231 Social Ethics 3 cr
Readings and analyses of ethical issues in society. Topics may include euthanasia, sexual equality, sexual morality, censorship, world hunger, animal rights, the environment, and capital punishment. Fulfills the General Education Requirement.
PHL 233 Phil of Love-Friendship - W 3 cr
Love and friendship are investigated by a philosophical analysis of concepts embraced by the terms. Examples of the concepts are drawn from common life, religion, history, and literature.
PHL 245 Renaissance-Enlightnmnt - W 3 cr
Survey of Western philosophy from F. Bacon to Kant with emphasis on the empiricists, rationalists, and Kant.
PHL 251 Philosophy and Cognitive Sci 3 cr
A survey of central concepts and issues in cognitive science, including an informal introduction to automata theory, intelligent systems architecture, and the philosophical issues arising out of computational models of language and cognition.
PHL 290 Special Topics - 1-3 cr
Different themes and issues of philosophical significance will be studied as announced. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours.
PHL 301 Skepticism in Media-Philosophy 3 cr
This course examines some of the most fundamental questions about human knowledge, belief and rationality and compares the treatment of such issues in philosophical discussions and contemporary media, especially film. Identical with CA 301. Credit cannot be received for both CA 301 and PHL 301.
Cross-Listed: CA 301
PHL 310 Classical Mythology 3 cr
Through the disciplines of English and Philosophy, this course will provide an introduction to myths and to the literature that recounts the myths, legends, and folktales of ancient Greece and Rome. This course will also look at how different writers treat the material and why their treatments vary. Credit cannot be received for both PHL 310 and either EH 310 or REL 310 or CLA 310.
PHL 311 Classical Political Thought 3 cr
PHL 312 Renaissance Political Thought 3 cr
The course examines central themes of Renaissance and modern Western political philosophy through the reading and discussing of the primary works of such thinkers as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. (Cross-listed as PSC 312)
Prerequisite: PSC 130 Minimum Grade of C
Cross-Listed: PSC 312
PHL 313 Modern Political Thought - W 3 cr
The course examines central themes of modern Western political philosophy through the reading and discussing of the primary works of such thinker as Hegel, Mill, Marx, and Nietzsche. (Cross-listed as PSC 313)
Prerequisite: PSC 130 Minimum Grade of C
Cross-Listed: PSC 313
PHL 321 Symbolic Logic 3 cr
A study of sentential and predicate logics and related topics.
Cross-Listed: ARG 321
PHL 327 Philosophy of Science 3 cr
Studies such topics as method and explanation in the sciences; the demarcation between science and pseudoscience; realist and anti-realist views about scientific theories; the logic of scientific change; confirmation; reduction; laws of nature; underdetermination; and society, science, values and also explores the intellectual, social and cultural history of science, mathematics and philosophy. This course is designed to meet needs of students in Philosophy, Biology, and Mathematics and students in pre-service education programs..
PHL 331 Constitutional Law 3 cr
PHL 333 Biomedical Ethics - W 3 cr
Ethical analyses of problems and issues in the biomedical and health-related fields. Topics may include genetic research and technology, abortion, health care, experimentation, and death and dying.
Cross-Listed: BLY 333
PHL 334 Man and Technology 3 cr
Examines the most common impacts that technology is envisioned to have on both the spirit of the human person and the environment in which that person lives. Both the technologist and anti-technologist arguments will be explored.
PHL 336 The Law and Legal Theory 3 cr
PHL 337 Liability and Punishment 3 cr
Explores theoretical issues and problems in the areas of law--especially criminal law --concerning liability and punishment. Topics to be examined include diminished capacity, theories of punishment, and capital punishment. (Cross-listed as PSC and CJ 337)
PHL 339 Philosophy of Culture 3 cr
Acquaints students with Cassirer's philosophy of culture, with emphasis on the unity of human experience as ramified into myth, language, religion, art, history, science, and politico-social life.
PHL 345 Post-Kant Anglo-American 3 cr
An examination of selected themes and issues in Anglo- American philosophy since 1800. Topics may include pragmatism, ideal language philosophy, and ordinary language philosophy.
PHL 348 19th C Contl Phl-Lit Theory 3 cr
An examination of selected themes and issues in 19th Century Continental Philosophy and Literary Theory. Topics may include Idealism, Romanticism, Existentialism, Marxism, Freudianism. Identical with EG 348 and LG 348. Credit cannot be received for both PHL 348 and either EH 348 or LG 348. (For LG credit, students will be required to do some coursework in their language of concentration.)
Cross-Listed: EH 348, LG 348
PHL 349 20th C Cntl Phl-Lit Theory 3 cr
An examination of selected themes and issues in 20th Century Continental Philosophy and Literary theory. Topics may include Phenomenology, Existentialism, Hermeneutics, Structuralism, and Post-Structuralism. Identical with EH 349. Credit cannot be received for both PHL 349 and either EH 349 or LG 349. (For LG credit, students will be required to do some coursework in their language of concentration.)
Cross-Listed: EH 349, LG 349
PHL 351 Philosophy of Religion - W 3 cr
PHL 352 World Religions 3 cr
This course is an introduction to the religions of the world. It is divided into three basic units: Indigenous Religions (of Africa, North America, and Oceania); Eastern Religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Jainism) and Western Religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). The emphasis is on grasping the core principles of each tradition, seeing the ways in which religion meets basic human needs, and religion as a cultural artifact that borrows, adapts, and changes over time. Course is identical with REL 352 and SY 352. Credit cannot be received for both PHL 352 and REL 352 or SY 352.
PHL 354 Philosophies of India 3 cr
Introduces the major religions and philosophies of India by way of the classical Realist/Anti-Realist debate in India. Study of the major religious doctrines of theistic and non-dualist Vedanta, Buddhism, and Jainism, and their philosophical articulation in the Nyaya, Advaita Vedanta, Madhyamaka, and other schools. Identical with REL 354. Credit cannot be received for both PHL 354 and REL 354.
PHL 355 Chinese Philosophy 3 cr
Introduces the major classical religious and philosophical systems of China by way of an examination of early Confucianism, Mohism, Yangism, Legalism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the role of these schools in the development of Chinese religion, morality, and political organization. Identical with REL 355. Credit cannot be received for both PHL 355 and REL 355.
PHL 361 Philosophy of Mind 3 cr
A study of the concept of consciousness and related concepts (e.g., mind, self, thinking) as applied to man, other animals, non-terrestrials, and machines.
PHL 390 Special Topics - 1-3 cr
Different figures or topics of philosophical significance will be studied as announced. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours.
PHL 418 American Political Thought-W 3 cr
This course examines the central themes, issues, and evolution of American political thought, including how we understand our role and responsibilities in contemporary democracy.(Cross-listed as PSC 418)
Cross-Listed: PSC 418
PHL 422 Literary Criticism Sn 1900 - W 3 cr
Modern and Contemporary Literary Theory. Identical with EH 422.
Cross-Listed: EH 422
PHL 431 Advanced Ethical Theory 3 cr
Problems in traditional and recent value theory and ethics.
PHL 441 Theory of Knowledge 3 cr
Examines knowledge, its scope and limits. Topics may include the conditions, criteria, and grounds for knowledge, and theories of truth and meaning.
PHL 461 Metaphysics - W 3 cr
Studies philosophical theories about the nature of reality, including such topics as what is real, change, the nature of things, universals, and such views as monism, materialism, realism, and idealism. Capstone course for all philosophy concentrations.
Prerequisite: (PHL 240 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C or CLA 240 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C or PHL 241 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C) and (PHL 243 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C or PHL 245 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C) and (PHL 321 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C or PHL 324 (may be taken concurrently) Minimum Grade of C)
PHL 490 Special Topics 3 cr
An investigation of issues and concepts in philosophy for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours. Prerequisites: junior, senior, or graduate standing.
PHL 492 Seminar - 1-3 cr
An investigation of issues and concepts in philosophy for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of 6 hours.
PHL 494 Directed Studies 1-3 cr
Directed research in philosophy under the guidance of a member of the department. Credit according to the magnitude of the individual project. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of 6 hours. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and approval of directing professor and department chair. Prerequisites: Junior, senior, or graduate standing.
PHL 499 Honors Thesis - H (W) 3-6 cr
Extended research paper prepared under direction of thesis advisor plus two-person committee selected by advisor in consultation with student. Prerequisites: The student must have developed a proposal for the thesis in consultation with the advisor, and received permission for the work from the committee. In addition, the student must be a senior major or minor, have completed the logic and history of philosophy requirements, have at least two courses at the 300-level or higher, and have at least a 3.3 GPA in the Philosophy Concentration of the Philosophy major. Credit for this course is only given as an addition to the hours required for the major.
PHL 590 Special Topics - 1-3 cr
Study of individuals or topics of philosophical significance. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Enrollment is limited to students in disciplines other than philosophy. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of 6 hours.
PHL 594 Directed Studies 3 cr
Directed research in philosophy under the guidance of a member of the department. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of six hours. Prerequisite: Graduate Student in Department conferring a Graduate Degree (hence not open to Philosophy majors in any Concentration in Philosophy).
Religion (REL)
REL 100 Intro to the Study of Religion 3 cr
As a general introduction to the academic study of religion, REL 100 examines the function of religion in relation to human beliefs, social practices, and culture in general. The course surveys a broad number of important debates in the history of religious studies, such as the definition of religion, the insider/outsider problem, theories on the origins of religion, the comparison of religions, religion's psychological, sociological, and political functions, and the manner in which human communities authorize systems of behavior.
REL 200 Old Testament/Hebrew Bible 3 cr
An introduction or survey of the literature and social world of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. As a way of further illuminating these materials, attention will also be given to the history and religion of Israel as well as the other peoples of the ancient Near East. Fulfills the General Education Requirement.
REL 201 Survey of the New Testament 3 cr
This course is an introductory survey of the New Testament, including the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, apostolic history, related Greco-Roman history and archeology, principal critical issues, and the unity and diversity of New Testament theology. Fulfils the General Education Requirement.
REL 290 Special Topics - 3 cr
Different themes and issues of significance in religion will be studied as announced.
REL 310 Classical Mythology 3 cr
Through the disciplines of English and Philosophy, this course will provide an introduction to myths and to the literature that recounts the myths, legends, and folktales of ancient Greece and Rome. This course will also look at how different writers treat the material and why their treatments vary. Cross-listed with EH 310, PHL 310 and CLA 310. Credit cannot be received for both REL 310 and either EH 310 or PHL 310 or CLA 310.
REL 331 History of England to 1603 3 cr
The history of England from the Roman occupation to the Age of Tudors. Identical with HY 331. Credit cannot be received for both REL 331 and HY 331.
Cross-Listed: HY 331
REL 343 Witchcraft and Magic 3 cr
The history of beliefs and practices concerning witches, magic, and witch-hunting in Medieval and Early Modern Europe. Identical with HY 343. Credit cannot be received for both REL 343 and HY 343.
Cross-Listed: HY 343
REL 352 World Religions 3 cr
This course is an introduction to the religions of the world. It is divided into three basic units: Indigenous Religions (of Africa, North America, and Oceania); Eastern Religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Jainism) and Western Religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). The emphasis is on grasping the core principles of each tradition, seeing the ways in which religion meets basic human needs, and religion as a cultural artifact that borrows, adapts, and changes over time. Course is identical with PHL 352 and SY 352. Credit cannot be received for both REL 352 and PHL 352 or SY 352.
REL 353 Reformation Europe 1300-1520 3 cr
The role of religious change in the 16th and 17th centuries. Identical with HY 353. Credit cannot be received for both REL 353 and HY 353.
Cross-Listed: HY 353
REL 354 Philosophies of India 3 cr
Introduces the major religions and philosophies of India by way of the classical Realist/Antirealist debate in India. Study of the major religious doctrines of theistic and non-dualist Vedanta, Buddhism, and Jainism, and their philosophical articulation in the Nyaya, Advaita Vedanta, Madhyamaka, and other schools. Identical with PHL 354. Credit cannot be received for both REL 354 and PHL 354.
Cross-Listed: PHL 354
REL 355 Chinese Philosophy 3 cr
Introduces the major classical religious and philosophical systems of China by way of an examination of early Confucianism, Mohism, Yangism, Legalism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the role of these schools in the development of Chinese religion, morality, and political organization. Identical PHL 355. Credit cannot be received for both REL 355 and PHL 355.
Cross-Listed: PHL 355
REL 373 Religion in American History 3 cr
Examines the role of religion in United States history from the colonial era to the present. Identical with HY 373. Credit cannot be received for both REL 373 and HY 373.
Cross-Listed: HY 373
REL 390 Special Topics - 3 cr
Different figures or topics of significance in religion will be studied as announced. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours.
REL 420 Sociology of Religions 3 cr
An analysis of religion as a social institution with emphasis on modern western societies. Topics include the functions of religion for society and individuals, changing patterns of religious belief and practice and the relationship between religion and other social institutions. Identical with SY 420. Credit cannot be received for both REL 420 and SY 420.
Prerequisite: SY 109 Minimum Grade of C
REL 492 Seminar - 3 cr
An investigation of issues and concepts in religion for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours.
REL 494 Directed Studies - 1-3 cr
Directed research in religion under the guidance of a member of the department. Credit according to the magnitude of the individual project. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of three hours. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and approval of directing professor and department chair.
REL 499 Honors Thesis - H - W 3-6 cr
Extended research paper prepared under the direction of thesis advisor plus two-person committee selected by advisor in consultation with student. Prerequisites: The student must have developed a proposal for the thesis in consultation with the advisor, and received permission for the work from the committee. In addition, the student must be a senior major or minor, have completed the Common Core, and have at least a 3.3 GPA in the Religion Concentration of the Philosophy major. Credit for this course is only given as an addition to the hours required for the major.
REL 594 Directed Studies 3 cr
Directed research in philosophy under the guidance of a member of the department. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of six hours. Prerequisite: Graduate Student in Department conferring a Graduate Degree (hence not open to Philosophy majors in any Concentration in Philosophy.)
Faculty
| Faculty Name | Faculty Department | Faculty Position | Degrees Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker, Samuel H | Philosophy | Associate Professor | BA, Yale University MPHIL, University of Cambridge UK PHD, Princeton University |
| Hillman, Timothy A. | Philosophy | Associate Professor | BA, Millsaps College MA, University of Mississippi PHD, Purdue University-Main Campus |
| Loomis, Eric J. | Philosophy | Associate Professor | BA, University of Wyoming PHD, University of Texas- Austin |
| Meeker, Kevin M. | Philosophy | Professor | BA, Wheaton College MA, University of Notre Dame PHD, University of Notre Dame |
| Whalen, Alexander Crutchfield | Philosophy | Part-Time Instructor | BA, University of South Alabama PHD, Univ of Edinburgh |