The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies encompasses two disciplines that share a commitment to pursuing the fundamental questions of human existence and to examining the various ways in which the traditions of philosophy and religion have answered these questions.
The philosophy program is designed to encourage students to think creatively and critically, to analyze important texts and issues in the history of philosophy, and to bring challenges and contemporary perspectives to that tradition. The term “philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom,” and courses in philosophy range from considerations of how we should live to the nature of human knowing.
The academic study of religion is an exciting approach to a liberal arts education. It is inherently interdisciplinary—drawing upon the insights of history, sociology, politics, philosophy, and literature, among others. The program is designed to provide opportunities for students to approach religious traditions in a variety of ways—including an exploration of rituals, beliefs, theology, ethics, communal worship, etc. With courses in the study of the Bible and the history of Christian thought, the major gives students a solid grounding in Christian traditions. The program is further designed to expose students to the rich history and variety of the world’s religious traditions.
Required Courses for the Philosophy Major (9-9.25 courses):
PHIL 201 Logic
PHIL/RELG 207 Ethics
Two of the following three courses from the history sequence:
PHIL 205 Classical and Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 307 Modern Philosophy
PHIL 311 Contemporary Philosophy
Four elective courses in Philosophy.
One of three Senior Capstone Options, each of which culminates in a presentation of the student’s work:
1. Senior Thesis (Phil 450 and Phil 452)
2. Senior Project (Phil 452 and, in most cases, Phil 450)
3. An additional elective in philosophy supplemented with independent research (Phil 450)
Required Courses for the Religious Studies Major
(9-9.25 courses):
The following two courses (or other designated courses) in sacred scripture:
RELG 101 Introduction to the Old Testament
RELG 108
Introduction to the New Testament
The following two courses (or other designated courses) in beliefs and practices:
RELG 210 Judaism and Islam
RELG 300
Philosophy and Religions of Asia
Two of the following courses (or other designated courses) in theology/philosophy:
RELG 200 Topics in the History of Christian Thought
RELG 207
Ethics: Philosophical and Religious
RELG 213
Philosophy of Religion
Two elective courses in Religious Studies.
One of three Senior Capstone Options, each of which culminates in a public presentation of the student’s work:
1. Senior Thesis (RELG 450 and RELG 452)
2. Senior Project (RELG 452 and, in most cases RELG 450)
3. An additional elective in religious studies supplemented with independent research
(RELG 450)
Required Courses for the Philosophy Minor (5 courses):
Two courses from the history sequence. Three elective courses in Philosophy.
Required Courses for the Religious Studies Minor (5 courses):
RELG 200 Topics in the History of Christian Thought
One of the following courses:
RELG 101 Introduction to Old Testament
RELG 108
Introduction to New Testament
One course in cross-cultural materials, such as RELG 300 Philosophy and Religions of Asia.
Two elective courses in Religious Studies.
Required Courses for the Philosophy and Religious Studies Minor (5 courses):
The joint minor consists of five elective courses, with at least two courses in each discipline, and at least one course above the 200 level. The set of five courses must be approved by the department chair when the minor is declared. The minor is not available to Philosophy or Religious Studies majors and acts as an alternative to both majors and both minors.