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2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Philosophy |
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PHL 220 Principles of Scientific Reasoning Fall Semester
This course studies the nature, methods, and principles of scientific inquiry with an emphasis on patterns of reasoning that are employed in the sciences. Such patterns include inferring claims about populations based on samples, inferring to the cause of a particular event or pattern of events, and inferring that a particular explanation of some phenomena is true. In addition, the course will investigate what makes ‘scientific reasoning’ scientific rather than non scientific, along with foundational questions concerning the nature of scientific evidence, the legitimacy of inductive reasoning, and the limitations of science for increasing knowledge.
3 credit hours
Satisfies Foundations - Quantitative Fluency for “Generation Next”
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PHL 221 Introduction to Philosophy
This course provides an examination of the fundamental problems of philosophy, including a brief survey of the different philosophical schools of thought of historical importance and contemporary influence.
3 credit hours
Satisfies Disciplinary Perspectives - Humanities for “Generation Next”
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PHL 222 Critical Thinking
This course is aimed at providing students with the analytical and evaluative skills necessary for clear and critical thinking. Such skills will enable students to distinguish good reasoning from poor reasoning and therefore enable students to further their intellectual development and ability to achieve success in their college studies.
3 credit hours
Satisfies Foundations - Quantitative Fluency for “Generation Next”
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PHL 223 Contemporary Moral Problems
This course attempts to apply philosophy to the problems and issues of contemporary life, such as moral issues (attitudes toward sex, abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality), and political questions (equality of women, reverse discrimination, civil disobedience, conflicts between control and freedom).
3 credit hours
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PHL 224 Being Human
This course involves an examination of philosophical and scientific theories of human nature as they have arisen in the history of philosophy paying special attention to the philosophical implications of recent scientific theories such as sociobiology and artificial intelligence.
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellation - Diversity and Science and Technology for “Generation Next”
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PHL 225 Philosophy of Medicine
In this course, students will investigate fascinating issues connected to medicine. Physicians prescribe medicine because using it is expected to improve a patient’s well-being. Beneath this very simple description of a common practice are a number of assumptions that should be investigated. Among them: the nature of sickness and well-being, the evidence used to determine that particular medicine is both safe and effective, the reality of psychological illness, the ethical implications of certain medical treatments, and the rationality of trusting experts from a patient’s point of view. Students in this course will develop their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills by engaging in a philosophical investigation of medicine.
3 credit hours
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PHL 231 Logic
This course provides an examination of the basic concepts of deductive reasoning, the goal of which is to develop a system of methods and principles that can be used to evaluate arguments and as a guide in constructing arguments.
3 credit hours
Satisfies Foundations - Quantitative Fluency for “Generation Next”
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PHL 238 Race, Gender, and Sexuality
This course serves as an interdisciplinary introduction to theories of race, gender, and sexual identity, their themes, methodologies, and issues. Possible topics include gender and sex roles; racism, sexism, and hetero-sexism; concepts of beauty; racial and sexual stereotypes; social issues such as affirmative action, violence, racial and sexual harassment, and pornography. This course is cross-listed as WGS 238 .
3 credit hours
Satisfies Disciplinary Perspectives - Humanities for “Generation Next”
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PHL 240 Environmental Ethics
Environmental Ethics is the study of our relationship with the various systems of Earth and our obligations to take actions which sustain those systems. The course draws on philosophical, literary, and scientific literature in order to understand how to fulfill our obligations. Possible topics include the examination of foundational texts of environmentalism, energy and resource usage, animal rights, vegatarianism, and eco-terrorism.
3 credit hours
Satsifies Constellation - Environmental Sustainability for “Generation Next”
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PHL 245 American Philosophical Thought Spring
American Philosophy is a course in the history of Western philosophy dealing primarily with American philosophers from the 1600’s to the present day. It is a survey course and many figures and ideas in the history of American philosophy are included. The issues that American philosophy raises are important to understanding what kind of nation America is, how we are influences to think and act as Americans, and how our present is profoundly shaped by our past.
3 credit hours
Satisfies Foundations - American Citizenship for “Generation Next”
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PHL 250 The Problem of God
The Problem of God examines the theological and philosophical ways in which God or the divine is constructed and/or thought in Western and Eastern religious traditions. The course presents God as a conceptual, moral, and existential problem for and within human understanding. Topics could include but not be limited to the following: God and the problem of evil, conceptualizing God, proving God’s existence through philosophy, belief versus reason, the philosophical and theological possibilities for thinking about God, and science and God, i.e. Is there a “God particle?”
3 credit hours
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PHL 255 Business Ethics Fall-Spring Semesters
Business Ethics is the study of how Western business practices are understood in a moral sense. As such it approaches theoretical and practical questions about moral behavior in the business field. The course emphasizes the ethical traditions which are most relevant to business practice, including the introduction of ethical theories unique to business. These approaches are utilized in a series of analyses of the day-to-day conduct of business affairs. Much of the study of the practical application is done through the use of case studies. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
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PHL 260-269 Special Topics in Key Ideas in Philosophy Fall and Spring Semesters
This course traces the development of a single key idea through at least several different periods of historical thought, analyzing how key ideas have shaped philosophical thought, how they evolve and change relative to their historical contexts, and their continued contemporary relevance. The course may consider ideas such as knowledge, God, beauty, will, liberty, or power. Emphasis is on developing the critical reading and thinking skills for dealing with philosophical texts and understanding the methodological skills for tracing ideas through distinct historical periods. Students may repeat the course as the key idea changes.
3 credit hours
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PHL 321 Philosophy and Knowledge
Philosophy and Knowledge examines the nature, sources, scope, and validity of knowledge. Issues addressed may include how knowledge is acquired, whether we can know anything for sure, the nature of truth, and the relation of knowledge to social and cultural forces. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellations - Media and Popular Culture and Science and Technology for “Generation Next”
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PHL 331 Philosophy and Reality
This course is concerned with questions about the ultimate nature of reality and seeks basic criteria for determining what sorts of things are real. Topics addressed may include the mind-body problem, the freedom of the will, personal identity, the existence of God, and the nature of space and time. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellation - Media and Popular Culture for “Generation Next”
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PHL 341 Ethics
This course develops the study of the notions of right and wrong and the good, according to ethical theories and practical application. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellation - Diversity and Leadership and Professional Development for “Generation Next”
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PHL 342 Professional Ethics
This course introduces students to important ethical issues in workplaces. In this course students will encounter possible workplace problems, analyze them through the lens of ethical theories, and develop approaches to coping with ethical conflict. Following a brief overview of moral theories, this course may focus on, among other topics, cheating in the workplace, favoritism, harassment, discrimination, fair compensation, hiring practices, and whistle blowing. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellation - Leadership and Professional Development for “Generation Next”
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PHL 343 Ethical Issues in Peace and Conflict
This course focuses on the study of central concerns related to war and peace from an ethical perspective. The course will deal with ethical principles regarding war, and consider such issues as human rights, the causes of violence, ecological disorders, population problems and distribution of global resources, from an ethical standpoint. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellations - Globalization and Peace & Conflict for “Generation Next”
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PHL 346 Bioethics
This course introduces students to important ethical issues pertaining to the healthcare professions. Following a brief overview of moral theories, this course may focus on, among other topics, patient doctor relations, end-of-life issues, cloning and biotechnology, health care, and social justice. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellation - Health and Wellness for “Generation Next”
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PHL 347 Philosophy of Law
This course explores such topics as what law is, what kinds of laws there are, how law is or should be related to morality, what sorts of principles should govern punishment, and criminal justice in general. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellations - Globalization and Peace & Conflict for “Generation Next”
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PHL 351 Philosophy and the Arts
This course provides an introduction to theories of art, including the analysis of aesthetic experience, expression, creation, and structure. The social role of art and function of aesthetic criticism will be considered. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellations - Creativity and The Arts and Media and Popular Culture for “Generation Next”
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PHL 361 Philosophy Today
This course will introduce students to a study of various contemporary philosophical movements, figures, and trends. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the philosophical, social, and historical backgrounds, the influence, and the importance of these movements for contemporary issues. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
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PHL 369 Modern Political Thought
This course is a study of selected writings and texts in political theory from Machiavelli to the present. Topics to be discussed include the modern understanding of power, social contract theory, the turn to history, and the contemporary philosophic situation. Emphasis will be on careful reading of primary sources. This course is cross-listed as PS 369 .
3 credit hours
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PHL 380 Women, Gender, and Philosophy
This course offers an advanced survey of recent developments in feminist philosophy, focusing on the unique nature of “theory” in feminist thought and on intersections between feminist philosophy and other developing disciplines within feminism. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellations - Children and the Family and Diversity for “Generation Next”
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PHL 381-389 Special Topics in Philosophy
These courses involve the thorough study of a single major philosophical movement (like Pragmatism), philosophical figure (such as Plato or Nietzsche), or topic in philosophy (such as philosophy of law or science). The specific theme of these courses changes from semester to semester and may be suggested by either faculty or student interest. Past topics covered include feminist thought, computers and modern thought, and religion and science. These courses may be repeated for different topics. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
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PHL 383 Philosophy of Religion
In this course, students will learn the various critical approaches philosophers have taken to central religious ideas. Topics will include, among others, faith versus reason, divine attributes, proofs for the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the nature of religious experience. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellation - Diversity for “Generation Next”
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PHL 390 Philosophy of Technology
Philosophy of technology is a critical, reflective examination of the nature of technology as well as the effects and transformation of technologies on human knowledge, activities, societies, and environments. The aim of this course is to understand, evaluate, and criticize the ways in which technology reflect as well as change human life individually, socially, and politically. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellation - Science & Technology for “Generation Next”
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PHL 394 Civic Humanities
Civic Humanities will examine and explore the ways that the humanities help us to engage and transform social and cultural conditions. Politicians, pundits, scholars, and nearly everyone else with a blog today have been asking the questions, what is the value of the humanities? Those who advocate for humanities education see it as an essential part of being a well-rounded person. In addition to this traditional defense of humanities education, we find many scholars arguing for the value of the humanities to society. Combined with the arts, the humanities contributes to our ability as members of a community to shape our social and cultural lives. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
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PHL 395 Philosophy and Film
This course will consider the manner in which film can raise and explore philosophical issues and the manner in which philosophers bring their insights to the analysis of film. It aims to examine and critically evaluate various philosophical themes and problems by means of the visual medium of film. These themes can include such perennial philosophical subjects as reality and appearance, good and evil, and knowledge and skepticism. An additional aim of this course is to examine the nature of film from a philosophical perspective, raising such issues as film’s status as an art form, film as a source of knowledge, and whether philosophy can take the form of, or be articulated through, film. Prerequisite: FCO 105
3 credit hours
Satisfies Constellations - Creativity & The Arts and Media and Popular Culture for “Generation Next”
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PHL 450 Philosophy Internship
The purpose of an internship is to provide students with practical training and supervised work experience in appropriate firms or organizations. Internships are designed to give students an opportunity to make use of the practical aspects of their classroom knowledge, to complement and extend their classroom experiences, and to develop their understanding and confidence through a work-related experience. Responsibilities will vary according to placement as determined by the work supervisors of the sponsoring agency and faculty coordinator. Prerequisite: Students are required to spend a minimum of 120 hours work on site. Students must have earned 60 or more credits and a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application.
3 credit hours
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PHL 451 Philosophy Internship
The purpose of an internship is to provide students with practical training and supervised work experience in appropriate firms or organizations. Internships are designed to give students an opportunity to make use of the practical aspects of their classroom knowledge, to complement and extend their classroom experiences, and to develop their understanding and confidence through a work-related experience. Responsibilities will vary according to placement as determined by the work supervisors of the sponsoring agency and faculty coordinator. Prerequisite: Students are required to spend a minimum of 120 hours work on site. Students must have earned 60 or more credits and a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application.
3 credit hours
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PHL 498 Independent Study
These courses provide an opportunity for the student who wishes to undertake a well-defined research project in an area of philosophy. While the student conducts work under the guidance of a faculty member of his or her own choosing, the project is carried out in an independent manner without regular class meetings. Effective independent study is characterized by a reduction in formal instruction and an increase in the individual student’s responsibility and initiative in the learning process. Prerequisite: FCO 105 Students must have earned 60 or more credits and a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application.
1-3 credit hours
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PHL 499 Independent Study
These courses provide an opportunity for the student who wishes to undertake a well-defined research project in an area of philosophy. While the student conducts work under the guidance of a faculty member of his or her own choosing, the project is carried out in an independent manner without regular class meetings. Effective independent study is characterized by a reduction in formal instruction and an increase in the individual student’s responsibility and initiative in the learning process. Prerequisite: FCO 105 Students must have earned 60 or more credits and a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application.
1-3 credit hours
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