Philosophy & Religious Studies Department

 

 

PH 102 Exploring Philosophy. An examination of major philosophical issues as they are discussed by leading classical and contemporary thinkers in the Western tradition. Offered fall and spring semesters.

 

PH 202 Medical Ethics. An in-depth examination of some major moral issues arising out of or associated with the practice of medicine, such as abortion, euthanasia, human experimentation, behavior control, the justice of the distribution of health care, etc. The focus will be on acquiring a sophisticated grasp of the complexities of the problems, understanding the logic of the opposed positions, and coming to a critical appreciation of their weaknesses and strengths. Offered spring semester. of odd-numbered years.

 

PH 209 Ancient Philosophy. Examines the major figures and movements in Greek philosophical thought, especially Plato and Aristotle. Topics may include power, justice, love, morality, immortality, law, the nature of reality, the nature of the soul, belief and knowledge, and the dialectical relation between authority and freedom. Offered as required.

 

PH 211 Modern Philosophy. This course examines the major figures and movements in philosophy in Europe from the seventeenth to the early nineteenth century. Philosophers studied include Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant. Offered as required.

PH 302 Philosophy and Psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis remains one of a very few perspectives on human reality which continues to exert a major theoretical and practical influence around the world. This course examines a variety of topics and controversies introduced by Freud, his followers and his critics such as: the doctrine of unconscious mind, the object of desire (sexuality, aggression, love), the meaning of relationship, the extent of freedom, dreams and fantasy; narcissism; and madness, as well as issues pertaining to the nature of science and the foundations of psychology. (Cross-listed w/ Psychology 382.) Offered as required.

 

 

 

RE 103(I) Religions of the West. An introduction to the major religions of the Western world. The beliefs and practices of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will receive primary attention. Particular attention will be paid to similarities and differences among these three faiths. Offered as needed.

RE 105(I) Religions of the East. An introduction to the major religions of Asia with particular attention to those traditions which have attracted attention in the West. Certain distinctions between Eastern and Western culture are suggested. Offered fall and spring semesters.

 

 RE 120 Introduction to the Bible. An introduction to the literature, history, and religious thought of the Bible and its interpretation. Study focuses on the origins of Judaism and Christianity, their institutions, beliefs, and major personalities as contained in the Jewish/Christian Bible. Offered fall and spring semesters.

RE 209 Is Religion "Man-made?" Are religious "truths" divinely given or are they created by human beings. We will unravel this issue by approaching the question from various perspectives. We will consider, for example, the psychological approach of Freud as well as the anthropological approach of Malinowski. We will also consider the manner in which Christian beliefs are conditioned, even determined, by historical and political circumstances. The creative use of religious symbolism may be illustrated through an examination of various novels and movies. (Cross-listed as Psychology 209.) Offered either fall or spring semester.

RE 222 Jesus and the Gospels.  An introduction to the first-century figure, Jesus of Nazareth, and the New Testament books known as the Gospels. This course proceeds through three stages of inquiry: (1) an introduction to the diverse religions and culture of the first-century Mediterranean world, (2) the critical interpretation of the Gospels in the life of the early church, and (3) the reconstruction of the portrait of Jesus. .

 

RE 291 Special Topics in Religious Studies. Discussion of one or more areas of current research in religious studies not covered in other courses offered by the department. Content varies with interests of students and departmental faculty and is specified in an announcement when the course is offered. Offered periodically.