Course Descriptions

This course helps students understand the world better by studying significant interpretations of self, the world, and God—the major concerns of philosophy that have been offered by thinkers, past and present. Meets the General Studies core requirement in Heritage and Institutions (Philosophy)

This course helps students understand the world better by studying significant interpretations of self, the world, and God that have been offered by thinkers, past and present – the major concerns of philosophy.

Meets the general studies core requirement in Heritage and Institutions (Philosophy).

Students study the principles of logic with some attention to semantics and the philosophy of language. They are encouraged to use logic as an aid in evaluating arguments offered in books and periodicals and to test the validity and clarity of their own reasoning.

This course defines logic as the skill of assessing arguments. The course assists students to recognize arguments in both academic and nonacademic forms, increasing confidence in their ability to form a structure of techniques and values to be used as a basis for critiquing others’ arguments and creating their own.

Students explore the development of philosophy from its early beginnings in Greece to the early thought of Augustine. Special attention is given to the Socratic, Platonic, and Aristotelian contributions to the field. Prerequisite: PHIL 220 or department permission

This course helps students understand the importance of the medieval era and its contributions to the historical development of philosophy. Thinkers considered in this class include the late Augustine, Averroes, Avicenna, Maimonides, Anselm, Bonaventure, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and Ockham. Topics considered include the relationship of theology to philosophy, the divine attributes, ontology, and ethics. Prerequisite: PHIL 220 or department permission

This course covers the development of philosophy from the Renaissance through the 18^th century. Prerequisites(s): PHIL 220 or department permission

This course offers a study of the significant philosophical movements and figures from late modernity to the turn of the 21^th century. Prerequisite: PHIL 220 or department permission

The basic principles of ethical conduct are examined as applied to personal and social problems. The chief theories of the “good life” are investigated, with special attention given to the principles underlying a consistent ethical outlook on life. Prerequisite: PHIL 220 or HUM 224

This course explores the significant questions concerning human nature. Special emphasis is placed on philosophical, psychological, and sociological theories of the uniqueness of human activity. Meets the General Studies Upper-division Writing Intensive requirement and the core requirement in Identity and Relationships.

This course embraces a study of the great religious systems of the world, including the worship of the most primitive groups, as well as the religions of ancient Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia, and Rome. It reviews the various religions of the present world, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism, and Christianity.

Religious experience is studied from the standpoint of philosophy. An examination is made of the contributions of philosophy to religion and religion to philosophy.

The course explores the nature of scientific method and knowledge and the character of scientific explanations. Ways in which ethics and religion interrelate with the sciences are also covered. Meets the general studies elective. Prerequisites: one lab science course and PHIL 220

This course exposes advancing philosophy students to the major problems in the theory of knowledge. While some historical background is covered, the principle focus is on the contours of the contemporary debates about such issues as skepticism, epistemic justification, foundationalism, coherentism, internalism, and externalism. Some application is made specifically to the epistemology of religious beief. Prerequisite: 220 or department permission

This course is an introduction to metaphysics that gives students a broad perspective of contemporary issues of interest concerning what exists and its nature. This involves classroom discussion of readings from the introductory text and primary source material. Prerequisite: PHIL 220

Students are assisted in relating philosophical insights to current moral, political, religious, and social issues. Each seminar offers an area of emphasis for study, such as values or the future. May be repeated for credit with department approval.

PHIL 496 Senior Seminar: Social Ethics (3)

This course considers ethical issues in the modern world from a Christian perspective. Included is an examination of options in ethical theory, biblical ethics, and professional responsibility. Meets the general studies senior seminar requirement. Prerequisites: senior standing; completion of the majority of the units required for God's Word and the Christian Response; completion of the majority of coursework in the major; and Upper-division Writing Intensive course

PHIL 496 Senior Seminar: Professional Ethics (3)

This course offers the student philosophical and theological resources to assist in carrying out ethical reflection about the role of professions and the actions of professionals in society. Meets the General Studies Senior Seminar requirement.

Prerequisites: A student intending to register for Senior Seminar must meet the following prerequisites.

1. Completion of a minimum of 90 units
2. Completion of the Upper-division Writing Intensive requirement
3. Completion of God’s Word and the Christian Response units, according to the following:

• For students transferring in 0–27 units: 9 units of God’s Word and the Christian Response
• For students transferring in 28–59 units: 6 units of God’s Word and the Christian Response
• For students transferring in 60 or more units: 3 units of God’s Word and the Christian Response

PHIL 496 Senior Seminar: Worldviews (3)

This senior-level course prepares the student to understand and express a Christian perspective in the contemporary world. Meets the General Studies Senior Seminar requirement. Prerequisites: senior standing, completion of the majority of the units required for God’s Word and the Christian Response, completion of the majority of coursework in the major, and an Upper-division Writing Intensive course

 

This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between and designed by a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. May be repeated for credit. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.

This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. The 1-unit expectation encompasses no less than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing