3000 Level Philosophy Course Descriptions

HUMANITY 3300
Introduction to Philosophy
Students are familiarized with basic philosophical skills: clear reasoning, examination of the soundness and validity of arguments, and development of consistent positions on certain philosophical issues. The course may be organized historically by studying the thought of major philosophers, beginning with Plato, and ending with the modern era (examples of figures studied: Plato, Aquinas, Descartes, Locke, and Nietzche); thematically (studying major themes in philosophy such as free will and determinism, the existence of God, and the mind-body problem); or by school of thought (studying major trends in philosophy such as pragmatism, analytical philosophy, Marxism, existentialism, and phenomenology). Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.

HUMANITY 3305
Introduction to Asian Philosophies
This courses serves as a basic introduction to the major philosophical traditions of Asia, specifically South and East Asia. Reading consist mainly of primary sources from the Hindu Jahi, Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist traditions, but also include secondary introductory materials in order to familiarize the student with the cultural and historical contexts from which the primary texts emerge. In addition to the historical development of each of the major Asian philosophical traditions in their places of origin, topics covered in this course include the relevance of these traditions to issues of more universal concern, such as the relationship between reason and faith, mind and matter, the individual and society, ethics and metaphysics, and conceptions of the afterlife. The aim of the course is to develop both a critical and appreciative understanding of Asian philosophical traditions on the part of the students, and an awareness of the diverse forms that the philosophical quest has taken beyond the boundaries of European and American traditions of thought. Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.

HUMANITY 3310
Great Thinkers
An introduction to the work of one or two thinkers whose thought has played a major role in shaping the contemporary intellectual world. Original sources are presented in the light of current philosophical and aesthetic debates. Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.

HUMANITY 3315
Ethics
This course examines classical ethical theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarian ethics, and deontological ethics, either as advocated by contemporary philosophers (MacIntyre, Anscombe, Ross, Hare, Moore, Rawls, and Habermas), or as advocated by historical philosophers (Plato, Aristotle, Mill, Kant, and Hume). Other ethical theories, such as the feminist ethics of care, may also be covered. Contemporary ethical issues such as euthanasia, abortion, the environment, the treatment of animals, affirmative action, and sexual harassment may also be examined. Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.

HUMANITY 3320
Existentialism
An introduction to some of the basic themes of existentialist thought from Kierkegaard to Sartre. Topics to be discussed include the relation of the individual to mass society, conformism, nihilism, the death of God, and the priority of existence over essence, anguish, responsibility, and freedom of choice. Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.

HUMANITY 3330
Topics in Philosophy
A detailed philosophical investigation of a few topics of special contemporary interest. Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.

HUMANITY 3340
Philosophy of Art
An introduction to such topics as art and beauty, aesthetic judgement, aesthetic value, and interpretation. The course focuses on particular thinkers, historical periods, or problems such as the relationship between art and scientific inquiry. Readings from contemporary and historical texts are included. Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.

Humanities 3350
Political Philosophy
This course examines both the explanation and justification of central concepts and ideas in political thought. These include, but are not confined to, nature and scope of political (governmental) authority in its various forms (e.g., democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship), social contract theories, citizenship, nationalism, cultural pluralism, political obligations, civil disobedience, revolutions, and terrorism. Readings range from historical to contemporary sources.

HUMANITY 3352
Philosophy of Religion
The nature of various religious experiences and beliefs are studied. Topics to be discussed include arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, revelation, faith, miracles, mysticism, and religious language. Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.

HUMANITY 3365
Philosophy and Literature
Literary works are taken as a starting point for discussion of a range of philosophical problems. The course may focus on works of a particular philosophical orientation (for example, existentialist literature from Dostoevsky to Kundera) or a particular genre (for example, tragedy). Prerequisite: First Year English requirement.