Nov 08, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2020-2022 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2020-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy & Religion, B.A.


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HEGIS Number: 1599

Curriculum Code: U1065

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Religion


Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credits, including required Liberal Education Curriculum courses, major requirements (40 credits), and general College electives. No more than one course with a D grade will be accepted toward requirements for the major.

The Philosophy and Religion degree gives students grounding in the traditional issues, content, and methods of these disciplines while emphasizing a broad global perspective. At the introductory level students take courses in disciplinary foundations and methods, as well as general surveys in the disciplines. The major then requires the study of philosophy and religion within specific cultural contexts with opportunities for students to engage with Western, Islamic, African and Asian systems of thought and value.

Given the common ethical and normative concerns of the two disciplines, students take an ethics course that has both an applied and a multicultural perspective. Upper division electives allow students to do in-depth and specialized work on issues and topics of their choosing, with a disciplinary focus. Students with a particular interest in some area of applied ethics, such as the environment, issues of race and gender, health, and social policy, may choose elective courses from outside the major in consultation with an advisor. Pre-law students should also consult with an advisor in choosing their electives.

Successful completion of the degree will give students an understanding of the role of philosophical principles and religious systems in current ethical and political debates, as well as an understanding of the existential issues common to all humankind. The courses enhance critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to make independent and informed ethical judgments. The Philosophy and Religion major is excellent preparation for many career paths and is especially recommended for students preparing for law school.

Liberal Education Curriculum


Refer to the Liberal Education Curriculum Bulletin for specific requirements.

Major Requirements Total: 40 Credits


1. Disciplinary Perspectives/Surveys (Choose Two)


2. Disciplinary Methods (Choose One)


4. HI 3752 Ethics (Required)


5. Electives (Choose Three from One of the Following clusters)


6. Senior Research Project


A capping requirement for Philosophy and Religion majors involving a substantial research project that can be fulfilled in one of the following ways:

  1. The student may enroll in HI 5910  at the same time as another upper-division Philosophy and Religion course and do the research project in conjunction with the course;
  2. The student may enroll in HI 5910  and do the research project as a “stand-alone” undertaking in consultation with an adviser.

Senior standing and permission of the course instructor (for Option 1) or project adviser (for Option 2) required.

General Electives


In consultation with Academic Advisor

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