Department of Philosophy and Religion

Chair
Matthew Drever, Religion

Professors
F. Russell Hittinger, Religion
Jacob Howland, Philosophy

Associate Professors
Matthew Drever, Religion
Michel Futch, Philosophy
Stephen Gardner, Philosophy

Affiliated Faculty
Denise Dutton

For more information about degree offerings by the faculty of philosophy and religion, visit the Department of Philosophy and Religion webpage.

The Department of Philosophy and Religion offers programs of study in two separate disciplines, philosophy and religion. Students may pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree in either philosophy or religion . Students who elect a double major in philosophy and religion should note that PHIL 1453 /REL 1453 and PHIL 2453 /REL 2453 count for credit in both majors.

Learning Objectives

Students will develop an understanding of how great thinkers and ideas in philosophy and religion, with an emphasis on philosophical traditions, have shaped our culture.
Students will develop analytic and interpretive reading skills by reading texts in philosophy and religion, with an emphasis on philosophical traditions. As a result, students will develop a variety of important intellectual skills, including critical thinking and evaluation, the ability to see implications and alternatives, and to read and write with insight and persuasive power.

Philosophy

Outcomes for Learning Objective 1

Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in philosophy will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical tensions in the Western tradition.
Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in philosophy will be able to interpret and evaluate masterpieces of the Western intellectual tradition.
Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in philosophy will be able to demonstrate knowledge of central issues, movements, arguments, and approaches of the philosophical tradition.

Outcomes for Learning Objective 2

Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in philosophy will be able to demonstrate reading comprehension of conceptually dense, logically complex philosophical texts with sensitivity to their context.
Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in philosophy will be able to demonstrate a grasp of the arguments advanced in lectures, discussions and assigned readings.
Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in philosophy will be able to produce critical analyses and evaluations of philosophical texts, demonstrating sensitivity to the conceptual nuances and counter-arguments introduced in readings and discussions.

Religion

Outcomes for Learning Objective 1

Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in religion will be able to demonstrate and understanding of tensions in religious traditions.
Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in religion will be able to interpret and evaluate masterpieces of religious traditions.
Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in religion will be able to demonstrate knowledge of central movements, arguments, and approaches of religious traditions.

Outcomes for Learning Objective 2

Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in religion will be able to demonstrate reading comprehension of conceptually dense, logically complex religious texts with sensitivity to their context.
Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in religion will be able to demonstrate a grasp of the arguments advanced in lectures, discussions and assigned readings.
Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in religion will be able to produce critical analyses and evaluations of religious texts, demonstrating sensitivity to the conceptual nuances and counter-arguments introduced in readings and discussions.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

Philosophy

Religion