Philosophy and Religion, B.A.

Learning Objectives

1. Students will develop an understanding of how great thinkers and ideas in religion and philosophy have shaped our culture.

2. Students will develop analytic and interpretive skills through their course work in religion and philosophy.  Students will develop a variety of important intellectual skills, including critical thinking and evaluation, the ability to see implications and alternatives, and to communicate with clarity, precision, insight and persuasive power.

Outcomes for Learning Objective 1

Outcome 1: Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in Philosophy and Religion will be able to interpret and evaluate texts central to major philosophical and religious traditions.

Outcome 2: Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in Philosophy and Religion will be able to demonstrate knowledge of central movements, arguments, and approaches within philosophical and religious traditions. 

Outcome 3: Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in Philosophy and Religion will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the intersections between philosophical and religious  traditions with influential dimensions of contemporary culture, including technology, science, politics, and ethics.

Outcomes for Learning Objective 2

Outcome 1: Students on track to complete the major in Philosophy and Religion will be able to demonstrate reading comprehension of conceptually dense, logically complex texts with sensitivity to their context and potential application within fields including politics, science, and business.

Outcome 2: Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in Philosophy and Religion will be able to demonstrate a grasp of the arguments advanced in lectures, discussions and assigned readings.

Outcome 3:  Students on track to complete the undergraduate program in Philosophy and Religion will be able to produce critical analyses and evaluations of philosophical and religious texts, demonstrating sensitivity to the conceptual and counter-arguments, and to the application of such texts to fields including politics, science and business.