Course Descriptions

PHIL 121 : The Examined Life - VW

Introduces philosophy by considering perennial topics and issues, such as what makes an action right or wrong and whether belief in God is reasonable. Includes a focus on developing skills in critical and systematic thinking. (4)

PHIL 125 : Ethics and the Good Life - VW

Major moral theories of Western civilization, including contemporary moral theories. Critical application to selected moral issues. (4)

PHIL 128 : Politics and the Good Society - VW

An examination of major political theories in the Western philosophical tradition, with a focus on questions regarding the nature of just political institutions. Can count toward a minor in Politics and Government. (4)

PHIL 223 : Bioethics - VW

An inquiry into the ethical issues surrounding birth, health, and death. Specific topics may include the ethics of conception and genetic manipulation, domestic and international health care policy, abortion, and euthanasia, as well as the nature of human flourishing. (4)

PHIL 225 : Business Ethics - VW

An inquiry into the ethics of the marketplace and the activities that take place within its context. Specific topics may include the ethics of anticompetitive practices, corporate subsidies and bailouts, pollution, exploitation, and fraud as they related to specific industries. Pass/fail options do not apply to business majors either declared or intending to declare. (4)

PHIL 226 : Environmental Ethics - VW

Apply ethical theories to determine what we should do in the face of environmental issues and dilemmas such as whether and why animals have rights, what kind of value nature possesses, the proper focus of an environmental ethic, and what ecology has to do with economics and justice. (4)

PHIL 227 : Philosophy and Race - VW

An examination of philosophical assumptions behind concepts of race. Beginning with the question "what is race?" the course addresses the notion of racial identities, metaphysical issues surrounding racial designations, and the ethical/political effects of such questions. (4)

PHIL 229 : Human Rights - VW

This course examines historical development of philosophical notions associated with "rights-based" language in domestic and international political life, and how these concepts are essential to understand the emergency and dominant discourse of human rights post 1948. (4)

PHIL 231 : Ancient Philosophy - VW

The development of philosophical thought and methods from the Pre-Socratic period to the end of the fourth century CE. Emphasis on Plato and Aristotle. (4)

PHIL 238 : Existentialism and the Meaning of Life - VW

An introduction to the philosophical movement known as Existentialism. The course will explore themes central to human experience (such as alienation, guilt, suffering, joy and boredom), with a goal of asking how existentialism engages these ideas relative to the question of human meaning. As an introductory course we will survey specifically the major thinkers of this tradition and illustrate how existentialism connects to other areas such as religion, psychology and literature. (4)

PHIL 248 : Innovation, Ethics, & Society - ES

A history of innovation, problem solving, and creativity in the global economy, emphasizing the ethical considerations that arise as a result of new products and initiatives, disruptive technologies, globalization, and cultural change. Draws attention to stages in the innovation process and the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and design. (4)

PHIL 287 : Special Topics in Philosophy

Explores an area of contemporary interest through the lens of philosophical inquiry. Acquaints students with the questions, methods, and skills of philosophy. May be repeated once for credit. (4)

PHIL 288 : Special Topics in Philosophy

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

PHIL 289 : Special Topics in Philosophy

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

PHIL 291 : Directed Studies

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

PHIL 311 : Topics in Ethics - VW

Examination of an ethical issue or question in light of one or more of the major currents in Western ethical philosophy. May be repeated for credit once with a different topic. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (4)

PHIL 312 : Topics in Philosophy and Politics - VW

Examinations of a political issue or question in the light of one or more of the major political theories in the Western philosophical tradition. May be repeated for credit once with a different topic. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (4)

PHIL 313 : Topics in Philosophy, Science, and Religion - VW

Exploration of selected topics in philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, or the relationship between science and religion. May be repeated once for credit, once with a different topic. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (4)

PHIL 314 : Topics in the History of Philosophy - VW

Study of selected topics or historical figures in the history of philosophy. May be repeated for credit once with a different topic. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (4)

PHIL 327 : Environmental Philosophy - VW

Examines concepts such as wilderness, nature/natural, and consciousness. This examination leads to consideration of issues such as resource distribution and consumption, obligations to future generations and other than human life. Specifically the preservation of endangered species, animal experimentation, farming, resource consumption, pollution, and population growth will be addressed. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (4)

PHIL 387 : Special Topics in Philosophy

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

PHIL 388 : Special Topics in Philosophy

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

PHIL 389 : Special Topics in Philosophy

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

PHIL 487 : Special Topics in Philosophy

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

PHIL 488 : Special Topics in Philosophy

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

PHIL 489 : Special Topics in Philosophy

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

PHIL 491 : Independent Reading and Research

Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (1 to 4)

PHIL 495 : Internship

To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)

PHIL 499 : Capstone: Advanced Seminar in Philosophy - SR

Exploration in a seminar format of an important philosophical issue, thinker, or movement. Topic to be announced at the time course is offered. Prerequisite: Three philosophy courses or consent of instructor. May be repeated once for credit. (4)