Course Descriptions

PHRE 185 Exploring Religions as taught by Ding-hwa Hsieh

An introduction to the history, literature, doctrines, and practices of major religious traditions in the world. The purpose of this course is to achieve an intellectual understanding of the nature of religion as well as various patterns of religious experiences and communities in different times and places. Coverage includes Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese religions (Confucianism & Daoism), Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but focus is more on Asian Religions. The main approaches and theories of this course include: Phenomenological (understand various aspects and dimensions of the religion), Historical (examine the change and development of the religion), & Sociological (investigate the functions & roles of the religion in society).

PHRE 185 Exploring Religions as taught by Lloyd Pflueger

This course introduces the study of major world religions with emphasis on non-Western religions. Our goal is to achieve an empathetic appreciation and wider understanding of religions, both their historical development and their aspects: myth, ritual, doctrine, ethics, symbols, communal structure, and individual experience. Fieldwork demonstrates growing ability to understand religion as a phenomenon in the real world.

PHRE 185 Exploring Religions as taught by Neal Delmonico

This course is an introduction to the academic study of religion.  We explore the various methodologies used in the study of religion and reflect on what each contributes to our overall understanding of religion as a multifaceted, multicultural, multivalent, and multi-purposed phenomenon.  In addition, we survey some of the major religious traditions of the world, focusing on their fundamental beliefs, practices, rites, social manifestations, and festivals as they have evolved and changed over the course of their sometimes quite long histories.  Finally, we focus our attention on two classic religious texts drawn from different religious traditions each semester, comparing and contrasting their world-views, visions of the nature of the human being, conceptions of the absolute, and ways of attaining salvation or liberation.  Students are expected to absorb the content of the course (the details of religions and their academic study), perform thoughtful and careful research into some special subject that interests them, and learn to think critically about religion and it academic study.

PHRE 185 Exploring Religions as taught by Jennifer Jesse

This course introduces you to the world’s living religions by focusing on their sacred texts. Our goal will be to get inside the worldview of each religion as much as possible by allowing ourselves to be translated into the texts of these traditions. We also will explore the belief structure of each religion as a systematic whole, paying special attention to how the authors of these texts imagine the nature of reality, deity, humanity, the natural world, life after death, and the purpose of life.

PHRE 186 Introduction to Philosophy as taught by Chad Mohler

What kind of being are you? Do you have free will? An immortal soul? Is there a God who gives you such things? How should you live your life, and how should you treat others? What are the obligations of government? What is art, and what should be our attitude toward it? What is it reasonable to believe about these and other matters? These questions have gripped humans from time immemorial. In this course, we will develop the skills to evaluate arguments critically as we think about the sorts of answers that have historically been given to these important, fundamental queries in philosophy.

PHRE 187 Logic as taught by Patricia Burton

Logic is the study of reasoning. By the end of this course, each student should have acquired (1) an appreciation for the precise use of language, (2) the ability to recognize the most common fallacies, and (3) a grasp of the logical structure underlying valid arguments.

PHRE 187 Logic as taught by Stephen Pollard

Logic is the study of reasoning. By the end of this course, each student should have acquired (1) an appreciation for the precise use of language, (2) the ability to recognize the most common fallacies, and (3) a grasp of the logical structure underlying valid arguments.

PHRE 188 Ethics as taught by David Murphy

We study several theories of ethics, focusing on Aristotelian, Kantian, and Utilitarian positions. Also, we discuss topics such as abortion and world hunger. There are three examinations, two papers, and a class presentation based on one of the papers.

PHRE 188 Ethics as taught by Mike Ashcraft

PHRE 189 Philosophy and Literature as taught by Natalie Alexander

In this course, we work playfully with relations between philosophy and literature through close readings of our texts.  Several of our texts, among them Plato's Phaedrus, break the categories or blur the distinctions between philosophical and literary writing. Throughout the semester we explore questions of great human significance: What is the ultimate nature of reality? How are we shaped by social institutions such as ethnicity and gender? How do humans relate to the divine?  What are the species and facets of love? And, of course: What is literature? What is writing? Classroom practice emphasizes open discussion, student presentations, and papers.

Writing Enhanced

PHRE 304 Religion and American Culture as taught by Mike Ashcraft

In this course we will read and discuss the development of religious traditions in American religious history and contemporary American religious life, particularly Native American religions, Puritanism, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism. We will end the course reading and discussing prospects for religion in the United States in the twenty-first century. Exams, class participation, and a term paper are required. Optional field trip opportunities are also possible.

PHRE 311 The Buddhist Tradition as taught by Lloyd Pflueger

This course surveys the history, structure, and essential concepts of Buddhism. Emphasis on close reading of classical texts supplemented by films, slides, music, and art. Students use a Creative Project to bring them closer to an aspect of Buddhism which appeals to them. Our encounter with Buddhism provides opportunities to break down narrow understandings of the nature of religion. In this course the familiar will become strange and the strange familiar.

PHRE 313 The Taoist Tradition as taught by Ding-hwa Hsieh

This course explores the rich heritage of Chinese Taoist (= Daoist) tradition by examining the Daoist worldview/philosophy, religious movements, and techniques/exercises for attaining, health, longevity and even immortality. We begin with the ancient Chinese worldview and proceed to read the major Daoist philosophical texts—e.g. the Tao Te Ching/Daodejing (Lao-tzu/Laozi) & Chuang-tzu/Zhuangzi. We will then study the aspects of Daoism as a "religion," and examine how Daoism has been carried into daily practices & activities, such as alchemy, meditation, and ch'i-kung (qigongèexercise of circulating the vital energy). Readings: primary texts in translation and secondary works.

PHRE 336 History of Philosophy I: Ancient Philosophy as taught by Patricia Burton

This course will study the doctrines and arguments of the Pre-socratics, Plato, and Aristotle with emphasis on their various views regarding the following questions:  What is the nature of the universe?  Is knowledge possible and, if so, what are the proper objects of knowledge?  What is the good and how may persons attain it?

PHRE 337 History of Philosophy II: Early Modern as taught by Natalie Alexander

A survey of European Philosophy from Descartes to Kant, this course includes Rationalism, Empiricism, and German Idealism. We examine the foundations offered for systematic knowledge, theories of mind and matter, and conceptions of human nature. We focus on the modern explication--to point of exhaustion--of substance as foundational concept. Evaluation comprises papers, exams, informal group presentations, and active class membership.

PHRE 342 Symbolic Logic as taught by Stephen Pollard

This course is primarily intended for students with some background in logic, computer science, or the foundations of mathematics. Topics covered include: sentential logic, predicate logic, the logic of relations, the algebra of sets, and modal logic. Grades are based on five equally weighted tests (most of which emphasize the construction of formal proofs).

PHRE 344 Psychology and Religion as taught by Dereck Daschke

Introduces students to the interpretation of religious belief, experience, and practice through the theories and methods of psychoanalysis and other schools of humanistic psychology.

PHRE 356 Philosophy of Action as taught by Chad Mohler

Actions…we think about and perform them constantly; but what kinds of strange birds are they, anyway? This course will examine some of the many philosophical questions surrounding the nature of action. How do our actions differ from merely passive movements of our bodies? What roles do our desires and intentions play in the actions we perform? Can we be weak-willed in what we do, or deceive ourselves about our true motives? Under what conditions do we have free will? To what extent are we morally responsible for our actions? Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore these and other questions about one of the most central aspects of our lives. Act now!

PHRE 304 Religion and American Culture as taught by Mike Ashcraft

In this course we will read and discuss the development of religious traditions in American religious history and contemporary American religious life, particularly Native American religions, Puritanism, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism. We will end the course reading and discussing prospects for religion in the United States in the twenty-first century. Exams, class participation, and a term paper are required. Optional field trip opportunities are also possible.

PHRE 311 The Buddhist Tradition as taught by Lloyd Pflueger

This course surveys the history, structure, and essential concepts of Buddhism. Emphasis on close reading of classical texts supplemented by films, slides, music, and art. Students use a Creative Project to bring them closer to an aspect of Buddhism which appeals to them. Our encounter with Buddhism provides opportunities to break down narrow understandings of the nature of religion. In this course the familiar will become strange and the strange familiar.

PHRE 313 The Taoist Tradition as taught by Ding-hwa Hsieh

This course explores the rich heritage of Chinese Taoist (= Daoist) tradition by examining the Daoist worldview/philosophy, religious movements, and techniques/exercises for attaining, health, longevity and even immortality. We begin with the ancient Chinese worldview and proceed to read the major Daoist philosophical texts—e.g. the Tao Te Ching/Daodejing (Lao-tzu/Laozi) & Chuang-tzu/Zhuangzi. We will then study the aspects of Daoism as a "religion," and examine how Daoism has been carried into daily practices & activities, such as alchemy, meditation, and ch'i-kung (qigongèexercise of circulating the vital energy). Readings: primary texts in translation and secondary works.

PHRE 336 History of Philosophy I: Ancient Philosophy as taught by Patricia Burton

This course will study the doctrines and arguments of the Pre-socratics, Plato, and Aristotle with emphasis on their various views regarding the following questions:  What is the nature of the universe?  Is knowledge possible and, if so, what are the proper objects of knowledge?  What is the good and how may persons attain it?

PHRE 337 History of Philosophy II: Early Modern as taught by Natalie Alexander

A survey of European Philosophy from Descartes to Kant, this course includes Rationalism, Empiricism, and German Idealism. We examine the foundations offered for systematic knowledge, theories of mind and matter, and conceptions of human nature. We focus on the modern explication--to point of exhaustion--of substance as foundational concept. Evaluation comprises papers, exams, informal group presentations, and active class membership.

PHRE 475 WE/Senior Seminar in Phil & Religion as taught by Natlie Alexander and Mike Ashcraft

Preparation and defense of the senior thesis. Prerequisites: Open only to PHRE majors with senior status. Students may enroll in Senior Seminar only if they have completed their four required 300-level PHRE courses. Students who have yet to complete no more than one of these required courses may obtain consent to enroll from the Department Chair with the provision that the student must complete all such coursework during the seminar semester. Writing Enhanced.

PHRE 185 Exploring Religions as taught by Ding-hwa Hsieh

An introduction to the history, literature, doctrines, and practices of major religious traditions in the world. The purpose of this course is to achieve an intellectual understanding of the nature of religion as well as various patterns of religious experiences and communities in different times and places. Coverage includes Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese religions (Confucianism & Daoism), Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but focus is more on Asian Religions. The main approaches and theories of this course include: Phenomenological (understand various aspects and dimensions of the religion), Historical (examine the change and development of the religion), & Sociological (investigate the functions & roles of the religion in society).

PHRE 185 Exploring Religions as taught by Lloyd Pflueger

This course introduces the study of major world religions with emphasis on non-Western religions. Our goal is to achieve an empathetic appreciation and wider understanding of religions, both their historical development and their aspects: myth, ritual, doctrine, ethics, symbols, communal structure, and individual experience. Fieldwork demonstrates growing ability to understand religion as a phenomenon in the real world.

PHRE 185 Exploring Religions as taught by Neal Delmonico

This course is an introduction to the academic study of religion.  We explore the various methodologies used in the study of religion and reflect on what each contributes to our overall understanding of religion as a multifaceted, multicultural, multivalent, and multi-purposed phenomenon.  In addition, we survey some of the major religious traditions of the world, focusing on their fundamental beliefs, practices, rites, social manifestations, and festivals as they have evolved and changed over the course of their sometimes quite long histories.  Finally, we focus our attention on two classic religious texts drawn from different religious traditions each semester, comparing and contrasting their world-views, visions of the nature of the human being, conceptions of the absolute, and ways of attaining salvation or liberation.  Students are expected to absorb the content of the course (the details of religions and their academic study), perform thoughtful and careful research into some special subject that interests them, and learn to think critically about religion and it academic study.

PHRE 185 Exploring Religions as taught by Jennifer Jesse

This course introduces you to the world’s living religions by focusing on their sacred texts. Our goal will be to get inside the worldview of each religion as much as possible by allowing ourselves to be translated into the texts of these traditions. We also will explore the belief structure of each religion as a systematic whole, paying special attention to how the authors of these texts imagine the nature of reality, deity, humanity, the natural world, life after death, and the purpose of life.

PHRE 186 Introduction to Philosophy as taught by Chad Mohler

What kind of being are you? Do you have free will? An immortal soul? Is there a God who gives you such things? How should you live your life, and how should you treat others? What are the obligations of government? What is art, and what should be our attitude toward it? What is it reasonable to believe about these and other matters? These questions have gripped humans from time immemorial. In this course, we will develop the skills to evaluate arguments critically as we think about the sorts of answers that have historically been given to these important, fundamental queries in philosophy.

PHRE 187 Logic as taught by Patricia Burton

Logic is the study of reasoning. By the end of this course, each student should have acquired (1) an appreciation for the precise use of language, (2) the ability to recognize the most common fallacies, and (3) a grasp of the logical structure underlying valid arguments.

PHRE 187 Logic as taught by Stephen Pollard

Logic is the study of reasoning. By the end of this course, each student should have acquired (1) an appreciation for the precise use of language, (2) the ability to recognize the most common fallacies, and (3) a grasp of the logical structure underlying valid arguments.

PHRE 188 Ethics as taught by David Murphy

We study several theories of ethics, focusing on Aristotelian, Kantian, and Utilitarian positions. Also, we discuss topics such as abortion and world hunger. There are three examinations, two papers, and a class presentation based on one of the papers.

PHRE 188 Ethics as taught by Mike Ashcraft

PHRE 189 Philosophy and Literature as taught by Natalie Alexander

In this course, we work playfully with relations between philosophy and literature through close readings of our texts.  Several of our texts, among them Plato's Phaedrus, break the categories or blur the distinctions between philosophical and literary writing. Throughout the semester we explore questions of great human significance: What is the ultimate nature of reality? How are we shaped by social institutions such as ethnicity and gender? How do humans relate to the divine?  What are the species and facets of love? And, of course: What is literature? What is writing? Classroom practice emphasizes open discussion, student presentations, and papers.

Writing Enhanced

PHRE 342 Symbolic Logic as taught by Stephen Pollard

This course is primarily intended for students with some background in logic, computer science, or the foundations of mathematics. Topics covered include: sentential logic, predicate logic, the logic of relations, the algebra of sets, and modal logic. Grades are based on five equally weighted tests (most of which emphasize the construction of formal proofs).

PHRE 344 Psychology and Religion as taught by Dereck Daschke

Introduces students to the interpretation of religious belief, experience, and practice through the theories and methods of psychoanalysis and other schools of humanistic psychology.

PHRE 349 Paul: His Life and Theology (WE) as taught by Mark Appold

The exceptional power and influence of one of Christianity's most significant and controversial figures, the Apostle Paul, is studied on the basis of the biblical texts in the light of their respective historical, situational, and cultural contexts. We examine the journeys and letters of Paul in order to highlight the basic structures and overarching themes of his theology in distinction to his opponents and within the complex web of early Christian and Jewish movements. This study serves also as an introduction into the history of Pauline interpretation and as well as into current international research on the life and work of Paul.

PHRE 350 Biomedical Ethics as taught by Dereck Daschke

Survey of issues of biomedical ethics as presented in the papers of contemporary philosophers. Development of ability to defend, orally and in writing, a position on these issues. Knowledge of major ethical theories and development of the ability to apply them to issues of biomedical ethics. Topics covered include moral principles and ethical theories; abortion; treating or terminating: the problem of impaired infants; euthanasia; paternalism; truth telling and confidentiality; medical experimentation and informed medical consent; genetics; reproductive control; allocating scarce medical resources; and the claim to medical care.

PHRE 356 Philosophy of Action as taught by Chad Mohler

Actions…we think about and perform them constantly; but what kinds of strange birds are they, anyway? This course will examine some of the many philosophical questions surrounding the nature of action. How do our actions differ from merely passive movements of our bodies? What roles do our desires and intentions play in the actions we perform? Can we be weak-willed in what we do, or deceive ourselves about our true motives? Under what conditions do we have free will? To what extent are we morally responsible for our actions? Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore these and other questions about one of the most central aspects of our lives. Act now!

PHRE 372 History of Christian Thought II: Medieval through Reformation as taught by Mark Appold

Proceeding from the pontificate of Gregory the Great, this course focuses initially on the emergence and flowering of medieval Christianity. We examine the tensions between secular and monastic clergy, the missionary movements, the Carolingian Renaissance, theological controversies, papal growth, decay, and reaction, struggle with the East, Crusades, scholasticism and the quest for reform. We explore the crisis of the late medieval era with its ensuing divisions and new alignments and conclude with a study of the Lutheran Reformation, the Swiss reaction, the Geneva experiment, the radical reformers, and the Catholic renewal and counter-reformation.

PHRE 373 History of Christian Thought III: 1650 to the Present as taught by Jennifer Jesse

This course sketches the history of Christian thought in the West from the Enlightenment to the present day. The emphasis here is on engaging in dialogue with the theological revolutionaries of this period by listening to their ideas in their own words, and then critically reflecting on those passages in conversation with each other. This is a seminar course designed for PHRE majors and minors who already have done some work in this field. There will be very little lecture; the majority of our time together will be spent on group presentations and class discussions based on the assigned readings. Requirements include class participation, quizzes over assigned readings, two exams, and a research project presented orally and in writing.

PHRE 386 Studies in Philosophy & Religion: Religion and Film as taught by Dr. Dereck Daschke