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 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 Chad Mohler
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 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 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 361 Gender and Religion in America as taught by Mike Ashcraft
In this course we consider feminist approaches to the study of religious questions, using case studies of modern women in the America. This is a discussion-centered course. A major research project is required.
