RPH (Religion and Philosophy)
RPH 2323 Logic
Three hours
An introduction to considering and evaluating arguments. Topics include formal and informal fallacies, syllogisms, truth tables, and statement or propositional logic. The course can include an introduction to predicate logic as well.
Offered fall semester (even-numbered years)
RPH 3003 Introduction to Philosophy
Three hours
A survey of the main areas of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of religion. Students should develop their critical reading skills, their ability to analyze difficult but rewarding philosophical texts, and their ability to advance a single, clear argument on philosophical issues. Additionally, students should become more comfortable speaking about philosophical problems and concerns, and they should know more about the relationship between the Christian faith and contemporary philosophy. Prerequisites: EGL 1023, HST 1013, and 1023.
Offered each semester
RPH 3013 Political Philosophy
Three hours
A study of ancient and modern political philosophies utilizing primary texts. The course addresses the place of political philosophy in the broader field of philosophy, emphasizing a worldview approach as a means of understanding human existence. Topics include nature, reason, freedom, justice, right, property, law, religion, will, passions, power, customs, and community. (Same as POL 3003).
Offered each semester
RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith
Three hours
An advanced study of major issues in a Christian approach to philosophy. The course often centers around the works of a major Christian philosopher as a basis for discussion and evaluation. Prerequisite or corequisite: RPH 3003.
Offered each semester
RPH 3343 Ancient & Medieval Philosophy
Three hours
A survey of the development of the Western philosophical tradition, based on a close reading of primary texts, from the Presocratics to Ockham.
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
RPH 3353 Modern Philosophy
Three hours
A survey of the development of the Western philosophical tradition, based on a close reading of primary texts, from Descartes to Nietzsche.
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)
RPH 3533 Introduction to Islam
Three hours
An examination of the religion, history, and culture of Islam. The study traces the growth and development of Islamic traditions across time and place, looking in particular at how Muslims understand their own faith tradition in relation to broader human experience expressed in literature and the arts. Focus is on primary sources. Meets the Global Studies requirement of the Core Curriculum. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)
RPH 3543 Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism
Three hours
An examination of the "Eastern" religious traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. The survey includes historical aspects-following the growth and development of these religious traditions across time and place, as well as theological aspects-considering how each tradition approaches issues such as divinity, nature, humanity, salvation, sin, community, and ritual. Focus is on primary sources. Meets the Global Studies requirement of the Core Curriculum. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
RPH 4423 Ethics
Three hours
A comprehensive and critical study of morality. Topics include metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. Prerequisites: RPH 3003, or POL 3003, or RPH 3013.
Offered each semester
RPH 4433 Philosophy of Religion
Three hours
An introduction to a major topic in the philosophy of religion, e.g. arguments for and against the existence of God, the problem of evil, or the relationship between God and morality. Students should be able to give an adequate defense of the Christian faith by the end of the semester. (Same as BBL 4433). Prerequisites or corequisites: RPH 3003, or POL 3003 or RPH 3013.
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)
RPH 4481, 4482, 4483 Selected Topics
One to three hours
Topics are chosen from some area within religion and philosophy and may include a close reading of a major religious or philosophical work, e.g., Nicomachean Ethics or the Koran; a thorough study of a major figure in religion or philosophy, e.g., Martin Luther or Descartes; a select topic in religion or philosophy, e.g., metaphysics, or an issue, e.g., just war theory. The student may also do an independent study and research under the supervision of an instructor. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Offered upon sufficient request
