A study of major philosophical theories and methods and their practical applications.

An examination of the major historical religions according to their basic scripture, their historical development, and their contemporary ideas and practices.

A study of major philosophical theories and methods and their practical applications. Special emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and in-class discussion.

The course will initiate the student in the art of analyzing and evaluating his or her thinking in order to make it more potent and persuasive. Topics will include the analysis of argument, the theory of definition, the experimental method of inquiry, and the informal fallacies.

An introduction to the subfield of political theory, examining the works of major political thinkers from ancient Greece to the present.

A consideration of historical and contemporary studies in religious thought, including basic conceptions of the divine, the human engagement with the divine, and the nature and destiny of man within diverse eschatological perspectives.

An examination of the major contributions to political thought during the Modern Era.

An introduction to that branch of philosophy which investigates the nature of law (analytic jurisprudence) and the values and norms that inform legal decision-making and practices (normative jurisprudence). The philosophy of law also includes examinations of specific legal domains, such as theories of punishment in criminal law and theories of liability in tort law.

A study of the principles of deductive reasoning. Topics include immediate inference, the syllogism, truth functions, natural deduction, quantification, and fallacies.

An examination of the major contributions to political thought during the Classical Age, the Medieval Era, and the Renaissance.

The background and development of American political ideas from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis is placed on colonial political theory, the Founding, conflict and consensus prior to the Civil War, the response to industrialization, the rise of the positive state, nationalism, the New Left and New Right, and current trends.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

Admission requires consent of department head.

Admission requires consent of department head.

Admission requires consent of department head.

Admission requires consent of department head.