PHILOSOPHY

PHIL-101  Introduction to Philosophy

3 Credits (Humanities Core)

An introduction to world philosophy which begins with the western tradition and includes Asian and African philosophies as well as the voices of women philosophers and the peoples of the Americas. Focus is on major theories of reality (metaphysics), knowledge (epistemology), value (axiology), and logic. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (3 hours weekly)

PHIL-103  Introduction to Ethics

3 Credits (Humanities Core)

Upon completion of this course students will be familiar with most important ethical theories of Western philosophy. Students will have the necessary tools to discuss and evaluate various contemporary moral issues, as well as a moral ethical stance. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (3 hours weekly)

PHIL-104 Introduction to Religious Studies

3 Credits (Humanities Core)

An introduction to the academic study of religion which explores the nature and variety of religious experience, the role of religion in the lives of individuals and communities, forms of ritual/rites/worship, the use of myths, symbols, and practices in guiding everyday living, religion’s role in the construction of meaning, and the reciprocal relationship between religion and culture. Drawing on insights from the humanities and social sciences, this course is interdisciplinary in focus and worldwide in scope, covering religious experience in Asia, Africa, and the West. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (3 hours weekly)

PHIL-110  Introduction to Chinese Taoism

1 Credit

An interdisciplinary introduction to Chinese Taoism, using the methods and categories of philosophy but including the historical and cultural milieu of China, traditional Chinese landscape painting as expressive of Taoist philosophy and an examination of the wisdom texts Tao Te Ching and Chuang-tzu. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (1 hour weekly)

PHIL-111  Introduction to Japanese Zen Buddhism

1 Credit

An interdisciplinary introduction to Japanese Zen Buddhism, using the categories and methods of philosophy but including the historical and cultural milieu of Japan, Zen painting, haiku, and sand gardens, and ancient, medieval, and modern Zen wisdom texts from around the world. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (1 hour weekly)

PHIL-112  Introduction to African Philosophy

1 Credit

An interdisciplinary introduction to African philosophy using the categories and methods of Western philosophy but including the historical and cultural milieu of Africa as well as African visual arts and proverbs, African drumming, dance, and song as repositories of and ways to express African philosophy. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (1 hour weekly).

PHIL-116 Fundamentals of Spiritual Awareness

3 Credits

This course, based on Eastern thought, will provide the student the tools to understand one’s spiritual nature. Major topics include states of consciousness, the subconscious mind, thoughts and attitudes, death and dying. Students will learn the connection between the chakras (energy body) and the physical body. Various meditation and visualization techniques will be experienced. The student will also have the opportunity to explore intuition, dreams, and synchronicity. Upon completion of this course one will gain an understanding of spirituality, self-awareness, and self-responsibility. (3 hours weekly) NOTE: Also listed as HEED-116.

PHIL-140 The Philosophy and Practice of Tai Chi

3 Credits

This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to instruct the martial art of Tai Chi. The student will be provided with the means of developing the physical and teaching skills needed to instruct the Beijing or Simplified Form of Tai Chi for fitness and stress management. (4 hours weekly) NOTE: Also listed as HEED-140.

PHIL-141 The Philosophy and Practice of Yoga

3 Credits

This introductory course in Yogic philosophy is unique in that it interweaves the intellectual and the experiential, so that the ancient yet timely truths and principles of Yoga are studied, explored, and practiced through Yoga postures, breath, awareness, reflection, writing, discussion, meditation, and action. (4 hours weekly) NOTE: Also listed as HEED-141.

PHIL-201  Religions of the World

3 Credits (Humanities Core)

A study of the major religions of the world with emphasis on their origins, development, and significance in the modern world as well as their sacred texts. Focus is on Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judiaism, Christianity, and Islam. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (3 hours weekly)

PHIL-202  Logic and Critical Thinking

3 Credits (Humanities Core)

Students will examine the principles of logic with the purpose of developing an ability to think critically, reason clearly and use language precisely. Primary emphasis will be placed on the practical applications of logic in the experimental sciences as well as in the examination and evaluation of information obtained through newspapers and books, advertising, political campaigns, television and other media. Prerequisite: ENGL-121 or ENGL-101. (3 hours weekly)