Course Descriptions

PHL-designated courses qualify as Humanities or Liberal Arts electives.

PHL101

Introduction to Philosophy - 3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce the student to philosophical investigation. Part one includes the origin, nature, and value of philosophy. Part two is an analysis of the problems of human nature, our universe, and the existence of God. Part three includes an introduction to the areas of metaphysics, theory of knowledge, ethics, and political and social philosophy.

---

PHL203

Ethics - 3 Credits

This course includes an analysis of some of the major classical and contemporary ethical theories. Topics include ethical relativism, ethical absolutism, egoism, natural law, utilitarianism, and situation ethics. Application of ethical theories to moral issues in our society are discussed. Issues of pornography, abortion, euthanasia, affirmative action, capital punishment, and environmental issues may also be discussed.

---

PHL301

World Religions - 3 Credits

This course studies the major religions of the world including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucius, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Topics include the absolute, the world, human nature, the problem of humans, and the solution for humans; also topics on the origin of religion, primal religion, and definitions of religion.

---

PHL302

Eastern Philosophy - 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the philosophies of India, China, and Japan as well as a presentation and analysis of the major schools of philosophy including Hinduism, Buddhism, the Confucian school, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism. Topics include finding one's true self, transformation, compassion, moral cultivation, sagehood, and enlightenment.

---

PHL305

Political Philosophy - 3 Credits

This course treats the perennial questions of political philosophy. Topics include human nature, the origin of the state, the purpose of government, political responsibility, liberty and human rights, the nature of justice, power and authority, equality and community. Analysis of welfare liberalism, libertarianism, socialism, communitarianism, and multiculturalism will also be discussed.

---

PHL309

Understanding Our Universe - 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the major philosophical, theological, and scientific issues in cosmology as well as an overview of the evolution of man's view of the universe throughout the ages, with particular emphasis on the present worldview, the Big Bang universe. Topics include the creation, evolution, and future of the universe. Philosophical questions of free will and determinism, design or accident, life and intelligence in the universe, and God and the universe will be addressed.