Department of Philosophy and Religion

[1] Purposes

The Department of Philosophy and Religion offers degree programs with majors in philosophy or religious studies. The department administers the interdisciplinary degree program in Religious Studies as well as the interdisciplinary minor in Gender Studies. The philosophy program serves all academic disciplines by the examination and analysis of the major ideas that have shaped our civilization and by the development of skills in critical thinking. The interdisciplinary religious studies program introduces students to the basic methods and subject matter of the study of religion. Philosophy and religion courses are designed both to contribute to a broad liberal education and to enrich more vocationally oriented programs. Both the major and minor in philosophy and religious studies are designed to provide the core of a liberal arts education for students interested in graduate, professional, or divinity school. They also provide broad, non-specialized degrees for those who desire career flexibility.

A student who majors in philosophy will acquire a fundamental understanding of philosophy, which includes an understanding of the central problems of philosophy, a comprehension of the various methods of philosophical inquiry and discourse, a knowledge of the historically significant philosophers and philosophical movements, a knowledge of the fundamental principles of logic and an understanding of the basic theories of ethics. A student who majors in philosophy will achieve a satisfactory level in the application of critical thinking skills and will be able to write a philosophical paper.

A student who majors in Religious Studies will gain a broad understanding of various religious texts, practices and traditions, as well as critical tools to interpret and assess these traditions, in the areas of theory and method; Asian religious traditions; Western religious traditions; sacred art, ritual and literature; religion, culture and society; and religious thought. A student who majors in Religious Studies will learn to examine and evaluate religious phenomena and ideas from several disciplinary and inter-disciplinary viewpoints, including philosophical, historical, anthropological, literary and theological perspectives.

[2] Honors in Philosophy and Religion

Students who major in Philosophy or Religious Studies and who demonstrate exceptional ability may be invited to enter the Honors in the Major Program. For details, see Honors in the Major Program.

[3] Baccalaureate Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts

[3.1] BS in Philosophy

The degree of Bachelor of Science, with a major in philosophy, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; (3) major requirements listed below; and (4) a minor as worked out with the student’s minor advisor.

[3.1.1] Major in Philosophy (33 hours)

Philosophy majors are recommended to take courses in the major to satisfy their upper-division Core requirements. Students must take three hours in courses designated in each of the four Core competencies, Critical Inquiry (I), Communication (C), Diversity (D) and Responsible Living (R). However, if they so choose, students are free to fulfill their upper-division Core requirements with courses from other departments. Philosophy majors are strongly encouraged to take either PHIL 4310 or 4340 to meet their Capstone course (Z) within the Philosophy program, but are able to fulfill their Capstone requirement from another program if necessary.

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Philosophy enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.

Gateways to the Discipline. Courses in this area introduce students to major topics and approaches in philosophy, providing entry points into the field and basic critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for philosophical inquiry. Three hours required. Select one of the following courses. (Note that each of the courses in this category fulfills a lower-division UCA Core requirement.)

Logic, Science, and Language. Courses in this area develop skills in philosophical analysis and evidence-based reasoning, through in-depth reflective study and application of logic, language, mind, and human knowledge. Six hours required. Select two of the following courses.

Historical Traditions in Philosophy. Courses in this area explore the history of philosophical inquiry and the diverse forms it has taken, while cultivating skills in the close reading and critical analysis of important texts, the persuasive formulation of arguments and ideas, and clear and effective written communication. Nine hours required. Select three of the following courses.

Ethics and Values. Courses in this area explore the many dimensions of human value—ethical, political, personal, and aesthetic—developing the ability to understand and think critically and constructively about these values and to cultivate responsible living and ethical citizenship. Six hours required. Select two of the following courses.

Capstone. Courses in this area are intended for students to reflect on their philosophical studies so far and to apply their honed skills of inquiry, analysis, communication, and value-judgment to their life goals, career preparation, and/or future plans of study. Three hours required. Select one of the following courses.

Electives. Choose six additional hours of any PHIL and/or RELG courses as electives to reach a total of 33 hours.

PHIL 3395 Topic in Philosophy is offered on variable topics, with those topics to be assigned course-by-course to specific areas above. Philosophy majors can take PHIL 3395 to fulfill three credit hours in the relevant assigned areas and/or as electives. May be repeated for credit.

Individualized Experiential Learning (0+ hours). Courses in this area are opportunities for students to gain experience through personalized study in internships or guided research. (Any and all may be taken for elective credit or to fulfill an area requirement, depending on topic.)

[3.1.2] Minor in Philosophy (18 hours)

Gateways to the Discipline. Courses in this area introduce students to major topics and bpproaches in philosophy, providing entry points into the field and basic critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for philosophical inquiry. Three hours required. Select one of the following courses. (Note that each of the courses in this area fulfills a lower-division UCA Core requirement.)

Logic, Science, and Language. Courses in this area develop skills in philosophical analysis and evidence-based reasoning, through in-depth reflective study and application of logic, language, mind, and human knowledge. Three hours required. Select one of the following courses.

Historical Traditions in Philosophy. Courses in this area explore the history of philosophical inquiry and the diverse forms it has taken, while cultivating skills in the close reading and critical analysis of important texts, the persuasive formulation of arguments and ideas, and clear and effective written communication. Three hours required. Select one of the following courses.

Ethics and Values. Courses in this area explore the many dimensions of human value—ethical, political, personal, and aesthetic—developing the ability to understand and think critically and constructively about these values and to cultivate responsible living and ethical citizenship. Three hours required. Select one of the following courses.

Electives. Choose six additional hours of any PHIL and/or RELG courses as electives to reach a total of 18 hours.

[3.2] BA in Religious Studies

[3.2.1] Major in Religious Studies (33 hours)

See the Religious Studies page, in Interdisciplinary Programs.

[3.2.2] Minor in Religious Studies (18 hours)

See the Religious Studies page, in Interdisciplinary Programs.

[4] Course Links (PHIL, RELG)

Follow this link for PHIL course descriptions: course link.

Follow this link for RELG course descriptions: course link.