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

[Jump to Recognition of Academic Achievement for general information about Honors in the Majors.]

Students who major in Philosophy or Religious Studies and who demonstrate exceptional ability may request or may be invited to enter the Honors in the Majors program. In addition to or as one of the courses required for a major in the area, the student must (1) complete PHIL 4301 Philosophy Honors Tutorial or Complete RELG 4300 Religious Studies Honors Tutorial; (2) maintain a minimum 3.25 grade point average overall and a 3.5 grade point average in the major; (3) complete an honors thesis in conjunction with PHIL 4301 or RELG 4300; and (4) pass an oral examination on the thesis conducted by three faculty members.

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

[3.1] BA/BS in Philosophy

The degree of Bachelor of Arts or 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.

Required Courses (12 hours):

Elective courses (21 hours):

At least two courses from the History of Philosophy area (6 hours):

At least one course from the Epistemology & Metaphysics area (3 hours):

At least one course from the Social, Political, Values area (3 hours):

Students should select three additional elective courses (9 hours) from any of the groups. One and only one of PHIL 1301, 2325 or 2360 can count towards the major. Courses at or above the 2000 level with the prefix RELG may also function as electives for the major with permission of advisor and chair.

The following are special courses that, depending on content, may or may not substitute for a requirement or elective:

[3.1.2] Minor in Philosophy (18 hours)

Required Courses (6 hours):

Elective courses (12 hours):

At least two courses from the History of Philosophy area (6 hours):

At least one course from the Epistemology & Metaphysics area (3 hours):

At least one course from the Social, Political, Values area (3 hours):

The following are special courses, that, depending on content, may or may not substitute for a requirement or elective:

[3.2] BA/BS 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.