| |
Media & Strategic Communication |
| |
-
MSC 370 - Writing for Public Relations
A public relations writing course for preparing, adapting and analyzing messages for print and electronic media, new media, and the Internet.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and MSC 213
Written Intensive
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
MSC 377 - Writing and Reporting for Multiplatform Journalism
An intensive study of writing, news gathering and reporting for multiplatform journalism. Skills include the structure and style of news stores, and the development of reporting, research, sources and interpretive skills.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and MSC 275
Written Intensive
Offered in the Spring Semester
|
| |
-
MSC 387 - Multiplatform Magazine Journalism
A study of the principles and practices of magazine editing and publishing in a multiplatform environment. Includes study of the history and format of magazines, as well as the writing and reporting skills for this format.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and MSC 275
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 388 - Sports Journalism
An advanced course in reporting and writing on sports for the print and broadcast media. Topics of study include coverage of sports events, interviews, profiles, columns, investigative stories, and analyses and commentaries.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and MSC 275
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 389 - Online Journalism
This course familiarizes students with the use of online information sources in reporting and information gathering. Topics of study include the use of databases and the Internet for information gathering and computer-assisted reporting, critical evaluation of Internet content and the legal and ethical implications of online journalism.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 , MSC 275
Offered in the Spring Semester
|
| |
-
MSC 391 - Advanced Writing and Reporting for Sports Journalism
An advanced course in reporting and writing on sports for the print and broadcast media. Topics of study include coverage of sports events, interviews, profiles, columns, investigative stories, analyses and commentaries.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 275 , MSC 377 and MSC 378
|
| |
-
MSC 392 - Advanced Writing and Reporting for Public and Community Affairs
This advanced reporting course prepares the journalism student for covering public affairs, including all branches of local, state and federal government, administrative agencies, as well as other specialized community affairs reporting beats, including business, education, health care and labor. Course offers practical experience in covering public meetings, elections, interpreting public documents and records, interviewing public officials and community leaders, and understanding relevant legal procedures.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: MSC 275 , MSC 377 and MSC 378
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 393 - Business and Financial Reporting and Writing
This course teaches students how to understand what’s going on at companies big and small as well as Wall Street and to report and write stories about these businesses in a compelling way.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and MSC 275
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 394 - Advanced Reporting and Writing for Entertainment, Arts and Culture Journalism
This advanced reporting course prepares the journalism student for covering entertainment, arts and culture, including motion pictures, television, book publishing, performing arts, art exhibitions, music concerts, drama and cultural events. Course offers practical experience in writing news stories and feature profiles involved in reporting events, covering press conferences, and interviewing key players in these fields. Emphasis on critical and persuasive writing about entertainment, arts and cultural media.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and MSC 275
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 395 - Writing and Visualizing Data for Journalism
This class will prepare students to find, evaluate, process and report on different sources of data, both visually and through traditional writing, as well as to use data in audience engagement. Topics include working with data, basic statistical concepts, techniques to display reporting visually, ways of writing about data in informative and engaging ways, and using data to learn more about the audience.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 377
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MSC 397 - Research Methods in Mass Communication
The course focuses on the theory and methodology of applied mass communication research. Topics include reviews of literature, interviews, case studies, surveys, historical analysis; content analyses and focus groups.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
MSC 399 - International Mass Communication
A comparative study of the mass communication and media systems of nations under varying social, political and economic systems; their development, structure, function and current state; political and economic factors that influence them; factors that facilitate or restrict the flow of national and international communication in those countries.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 403 - Advertising Campaigns
A presentation of the skills necessary to design, implement and manage advertising campaigns, with an emphasis on planning and decision making procedures applied to specific advertising problems.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 323
Offered in the Spring Semester
|
| |
-
MSC 405 - Skills of the Broadcast Multimedia Journalist
The class introduces students to the skills required of television multimedia journalists – what used to be called TV news reporters – including live interviewing, editing audio and video, using social media, videography, on-screen skills, writing for broadcast and the internet.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 275
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MSC 410 - Public Relations Case Studies
Case studies of typical public relations problems in industry, labor, education, government, social agencies and trade associations.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and MSC 213
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 413 - Public Relations Campaigns and New Media
Developing and implementing public relations campaigns; hands-on experience in designing and producing materials for campaigns; emphasis on use of planning and evaluation techniques.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and MSC 213
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
MSC 414 - Advanced Topics in Public Relations: Health Communication
This course is a study of health communication including conceptual frameworks, processes and contexts. Topics such as provider-patient relationships, health promotions and disease prevention will be explored.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MSC 428 - Digital Production Workshop
In a workshop environment, students will refine and expand their creative producing skill, technical production ability, and performing/hosting style. Students will explore various production formats including news, dramatic scenes, and music performance. Projects will culminate into a final comprehensive, multi-platform production package.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 327
Lab Hours Required
Not Liberal Arts
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
MSC 430 - The Producer’s Craft
This course will focus on the role of the producer for screen-based media. Areas of study include concept research and development; project budgeting and finance; writing and pitching proposals; planning pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. Emphasis is on the Producer’s ability to guide the concept and story development of television and film genres through leadership, vision and creative originality.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 327
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 431 - Television Aesthetics and Criticism
This course will provide an introduction to the analysis of television modes, content and story design. Through lectures, readings and screenings, students will learn to examine and engage in television with a critical eye, and to deconstruct classic and contemporary television shows in order to recognize underlying paradigms, as well as the need for and impact of audience and advertiser appeal.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 327
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 432 - Broadcast Newsroom
Broadcast Newsroom is an advanced course for the students that have achieved a mid-level success in editing (audio/video), writing and reporting. Assignments will include campus coverage of news and events, turning that footage into a reporter’s package for multi-media news platforms.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 327
Not Liberal Arts
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
MSC 435 - Sports Broadcasting and Production
This course will involve the practical application of broadcast methodologies, specifically related to the coverage of live sporting events. Topics covered will include the sports interview, preparing a “stand-up” during/after a sporting event, writing and delivering sports recaps and more. Students will be required to provide live sports coverage during on-campus eevnts. Some time outside of class will be required.
Practicum
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 327
Not Liberal Arts
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
MSC 447 - Advanced Television Production
This course provides the study and working knowledge of advanced television studio production. Students will be taught more advanced varieties of television production and will apply that knowledge toward the actual production of programs.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 327
Offered in the Spring Semester
|
| |
-
MSC 476 - Feature Writing
Preparation of feature articles for the print media: discovering and researching ideas; techniques of writing various kinds of feature articles. emphasizing human interest factors and literary devices.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 275
|
| |
-
MSC 478 - Copy Editing
A detailed study of contemporary copy editing practices: the role and responsibilities of the copy editor; techniques of news editing, headline writing and photo editing; basics of newspaper layout.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 and either MSC 213 or MSC 275
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
MSC 487 - Specialty Publications
The principles and practices of editing publications, such as brochures, newsletters and specialty magazines for business and non-profit organizations, planning, editing, design, production and circulation.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200 ; MSC 213 or MSC 275
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MSC 489 - Advanced Reporting
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 377
|
| |
-
MSC 491 - Independent Research in Mass Communication
A guided independent study on a topic in mass communication. Public meetings with the instructor required. A final research paper or project to be submitted at the end of the course.
Independent Study
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Senior Status and Permission of Department Chair
Offered in Fall & Spring
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MSC 492 - Independent Research in Mass Communication
A guided independent study on a topic in mass communication. Public meetings with the instructor required. A final research paper or project to be submitted at the end of the course.
Independent Study
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Senior Status and Permission of Department Chair
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MSC 493 - Independent Research in Mass Communication
A guided independent study on a topic in mass communication. Public meetings with the instructor required. A final research paper or project to be submitted at the end of the course.
Independent Study
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Senior Standing and Permission of the Department Chair
Offered in Fall & Spring
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MSC 496 - Seminar in Mass Communication
A synthesis of theoretical knowledge and applied research skills in student’s area of specialization in mass communication. It is the culminating experience and capstone of the program.
Seminar
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Senior Status
Capstone Course
Offered in Fall & Spring
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MSC 498 - Internship in Mass Communication
Participation in an off-campus, supervised work experience at a media organization. Regular meetings with the internship coordinator, periodic reports, as well as a final paper relating the work experience to the student’s coursework in mass communication required.
Internship
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Senior status
Offered in Fall & Spring
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MSC 499 - Special Topics in Mass Communications
Designed to offer an intensive study opportunity in an area of specialization not covered in great depth by existing courses.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MSC 200
Offered When Needed
|
Mathematics Registration for courses numbered 240 and above requires permission of the department chair.
|
| |
-
MTH 115 - Fundamentals Of Algebra
A course designed to prepare students for college-level mathematics. Topics include algebraic operations, the function concept, graphs, products and factoring, exponents and radicals, roots of polynomial and rational functions. Math elective; does not fulfill core requirement.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MTH 123 - Mathematical Thinking
The core mathematics course for students of business and the liberal arts, this course provides an overview of the mathematics used to solve problems which arise in modern society, business and science. The topics covered include probability, statistics, mathematics of finance and other contemporary topics. The emphasis is on decision making, critical thinking and conceptual understanding.
Lecture
Credits: 3
|
| |
-
MTH 124 - Interpreting Information
A conceptual introduction to fundamental concepts of statistics including: sampling, graphical representation of data, numerical summaries of data, basic ideas of inference, and regression. This course will focus on understanding statistical concepts through the examination of reports on newscasts and articles published in newspapers, magazines, and on-line rather than a formula/calculation based approach.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered during Special Sessions Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MTH 125 - Demystifying Numbers
One of the core mathematics courses for students of the liberal arts, this course provides an overview of numbers in their different formulations, interpretations and applications. Students will see numbers in new and unusual ways. They will see interesting numbers arising in nature, the arts and cyber security, among other applications. These topics will be approached from a problem solving as well as critical thinking point of view.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered during Special Sessions, Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MTH 134 - Business Calculus
A basic introduction to selected topics from calculus. Topics include elementary functions, rates of change, the derivative, differentiation, and integration with special emphasis on a variety of applications.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Fall & Spring. Offered in the Summer
|
| |
-
MTH 135 - Precalculus
An intensive study of algebraic, trigonometric and exponential functions and their inverses. This course is designed to prepare students to take the full calculus sequence.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
MTH 153 - Mathematics for Education
An intensive overview of the conceptual background which underlies the major mathematical themes found in the elementary school curriculum. Concepts to be explored are taken from elementary set theory, number systems and number sense, relationships between fractions and decimals, the use of ratio, intuitive probability and intuitive geometry. These topics will be approached from a problem solving point of view with an emphasis on the appropriate uses of technology.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Spring Semester
|
| |
-
MTH 231 - Calculus 1
Study of functions; limits; continuity; derivatives; differentiation of algebraic functions, implicit differentiation, geometric and physical applications, mean value theorem, differentials, anti-differentiation, areas by integration, areas of limits as sums, the definite integral, fundamental theorem of the calculus, and differentiating and integration of trigonometric functions.
Lecture
Credits: 4
Offered in Fall & Spring Offered in the Summer
|
| |
-
MTH 232 - Calculus 2
The continuation of MTH 231 . Topics include area under the curve, antiderivatives, techniques of integration, applications of the definite integral, and numerical techniques, improper integration, and Taylor polynomials.
Lecture
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: MTH 231 or Equivalent
Offered in Fall & Spring Offered in the Summer
|
| |
-
MTH 233 - Calculus 3
Study of polar coordinates, solid analytic geometry, introduction to vector analysis, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, tangent lines and planes, line integrals, multiple integration, double and triple integrals, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, infinite series.
Lecture
Credits: 4
Prerequiste: MTH 231 , MTH 232 , or approval of department chair.
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MTH 236 - Introduction to Proof
A course designed to bridge the gap between calculus and abstract mathematics. An introduction to logical propositions and connectives, mathematical language, and methods of proof. Selected topics from number theory, set theory, and functions will serve as the mathematical vehicles to develop these skills
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 232
|
| |
-
MTH 240 - Theory of Numbers
A study of the more important properties of the natural number system: divisibility, primes, recurring series, congruences, quadratic residues, Diophantine equations.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 231
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 250 - Linear Algebra
Introduction to vectors, vector fields, vector space Rn, bases of Rn, subspaces, projections, matrices and determinants, linear mappings, matrix representations of linear mappings, matrices and systems of linear equations, rank, existence and uniqueness of solutions, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 231
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 270 - Applied Statistics
An introductory course in applied statistics. The basic ideas of analysis of data and statistical inference are introduced. Discrete and continuous probability distributions, sampling distribution, confidence intervals, testing hypotheses, regression, correlation, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance. Applications drawn from economics, management sciences, and life sciences. Use of appropriate technology.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 123 or MTH 124 or MTH 125 or MTH MTH 134 or MTH 231
Offered in Fall & Spring Offered in the Summer
|
| |
-
MTH 302 - Differential Equations
Standard methods of solution of ordinary differential equations of the first order and some special equations of higher order; general theory of linear differential equations; Green’s functions; series solutions; applications.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 232 or equivalent.
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 310 - Discrete Mathematics
Set theory and mathematical logic, combinatorics, binomial and multinomial theorems, graph theory, digraphs and matrices, Boolean algebras, Boolean functions, and switching theory will be covered.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 231
Offered in the Spring Semester
|
| |
-
MTH 403 - Geometry
A unified study of various types of geometry and their roles in the analytic development of the fundamental properties of generalized geometric spaces. Axiomatics of affine, projective, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. Advantages and disadvantages of synthetic and analytic forms of proof.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 406 - Introduction to Topology
An information course aimed at reinforcing fundamental concepts of calculus. Theorems and problems connected with the following items will be discussed and studied: elements of point set theory, neighborhood, connectedness, real line, compactness, denumerability, sequences, continuity, homeomorphism.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Department Approval Required. Offered When Needed
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MTH 408 - Automata and Formal Languages
An introduction to the theory of computation, emphasizing finite automata and regular languages. Additional topics to be discussed are pushdown automata and context-free languages, and an introduction to Turing Machines and unsolvability.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: MTH 163 or MTH 310 and CS 301
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MTH 410 - Advanced Calculus
A more rigorous development of theoretical calculus with special emphasis on such topics as partial differentiation, differentiability, implicit function theorem, inverse function theorem, infinite series and sequences of functions, uniform convergence and boundedness.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 233
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 411 - Vector Analysis
A course in vector analysis stressing the following topics: vector algebra; differentiation of vector functions; line, surface and space integrals, gradient, divergence, curl; the theorems of Gauss, Green and Stokes; vector spaces and transformations; differential K-forms and the generalized Stokes theorem.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 233 or equivalent.
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 415 - Complex Variables
An introductory course in functions of a complex variable stressing the following topics: the complex numbers system; differentiation and integration of functions of a complex variable; power series; the calculus of residues; conformal mapping.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 233 or equivalent
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 421 - Abstract Algebra 1
Binary operations; groups; subgroups; permutations; cyclic groups; direct products; cosets; normal subgroups; factor groups; Homomorphisms and Isomorphisms.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Alternate Years
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MTH 422 - Abstract Algebra 2
A continuation of MTH 421 covering the following topics: rings; integral domains; fields; ideals; polynomials; homomorphisms, isomorphisms; and automorphisms; the fundamental theorem of algebra.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Alternate Years
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MTH 432 - Probability and Statistics I
An overview of probability and statistics. Experiments; sample spaces; random variables; probability measures and distributions; combinatorics; expectation; data collection and analysis; confidence intervals; selected hypothesis tests.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 232
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 433 - Probability and Statistics II
A rigorous development and extension of the topics in MTH 432 . Tests of hypothesis; regression, analysis of variance; multivariate distributions; nonparametric methods.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MTH 432
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
MTH 440 - History and Foundations of Mathematics
Evolution of mathematics as an abstract speculative science. A survey of the outstanding contributions to the development of mathematics; the hypothetical nature of mathematical truths; examination of some of the important postulational systems of modern geometries and algebras; the role of symbolic logic and set theory in the modern structure of mathematics.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Capstone Course Offered in the Fall Semester
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MTH 441 - Mathematical Modeling
This course explores the process of constructing and implementing mathematical models for a large variety of situations. Models from the physical life and social sciences will be examined using deterministic and probabalistic methods, both continuous and discrete. A strong emphasis will be placed on independent and cooperative work and presentation of results in oral and written form. Capstone experience in applied mathematics.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: MTH 302 , MTH 310 , MTH 270 , or MTH 433 and CS 201
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
MTH 451 - Senior Reading Course
Independent reading course in mathematics. Weekly papers and a final examination will be required. 1, 2, or 3 credits.
Independent Study
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Senior Standing
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
MTH 461 - Capstone Seminar
This seminar (offered as a hybrid course) serves as the culminating experience for mathematics majors and those students majoring in Adolescent Education (Mathematics). This seminar will introduce students to mathematical literature of both historical importance and of contemporary interest. The readings will survey various disciplines in mathematics. Students will be required to make both oral and written summaries of published articles and to create an annotated bibliography on a mathematical topic
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Senior Standing
|
| |
-
MTH 491 - Special Topics in Mathematics
This course explores selected topics in mathematics. May be taken more than once for credit.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Alternate Years
Department Consent Required
|
Peace and Justice |
| |
-
PJS 420 - Special Topics in Peace and Justice Studies
Topics dealing with current issues in Peace and Justice.
Lecture
Credits: 3
|
Philosophy Courses may be classified as follows:
- Core curriculum: PHL 210 , PHL 215 , PHL 216 , PHL 217 , and PHL 218
- Historical courses: PHL 307 , PHL 308 , PHL 309 , PHL 312 , and PHL 314
- Systematic courses: PHL 319 , PHL 320 , PHL 332 , PHL 335, PHL 375 , and PHL 420
- Contemporary courses: PHL 305 , PHL 321 , PHL 327 , PHL 337 , PHL 346 , PHL 351 , PHL 353, PHL 356 , PHL 360 , PHL 363 , PHL 365 , PHL 366 , PHL 381 and PHL 383
- Independent research: PHL 400
|
| |
-
PHL 110 - Introduction to Philosophy
In this course, we will be examining some of the major themes and problems of Western philosophy as exemplified by a number of writings of some of the major figures of Western philosophy. We will be focusing on five areas: logic, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of mind. In each case we will be looking at a number of articles that take some conflicting positions on the questions being addressed. Part of your responsibility in reading these will be not only to concentrate on understanding what is being said, but also to think critically about the issues under discussion. In this course, being able to think critically about these issues is more important than simply memorizing what is being said. We will work on all this in class.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
PHL 210 - Action & Character: An Introduction to Moral Philosophy
This course examines central themes in moral philosophy through a consideration of fundamental questions about human nature, action, and character. In what sense is moral philosophy a normative discipline? Are human beings selfish by nature? Should we always act exclusively in our own interest? Is morality relative (to culture, to individuals) or are there universal and objectively valid moral principles? Are moral judgments cognitively meaningful or simply expressions of attitude or emotion? What role does reason play in making moral judgments? Are there such things as moral facts and properties; can we ever really know such facts? What is valuable or good for us? What determines whether an action is right or wrong, obligatory or permissible? Are actions right or wrong in terms of their consequences? What do motives or intentions have to do with the morality of an action? Is morality fundamentally about performing certain kinds of actions or more about being a certain kind of person? What is the relationship between action and character? Such questions are considered in light o leading theories in moral philosophy, e.g., egoism, relativism, utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. We will also apply these theories to specific moral problems.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
PHL 215 - Matters of Life and Death
This course examines some of the major themes and problems of moral philosophy with special emphasis on matters of life and death. The nature of moral reasoning, virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology as they have been displayed in some of the most important texts of the moral tradition will be studied and applied to contemporary problems in the areas of bioethics and mortality. Examples of such problems are the moral status of abortion, euthanasia, genetic modification, capital punishment, torture, terrorism, and war. The course also considers the question of what makes a life good and meaningful as well as the proper attitude towards the inevitability of death.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
PHL 216 - Freedom and Morality
This course examines the relationship between morality and various accounts of freedom, most notably freedom of the will. The question of free will and the major positions in the free will debate are considered in light of the nature of moral reasoning, virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology as they have been displayed in some of the most important texts of the moral tradition. Particular emphasis is placed on the nature of the relationship between freedom and moral responsibility.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
PHL 217 - Morality and Skepticism
This course studies various skeptical challenges to morality. The course examines the nature of moral reasoning, virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology as they have been displayed in some of the most important texts of the moral tradition with special emphasis placed on a variety of skeptical positions with respect to morality; most notably that morality is not distinct from enlightened self-interest, religios commands, cultural mores, or personal preferences.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
PHL 218 - Markets and Morals
This course is designed to provide an introduction to several key concepts in moral philosophy as it relates to business and markets. What is the relationship between business and ethics? Do we have obligations to others in our role as employees or consumers? Do corporations have moral agency? Which economic systems are just? Such questions are considered in terms of the moral concepts in virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and social contract theory. Through evaluation of those concepts, including agency, integrity, self-interest, and obligation, special emphasis will be placed on our role and responsibilities within a global economy.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
PHL 219 - Ethics and Entrepreneurial Leadership
When you think of a good leader, what do you imagine? Can you imagine yourself stepping into that vision and owning it? All of us will encounter times in our life when we need to take on leadership roles, whether as the official lead on a project, as the default “decider” in a group of friends, or simply as the director of our own most important decisions in life. In this class, you will learn to refine and perhaps to alter your vision of ethical leadership, shaping it into something you yourself can strive for as you pursue your own entrepreneurial goals, and you will take concrete steps to bring yourself closer to that goal.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Spring Semester
|
| |
-
PHL 304 - Philosophy of Childhood
To be human is to be educated according to the beliefs and practices of a particular place and time, and our understanding of ourselves as human beings and our place in the universe is predicated upon our introduction to it through the world we inhabit as children. The aim of this course is to consider philosophical perspectives on childhood insofar as they offer insight into the human condition of belatedness to the social order that gives our lives meaning.
Lecture
Credits: 3
ICT Core Theme Centerpiece: Identity
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
PHL 305 - Philosophy of Sport
This course addresses questions and issues that comprise the field known as the philosophy of sport, including the areas of ethics and social philosophy. What is sportsmanship and what is fair competition? Is it ever ethical to use performance-enhancing drugs? Should there be gender equity in sports participation? Does winning justify any means necessary to achieve it? These are but a few of the questions that will be addressed.
Lecture
Credits: 3
|
| |
-
PHL 307 - Major Representatives of Ancient Philosophy
A historical study of philosophy in the ancient world. Examination of the principal philosophical texts and doctrines of one or more of the following: ancient Eastern thought; pre-Socratic Greek philosophy; the Sophists and Socrates; Plato; Aristotle; post-Aristotelian Greek and Roman philosophy; Neoplatonism.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 308 - Major Representatives of Medieval Philosophy
A study in-depth of one of the following: Augustine; Aquinas; Bonaventure; Duns Scotus; medieval Islamic philosophy or medieval Jewish philosophy.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 309 - Major Representatives of Modern Philosophy
The origins of modern philosophy in terms of the most important ideas of the rationalist and empiricist traditions and the major movements of modernity will be examined.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 312 - Major Representatives of Contemporary Philosophy
An examination of the new foundations of philosophical thought claimed by phenomenology, existentialism, and analytic philosophy will be undertaken.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 314 - Major Representatives of American Philosophy
The development of the central themes of American Philosophy as found in one or more of the following: Peirce; Royce, James; Dewey; Whitehead; Quine; Rorty.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 319 - Philosophy of Reality
An analysis of central metaphysical terms and concepts: ‘being;’ ‘reality;’ ‘existence.’ A detailed study of significant metaphysical problems: universals and essence; process and substance-attribute, relations; necessity and contingency; God.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 320 - Philosophy of Knowledge
This course examines the nature, origins and limits of human knowledge. Dominant themes in epistemology, such as the claims of perceptual and a priori knowledge, the question of truth and justification, and the issue of skepticism, will be explored through a careful reading of classical and contemporary texts.
Lecture
Credits: 3
ICT Core Theme Centerpiece: Innovation. Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
PHL 321 - Philosophy of Mind
A review of recent criticisms and developments of the Cartesian Theory of mind and self-consciousness in the light of contemporary theories of language and behavior. Topics include minds and machines, intentions and mental states, materialism and the mind-body problem.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
PHL 327 - Moral Problems
A study of individual and social moral questions. Religion; the nature of the right-to-life in relation to self-defense; euthanasia; abortion and medical ethics; sexual morality in relation to spousal and parental relationships; property rights in relation to theories of collectivism and private ownership (wage contract and the morality of strikes); Political rights (ground and limits of political authority); the doctrine of the just war and its applicability to nuclear armaments; international moral law.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 332 - Logic: Basis of Correct Reasoning
A study of the logical principles of argument and a consideration of numerous common fallacies; an examination of the basic principles of deductive symbolic logic and of the inductive logic and design of research.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 337 - Philosophy and Culture
This course seeks to explore philosophical conceptions of the unity and development of reason as it is reflected in man’s most distinctive cultural activities: art; religion; science and morality. The emphasis will center on how certain modern and contemporary philosophers have sought to relate forms of knowledge to various forms of man’s cultural and social activity.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 346 - Philosophy of Religion
This course will locate the philosophical issues raised by religious belief in a personal, historical and cultural context. Present day possibilities for belief and unbelief will be analyzed and evaluated as an experiential option and not as an abstract subject. Authors who share this approach, such as Sigmund Freud and William James, will figure prominently in readings and discussions.
Lecture
Credits: 3
|
| |
-
PHL 351 - Revolution in Sexual Morality
A philosophical attempt to interpret and evaluate normative shifts in sexual morality resulting from the breakdown of established customs. The concepts of sexuality, love, fidelity and perversion will be considered in relation to questions about marriage, promiscuity, homosexuality, pornography and contraception.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 354 - Feminist Philosophy
This course surveys a broad range of concepts, themes, and debates central to feminist philosophy. We will discuss issues of identity: What does it mean to be a feminist? What does it mean to be a woman? Why do we have different - and at times competing - notions of feminism? We will also explore how our identities are shaped by other social constructions such as race, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation. Our engagement with seminal feminist texts will help us reexamine social practices and reconstruct moral theories through feminist lenses.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: One Philosophy Core Course
ICT Core Theme Centerpiece: Feminist. Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
PHL 355 - Thomas Paine and the Revolutionary Tradition
Beginning with a study of the philosophical foundations of The Declaration of Independence, this course will examine the relation of Thomas Paine to the revolutionary traditions of the 18th Century. The course will end with an examination of the relevance of Paine’s thought to the contemporary world
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Fall & Spring
|
| |
-
PHL 356 - Social and Political Philosophy
This course will seek to explore the philosophical foundations of ideas like rights, justice, freedom and obligation in political and social contexts. The emphasis will be on the conceptual problems associated with attempts to formulate arguments and theories about these topics.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
PHL 360 - Ethics and Business
This course seeks to develop a moral perspective that is applicable to the structure and practices of business. Themes to be discussed are: a normative theory of ethics; economic justice; corporate-labor responsibility with respect to wage and price, investment, advertising, preferential hiring, ecology, and consumer protection; and the new functions and responsibilities of multinational corporations.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 361 - Ethical Issues in Science and Technology
This course seeks to develop a moral perspective through philosophy as it applies to the practical and ethical problems that emerge from contemporary technologies. Emphasis will be placed on ethical problems that professionals face in the field, such as privacy in data technologies, intellectual property rights, environmental ethics, ethical issues in engineering and the physical sciences. The goal of the course will be to clarify the issues involved and to help students develop tools of ethical analysis and evaluation to confront such issues.
Lecture
Credits: 3
|
| |
-
PHL 363 - Philosophy of Psychology and Neuroscience
In this course, we will investigate the following six scientific questions about how the mind and brain work. (1) Do brains work like computers? (2) Are thoughts really just neurons firing? (3) Can non-human animals think? (4) Are human beings really rational? (5) Does the mind extend beyond the boundaries of the brain? (6) What are brains for, anyway? Our goal in this class is to figure out what, in general, the sciences of mind and brain have to say about our six questions. These questions are broad enough that it is difficult to know which experimental results are most relevant to answering them. Our first task, therefore, will be to clarify the questions themselves so that we have a better grasp on what might count as a good answer. Once we’ve determined what scientific literature is most relevant to answering these questions, we’ll read a selection of it, outline two or three promising answers, and assess their strengths and weaknesses.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Spring Semester
|
| |
-
PHL 365 - Philosophy of Science
A survey of the development of the relations between the philosophical tradition and modern science. Special attention will be given to scientific revolutions in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the philosophical schools of thought during this same period.
Lecture
Credits: 3
ICT Core Theme Centerpiece: Scientific Reasoning.
|
| |
-
PHL 366 - Problems in Medical Ethics
This course will focus on the nature of medical ethics and on the ethical implications of current problems in medical practice and research.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 375 - Aesthetics
A study of major theories of art and their relation to individual art forms, especially literature and music. Includes an examination of some central critical concepts, such as value, intention, expression, and insight, as well as the philosophical problems surrounding modern art.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered When Needed
|
| |
-
PHL 381 - Philosophy of Law
An examination of some classical and contemporary attempts to define and/or explicate the concept of law, the nature of legal reasoning, and the relationships among legal systems and customs, traditions, and moral ideas. Attention directed to theories of natural law, legal positivism, legal realism, sociological jurisprudence. Consideration of problems involved in notions of international law, legal obligation, due process and the morality of the criminal law.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in Alternate Years
|
| |
-
PHL 383 - Philosophy of Human Nature
What makes humans unique? Many branches of science have made progress on this question, but most of the answers are both partial and controversial. Our goal in this class will be to survey some of the most influential answers, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and fit them together into a coherent theoretical framework. We will have to synthesize information from a diverse range of sciences, including developmental psychology, behavior genetics, evolutionary biology, and cultural anthropology. In order to impose some structure on this vast collection of ideas, we will organize the course around the venerable nature/nurture debate. Those on the nature side defend the idea that human uniqueness results primarily from our genetic, biological heritage. They think we have complex culture because our biology makes us smart. Those on the nurture side say that cultural and environmental factors are more influential. They think that we are smart because we have complex culture. As we assess this fascinating and occasionally fierce controversy, your job will be to stay open-minded, and to learn as much as you can from both sides.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Fall Semester
|
| |
-
PHL 400 - Independent Study
A program of readings in an area of philosophical interest or a program of research leading to the writing of a major philosophical paper with the advisor’s approval, under the supervision of a member of the department.
Independent Study
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Approval of Dept Advisor
Offered When Needed
Department Consent Required
|
| |
-
PHL 401 - Special Topics in Philosophy
Special topics courses are designed to offer the opportunity for investigation into the work of individual philosophers, historically important philosophical movements, or contemporary philosophical themes. Specific topics wll be indicated when these courses are offered.
Lecture
Credits: 3
|
| |
Page: 1
| 2
| 3
| 4
| 5
| 6
| 7
| 8
| 9
| 10
| 11
|
Print this Page