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University of Central Arkansas
Undergraduate Bulletin 2006 - 2008

Undergraduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.05.05

Philosophy and Religion

Chair and Professor: Dr. Harvey, 450-3179
Professors: Dr. Shelton, Dr. Schedler, Dr. Mehl
Assistant Professors: Dr. Jakubowski, Dr. Deitrick, Dr. Crockett, Dr. Lotter, Dr. Held, Dr. Mann
Visiting Assistant Professor: Dr. Thiher
Lecturer I: Mr. Spivey
Instructors: Dr. Winden Fey, Mr. Novy, Dr. Williams, Dr. Musser

[1] Purposes

The Department of Philosophy and Religion offers a degree program with a major in philosophy. Within this program students can emphasize religion, social and political philosophy, continental philosophy, or analytic philosophy. The department administers the interdisciplinary degree program in Religious 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 critical 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.

[2] The Undergraduate Scholars Program in Philosophy

Students who major in philosophy and who demonstrate exceptional ability may be asked to enter the undergraduate scholars program. This program is designed to prepare the student for graduate work in philosophy. In addition to the courses required for a major in the area, the student must

  1. Complete PHIL 4301 Philosophy Honors Tutorial;
  2. Maintain a minimum 3.25 grade point average overall, and a 3.50 grade point average in the major;
  3. Complete an honors thesis in conjunction with PHIL 4301; and
  4. Pass an oral examination on the thesis conducted by three faculty members.

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

The degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, with a major in philosophy, requires successful completion of 124 hours, including (1) the general education component, (2) degree requirements, (3) major requirements listed below, and (4) a minor as worked out with the student's minor advisor.

[3.1] Major in Philosophy (33 hours)

Required courses (12 hours): PHIL 2310; 3320; 3300; and3302.

Elective courses (21 hours)

At least two courses from the History of Philosophy area (6 hours): 3301; 3303; 3304; 4305 or 4306.

At least one course from the Social and Political Philosophy area (3 hours): 3320; 3325; 3330; 3340; 3343 or 3345.

At least one course from the Values area (3 hours): 2300; 3331; 3352; 3360 or 4340.

At least one course from the Epistemology & Metaphysics area (3 hours): 3310; 3341; 3370; 3375; 3380; 3382; 4306 or 4330.

And, two additional elective courses from any group (6 hours).

 

Only one of PHIL 1301, 1330, 2305, 2325, 2360, and RELG 1320 will count toward a major or minor.

[3.2] Minor in Philosophy (21 hours)

Required courses (6 hours): PHIL 2310; and 3320.

Elective courses (21 hours)

At least two courses from the History of Philosophy area (6 hours): 3300; 3301; 3302; 3303; 3304; 4305 or 4306.

At least one course from the Social and Political Philosophy area (3 hours): 3320; 3325; 3330; 3340; 3343 or 3345.

At least one course from the Values area (3 hours): 2300; 3331; 3352; 3360 or 4340.

At least one course from the Epistemology & Metaphysics area (3 hours): 3310; 3341; 3370; 3375; 3380; 3382; 4306 or 4330.

 

Only one of PHIL 1301, 2305, 2325, 2360, and RELG 1320 will count toward a major or minor.

Some courses at or above the 2000 level with the prefix RELG may also function as electives for the Philosophy major or minor, 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: 3395; 4300; 4301 and 4310.

[4] Courses in Philosophy (PHIL)

Follow this link for PHIL course descriptions: course link.

[5] Courses in Religion (RELG)

Follow this link for RELG course descriptions: course link.