PL 143 — Introduction to Asian Philosophies
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
Introduces the major philosophies of the Asian world that underlie and shape Eastern cultures. Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are emphasized. (G7: Humanities; G9: Other World Civilizations).
PL 201 — Introduction to Political Philosophy
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course is an introduction to texts in the canon of political philosophy. Students survey ancient and contemporary thinkers such as: Cicero, Aristotle, Barack Obama, Sibyl Schwarzenbach, and Edward Said. Through engaging with these texts in writing and class discussion, students develop their own ideas about politics and philosophy. (G5: Western Civilization; G7: Humanities).
PL 202 — Animal Ethics and the Fashion Industry
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
In this course, students study the ethical issues that arise out of the ways in which humans use animals for food, clothing, and entertainment. While considering the ethical concerns of exploiting animals for the benefit of humanity, students re-think the relationship of animals in the fashion industry, considering a world without the use/abuse of animals. (G7: Humanities).
PL 211 — Informal Logic: A Guide to Clear Thinking
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
Introduction to practical techniques for evaluating, criticizing, and defending arguments using ordinary English. Both deductive and inductive reasoning are considered, and how to recognize fallacies is emphasized. Stresses techniques for producing good arguments of many types. (G7: Humanities).
PL 299 — Independent Study in Philosophy
1-3 credit
Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Liberal Arts.
PL 300 — Business Ethics
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course introduces students to basic ethical principles and concepts used to evaluate business practices. Students will learn about the purpose of a corporation, the significance of accountability and transparency in business, the idea of corporate social responsibility, the consequences of globalization, the impact of corporations on the environment, and job discrimination. (G7: Humanities).
PL 301 — Anxiety and Fear: Introduction to Existentialism
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course is an introduction to the philosophy of existentialism. The core principles of existentialism will be examined using the work of Martin Heidegger, Soren Kierkegaard, Hannah Arendt, Jean Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Frantz Fanon, and Albert Camus, among others.
PL 321 — Philosophy of Art
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
Considers the philosophy of art and the logical structure of criticism. Presents a group of problems arising from description, interpretation, and evaluation of aesthetic objects, with special emphasis on the visual arts. (G7: Humanities)
Prerequisite(s): one semester of History of Art and Civilization.
PL 330 — Approaches to Fashion Theory
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This is an interdisciplinary, co-taught, cross listed course with HA 330. Studies theories of fashion from both philosophical and art-historical perspectives. Examines how our relationship to our bodies, our concepts of self, our clothing, and our definitions of beauty are historically and culturally dependent. (G4: Social Sciences; G7: Humanities)
Prerequisite(s): HA 112 or PL 141 or PL 321 or SS 131 or SS 171.
PL 391 — Ancient Greek Philosophy (Honors)
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
A study of the origins and development of philosophy in the West, from Homer and Hesiod to the Hellenistic period. Contributions of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are emphasized, and the Greek influence on Roman and Christian philosophy is examined. (G5: Western Civilization; G7: Humanities)
Prerequisite(s): qualification for Presidential Scholars Program, or 3.5 GPA with approval of dean for Liberal Arts.
PL 392 — The Old and New Testaments in the History of Ideas (Honors)
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
Students examine the influence of selected books, chapters, and verses from the Old and New Testaments on the literature, philosophy, theology, and politics of Western civilization. Emphasis is given to ideas located in scriptures as they have been developed by religious thinkers, systematic theorists, and creative artists. (Formerly LA 394) (G5: Western Civilization; G7: Humanities)
Prequisite(s): qualification for Presidential Scholars Program, or 3.5 GPA with approval of dean for Liberal Arts.
PL 431 — Philosophy: Ethics
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
An introduction to philosophy in general and to ethics in particular. Philosophy is presented as an ongoing activity with emphasis on providing students with logical and conceptual tools for dealing with real-world situations. The course is oriented toward the development of the student's ability to use reason to evaluate arguments, particularly ethical arguments. (G7: Humanities).
PL 499 — Independent Study in Philosophy
1-3 credit
Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Liberal Arts.