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CHAIR: Donna M.
Desforges
NAVIGATION: Philosophy Major BA
| Course Descriptions
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Frank
Fair
FACULTY: Bradley,
Cording, Fair,
Sanford
Curriculum: Major In
Philosophy
BACHELOR OF ARTS |
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|
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| First Year |
Credit |
Second Year |
Credit |
| ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
ENG literature (200 level
or higher) |
3 |
| HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
CS 133 or 138 or LS 130, or MIS 188 |
3 |
| BIO, CHM, GEO 131/111 GEL,
PHY (from 2 different departments) |
8 |
POL 261, 285 |
6 |
| FL 141, 142 |
8 |
PSY 131 |
3 |
| MTH 164 or 170 |
3 |
PHL 261, 262 |
6 |
| KIN 215 |
1 |
FL 263, 264 |
6 |
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32 |
Minor |
6 |
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33 |
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| Third Year |
Credit |
Fourth Year |
Credit |
| PHL 363, 366 |
6 |
PHL 364, 365 |
6 |
| PHL |
3 |
PHL |
9 |
| Visual and Performing Arts |
3 |
Minor |
6 |
| Minor |
6 |
Electives |
9 |
| Electives |
15 |
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30 |
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33 |
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Philosophy majors choose an approved minor of 18 semester
hours, 6 of which must be advanced. It is suggested that students
visit with their advisors in choosing a minor.
Minors in Philosophy take a minimum of 18 hours including
PHL 262 or 362, and 6 hours advanced. Consult the Program
Coordinator for additional information.
PHILOSOPHY COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
PHL 261 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY.
[PHIL 1301] A general examination of the fields and issues
of philosophy as discussed by both classical and modern philosophers.
Philosophical problems discussed include the existence of
God, the nature of knowledge and truth, the issue of human
free will, and theories of moral judgment. Credit 3.
PHL 262 CRITICAL THINKING. [PHIL
2303] Designed to improve students’ ability to think
critically. The course covers the fundamentals of deductive
reasoning, the identification of common fallacies, and an
introduction to inductive reasoning, as well as sensitizing
the students to some of the ways information is distorted,
e.g., by advertising and news management. Credit 3.
*PHL 263 CONTEMPORARY MORAL ISSUES.
[PHIL 2306] A study of major moral issues in contemporary
society. Includes topics such as abortion, euthanasia, censorship,
capital punishment, and other issues that confront today’s
society. Credit 3.
PHL 362 INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY
LOGIC. Introduces the student to the principles of ordered
though t and to the terminology and rules of symbolic logic.
Discusses the logic of statements and the logic of predicates,
quantifiers, and identity. Credit 3.
PHL 364 ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY.
A survey of philosophical thought from the time of the pre-socratics
to about 1500. Includes the study of the work of Socrates,
Plato, Aristotle, the Hellenistic schools, and medieval philosophy
through the late scholastic period. The artistic, scientific,
ethical, political and general cultural ramifications of the
major systems of thought are noted. Credit 3.
PHL 365 MODERN PHILOSOPHY. A
survey of philosophical thought from about 1500 through the
twentieth century. The course will examine the philosophical
significance of the rise of modern science, the classical
philosophies of rationalism, empiricism, the philosophy of
Kant, and the development of these philosophies through the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Credit 3.
PHL 366 AESTHETICS. An inquiry
into the nature and meaning of art. Analysis of aesthetic
experience, the relation of art to value, and an examination
of aesthetic theories concerning representation, form and
expression. This course satisfies 3 semester hours of the
fine arts requirement for the BA degree program. Credit 3.
PHL 367 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION.
An examination of the nature and meaning of religion and religious
expression. Philosophical and scientific critiques of religious
faith and experience are considered. The nature of faith and
reason, the question of the existence and nature of God, and
the relation of religion and value are typical course topics.
Credit 3.
PHL 371 PHILOSOPHY OF SELF-AWARENESS.
An examination of the major themes of existentialism and its
impact on contemporary society. Existential works from literature,
psychology, psychoanalysis, and religion are included. Examines
the existential concepts of anxiety, fear, guilt, meaninglessness,
death, and authentic and inauthentic existence. Taught with
PSY 371. Credit 3.
PHL 372 PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE.
A survey of topics in philosophy of science including the
logic of explanations in the physical and social sciences,
the relations of science to the realm of values, and a look
at the “mind-body problem”. Credit 3.
PHL 471 DEATH AND DYING. An examination
of the philosophical reflections on death and dying from the
literature of philosophy, psychology, theology, medicine and
other contemporary sources. Course includes discussions of
the nature of grief, sorrow, anxiety, fear, and suicide as
related to death, and the social implications of death for
the individual, family, friends, and community. Credit 3.
PHL 480 SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHY.
Affords students a chance for in-depth study of a particular
topic or area in philosophy not covered fully in the other
course offerings and a chance for participation in a course
conducted on a seminar basis. As the topics vary, the course
may be repeated for credit. Credit 3.
PHL 485 READINGS IN PHILOSOPHY. This
course is designed especially for advanced students who are
capable of independent study. The particular program of study
for the course must be discussed in advance with the prospective
instructor. Admission to the course requires permission of
the instructor. Credit 3.
*Subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State
University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board.
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