Mar 29, 2024  
2010-2011 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2016 
    
2010-2011 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2016 [Archived Catalog]

Philosophy and Religion (BA)


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Affiliation: School of Social & Cultural Studies
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts
Minor Offered: Philosophy and Religion

Majors in philosophy and religion acquire an engaged knowledge of both classics in philosophy and religion and current works and problems. Students employ diverse methods and perspectives of religious studies and philosophy. They learn to write clearly and persuasively, to speak and listen in ways that promote understanding and discourse, and to read carefully and productively, balancing openness and critical reflection. The knowledge and skills that students develop enable a richer understanding and engagement with the surrounding world and foster clarification of the individual’s worldview.

The goals of philosophy and religion courses include:
1) broad, foundational understanding of the history and practices of philosophies and religions, 2) engaged familiarity with methodological questions in philosophy and religious studies, 3) knowledgeable appreciation of other disciplines and of philosophical issues and questions of religion that relate to other disciplines, 4) critical and empathetic textual acuity, 5) cognitive skills, 6) communication and argumentation skills, 7) intellectual independence, 8) the capacity for open-mindedness and ethical sensitivity. A major in philosophy and religion directly supports and expands the liberal arts experience.

The Philosophy and Religion major consists of five required courses and at least five approved electives in philosophy and religion. The first four required courses in the history and problems of philosophy and religion establish a common domain of discourse. These courses provide a foundation in the diversity of religious thought and experience and in the history, development, and major problems of philosophical thought. The fifth required course, the senior seminar, provides integration. In the senior seminar, each student prepares and defends a substantial thesis, supported by the collaborative efforts of faculty and other students in the seminar.

 

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION

 

Primary consideration will be given to:

  1. Performance in courses within the major.
  2. The quality of the senior thesis.
  3. Evidence of the student’s commitment to scholarly values.

 

Consideration will also be given to:

  1. Performance in courses outside the major.
  2. Contributions to the intellectual life of the campus.
  3. Public scholarly activity.
  4. Other independent scholarship.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

Liberal Studies Program Requirements: 31-57 Credit Hours


Missouri Statute Requirement: 1-3 Credit Hours


Bachelor of Arts Requirement: 0-6 Credit Hours


  • Intermediate proficiency in ONE foreign language

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:


The Philosophy and Religion major consists of two (2) parts: Required Support and Major Requirements.  Each student must complete both parts.

Part I: Required Support: 15 Credit Hours


Fifteen hours from one other area as approved by advisor (3 hours of internship may be applied toward required support, with up to 12 more hours applied to free electives): 15

Part II: Major Requirements: 30 Credit Hours


  • Electives in philosophy and religion as approved by advisor, to include at most one 100-level PHRE course: 15 Credit Hours

Choose one of the following


Choose one of the following


Electives to Total: 120 Credit Hours


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