Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25 > Course Descriptions

UG Course Descriptions

PHI 226 HON: Justice Matters (Credits: 3)

This course introduces students to the principal theories of justice that have developed within the Western philosophical and theological traditions. Students will relate these theories to a variety of contemporary social and political problems (e.g., poverty, systematic racism, human rights, ecological justice, etc.) in order to gain a better understanding of the requirements of justice in our time.

PHI 300 HON: Special Topics (Credits: 3)

This designation is for courses offered as electives in the Undergraduate Honors Program, and may include both Honors-only courses and augmented Honors versions of courses that are offered elsewhere in the catalog. Courses have limited enrollment and content reflects Honors Program course outcomes around rigorous critical engagement, interdisciplinarity, effective communication, and meaningful collaboration.

PHI 312 Ethics (Credits: 3)

Is there such a thing as right and wrong? How do you know if you’re a good person? Is ethics about following rules? Doing your duty? Bringing about the greatest good for the greatest number? Obeying God? Developing virtue? These are the kinds of burning questions that ethics investigates. The study of ethics concerns the nature of action, motivation, consequence, and personal character. You will be introduced to the key issues and theories in ethics. You will trace the historical development of various ethical theories, as well as learn how to apply these theories to contemporary problems in ethics.

PHI 326 Women Thinkers (Credits: 3)

Women are not new to the philosophical scene. In this course, you will read the work of women thinkers who have influenced the development of philosophy. You will explore classic texts in feminist thought and continue the analysis of the role of gender in the construction of various academic and theoretical frameworks, including literature, science, epistemology, psychoanalysis, and social theory.

PHI 328 Artificial Intelligence (Credits: 3)

Students are provided with a general introduction to philosophy of mind and its implications for artificial intelligence (AI), allowing them to explore topics ranging from the nature of consciousness, the mind/body problem, personal identity, intelligent and complex adaptive systems, to robotics and related ethical questions. The course utilizes a historical, thematic, and multi-media approach which extends to interdisciplinary components from biology and neuroscience.

PHI 338 Philosophy and Film (Credits: 3)

What is it about a film that brings us back to it? Sure, it might be the actors or the plot or the action scenes or – maybe, just maybe — the philosophical themes that capture our attention and compel us to think about “big questions.” In this course you will consider, through your experience of different genres, styles, and techniques, how film enhances and/or alters our view of life. For this course, think not just “Light” but “Life, Camera, Action!”

PHI 339 God, Darwin, Einstn & Big Bang (Credits: 3)

How does Big Bang cosmology and Darwinian evolution impact our philosophical and theological views on the nature of reality? How can these predominant scientific views integrate the Catholic philosophical tradition? The course invites you to examine some of the major developments in biological and physical sciences, to analyze their implications through reading prominent scientists, philosophers and theologians, both historical and contemporary.

PHI 340 Aesthetics-Search for Beauty (Credits: 3)

Beauty surrounds us – but we often miss it. In this course, you will learn different theories and immerse yourself in many expressions and experiences of beauty. Ultimately, you will define beauty in your terms and support your definition with theories and concrete examples. The goal? To recognize the beauty that surrounds us.

PHI 350 Special Studies in Philosophy (Credits: .5 to 3)

Special course for students and faculty interested in topics not usually offered; tutorials, independent study, and research.

PHI 384 Organizational Ethics (Credits: 3)

Several major ethical theories are reviewed. Students examine personal values through readings and workplace analysis to consider management accountability, human rights, and a responsible lifestyle in the contemporary world. (Offered only in ACCEL® format)

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