The education mission of the philosophy and religion department serves the general studies core and the major. The department takes seriously its obligation to introduce general studies students to philosophy and religion as humanities disciplines. All courses at the 100 and 200 level are open to and designed for students at different stages of their general education, yet the department also seeks to offer a balanced array of courses for majors and minors. Course offerings in philosophy introduce students to logic, the history of western philosophy, a sample of important areas of philosophical investigation and applied philosophy. In every philosophy course, the careful analysis and construction of arguments is emphasized. Reading and discussion of primary sources is preferred to textbook summaries in most courses. Course offerings in religion cover biblical studies, the history of Christian thought, world religions (Judaism, Islam, and South and East Asian religions), and religious ethics. Nearly all courses contain a strong emphasis on the historical development of religious ideas and practices. Students are taught to interpret texts rather than to amass pre-interpreted information. Since the core religion requirement is connected with the colleges identity as a liberal arts college in the Christian tradition, the department offers a wide variety of courses whi...
