Columbia College - Day Campus

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies Degree

The academic study of philosophy and religion has been traditionally an essential part of the liberal arts. The study of philosophy seeks to develop intellectual abilities important for life as a whole. Properly pursued, philosophy enhances analytical, critical and interpretive capacities that may be applied to any academic field. Philosophy is as old as human civilization, asking the most general and profound questions; philosophy begins in wonder and, at its best, seeks the path to wisdom. In a world where religion often plays a central role in political, social and even economic events, there is a vital need for an ongoing critical analysis, reflection and understanding of religious traditions, issues, and ideas. The study of religion examines the social and intellectual dimensions of what people have called the 'sacred,' the 'numinous,' the 'holy,' or simply 'the search for meaning.' Taken together, philosophy and religious studies open doors to rich and world-wide traditions. The major seeks to develop the individual's abilities to critically examine, analyze and appreciate these traditions and ideas - and, in the process, build personal self-expression, creativity and an appetite for life-long learning.

Mission and Goals

1. Students will develop intellectual abilities important for life as a whole. Examples: the study of logic, critical examination of ethics, the study of scientific thought.
2. Students will be prepared for the tasks of citizenship. Example: participation in democracy requires a citizen be sufficiently informed, have knowledge of political philosophy, and be aware of manipulation and demogoguery.
3. Students will develop analytical skills and problem solving abilities. Example: philosophy courses require analysis and reflection on complex issues and texts.
4. Students will develop writing and verbal skills. Example: every course demands cogent logical and creative responses to issues raised in debate, responses that eschew ill-informed and uncritical (often emotional) arguments.
5. In a global world and economy, students need to clearly understand diverse assumptions and ways of thinking. Examples: students will read and analyze basic philosophical and religious texts and practices of the world.
6. Students will be acquainted with the basic methodologies employed in the study of religion and philosophy. Example: courses require research and the practice of such methodologies.
7. A good education in philosophy and religious studies enhances the individual's ability to construct a personal and well thought-out value system. Example: examining past religions and philosophies, the student will become aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and how and why many fail in practice.
8. Assessment: all majors are required to take PHIL/RELI 490 Thematic Seminar. This culminating course requires: a) concentrated study of a particular issue in the chosen field, b) rigorous examination of the literature, c) a major research paper, d) giving and defending the paper to the seminar, a conference or college-wide audience.

Department:

Humanities

Degree Requirements:

A.	General Education Requirements			38-41 sem. hrs
	Ethics Course Requirement			3 hrs
	PHIL 330		Ethics	3 hrs
B.	Foreign Language Requirement			6 sem. hrs
C.	Core Requirements			18 sem. hrs
	(All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.)
	PHIL 201		Introduction to Western Philosophy	3 hrs
	PHIL 202		(RELI 202) Introduction to Eastern Philosophies and Religions	3 hrs
	PHIL 210		Logic	3 hrs
	PHIL 490		(RELI 490) Thematic Seminar in Philosophy and Religious Studies	3 hrs
	RELI 101		Religion and Human Experience	3 hrs
	RELI 201		Religious Classic Texts	3 hrs
D.	Electives			30 sem. hrs
	Students must take a minimum of nine hours from each of the two tracks.
	Track A: Religious Studies
	ENGL 124		(RELI 124) The Bible as Literature	3 hrs
	RELI 381		(HIST 381) History of Christianity: The Early Church	3 hrs
	RELI 382		(HIST 382) Christianity in the Modern World	3 hrs
	RELI 390		(PHIL 390) The Buddha and Buddhism	3 hrs
	RELI 400		Religion and Science	3 hrs
	RELI 233/333/433		Topics	3 hrs
	Track B: Philosophy
	ENVS 332		(PHIL 332) Environmental Ethics	3 hrs
	HIST 303		(PHIL 303) History and Philosophy of Modern Science	3 hrs
	HIST 340		(PHIL 340) History and Philosophy of Revolution	3 hrs
	PHIL 321		Major Figures/Schools, Ancient/Medieval	3 hrs
	PHIL 322		Major Figures/Schools, Early Modern/Modern	3 hrs
	PHIL 350		(RELI 350) Philosophy of Religion	3 hrs
	PHIL 358		Existentialism	3 hrs
	PHIL 400		(POSC 400) Political Philosophy	3 hrs
	PHIL 401		Significant Philosophers	3 hrs
	PHIL 460		Biomedical Ethics	3 hrs
E.	Electives			25-28 sem. hrs
F.	Total			120 sem. hrs

Locations

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies degree is available at the following locations:

Main Campus, Day Program