Courses

Philosophy Courses

PHIL 021: INTRO TO PHILOSOPHY, 3 credit hrs.
Introduction to the Western philosophical tradition through a study expository and critical, of a variety of issues: the existence of God, freedom, foundations of belief, etc.-as they have been formulated in the writings of outstanding classical and contemporary philosophers.

PHIL 034: CURRENT ISSUES/PHILOSOPHY, 3 credit hrs.
A discussion at the introductory level of the philosophic significance of various topics of contemporary interest. A student may receive credit for four semesters of this course.

PHIL 079: ETHICS IN A GLOBALIZING WORLD, 3 credit hrs.
This course will apply competing ethical perspectives to a wide range of global issues, including the ethics of intervention in world politics, ethical perspectives on global economic issues, ethics and public health, and ethics and the environment.

PHIL 090: ETHICS, 3 credit hrs.
An exploration of attempts to develop an adequate personal moral philosophy, including the analysis of selected normative ethical theories and the problems of relativism, egoism and determinism.

PHIL 091: CONTEMPORARY ETHICAL PROBLEMS, 3 credit hrs.
Study of contemporary ethical problems from the perspective of philosophical and religious principles. Various sections of the course may specialize in different types of ethical problems. Crosslisted with REL 091. May be used as part of Women's Studies Concentration.

PHIL 103: PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION IN CHINA, 3 credit hrs.
This class explores China's major philosophical and religious traditions, or the "Three Teachings" of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. We look at doctrinal debates that unite and divide these three traditions, as well as at their rituals and practices. We pay special attention to how early texts discuss the effectiveness of various ritual actions. That is, how does Confucian rituality aid in moral cultivation? How does Buddhist meditation lead to enlightenment? And, what practices produce the astonishing skills of Daoist sages? Along the way, we will learn about Chinese culture and society, in both historical and contemporary contexts. Students will gain a solid foundation for continued study of China in various disciplines. Crosslisted with REL 103.

PHIL 104: ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY, 3 credit hrs.
The study of the major philosophers of the ancient era, including Pre-Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and the major schools of the Hellenistic period. The philosophy of the period is set in the context of intellectual, social and scientific developments.

PHIL 105: MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY, 3 credit hrs.
A study of the major philosophers of the medieval era, from Augustine through Ockham, with reference to such issues as the existence of God, the nature of belief, the problem of universals and the rediscovery and extension of Greek philosophy.

PHIL 106: MODERN PHILOSOPHY, 3 credit hrs.
A study of the major philosophers of the modern era, such as Bacon, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant, with reference to certain, developments that influenced these men, e.g. the Renaissance, the Reformation, the rise of science and other important intellectual developments.

PHIL 107: CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY, 3 credit hrs.
A study of the major philosophers of the late 19th century and the 20th century. Such philosophical movements as Pragmatism, Idealism, Existentialism and Analytic Philosophy are examined, with an emphasis on the social and intellectual developments that influenced them: developments that followed from the work of such men as Darwin, Marx and Freud.

PHIL 109: AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY, 3 credit hrs.
A study of the central texts and ideas of American philosophy from transcendentalism in the nineteenth century to pragmatism in the twentieth, with special emphasis on Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, William James, John Dewey, Nelson Goodman, and Richard Rorty.

PHIL 110: EXISTENTIAL FILMS, 3 credit hrs.
Explore the meaning of life through films as well as readings in existential philosophy. This class will investigate questions about personal identity, fate and human freedom, moral relativism and universal truth, and finding fulfillment in life through readings by philosophers from a variety of world cultures. These readings will be paired with a selection of films all providing a different perspective on existential themes. All films will be available on reserve at the library, and students should plan on watching movies outside of class as part of weekly homework assignments.

PHIL 111: EASTERN PHILOSOPHY, 3 credit hrs.
An examination of the philosophical ideas contained within the core texts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism, with special emphasis on the way in which Southeast Asian and East Asian "philosophies" challenge the commonplace Western distinction between philosophy and religion.

PHIL 113: AI ETHICS, 3 credit hrs.
An examination of recent discussions of ethical issues in AI (broadly defined to include Big Data) including, but not limited to, issues of privacy, bias, problematic influence, and social consequences of AI. Crosslisted with CS 083.

PHIL 114: SYMBOLIC LOGIC, 3 credit hrs.
Study of the concepts and techniques of modern formal logic, including axiomatic developments of the sentential calculus and an examination of the first-order predicate calculus in a system of natural deduction. Crosslisted with CS 114.

PHIL 117: HEALTH CARE ETHICS, 3 credit hrs.
This course is an introduction to issues ethics in healthcare, between healthcare professionals and patients, between the state and its citizens, and with regard to individual decision-making. Topics discussed may be genetic technology, euthanasia, the concepts of disease and health, healthcare education, mind/body issues.

PHIL 118: FEMINIST ETHICS, 3 credit hrs.

PHIL 120: LANGUAGE & INTERPRETATION, 3 credit hrs.
This course serves as an introduction to recent philosophy of language in the Continental philosophical tradition as focused on the theme of textual interpretation. Philosophical movements to be considered include hermeneutics, deconstruction, semiotics, and critical theory.

PHIL 121: COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS, 3 credit hrs.
This class serves both as an introduction to the academic field of comparative religion and as an actual comparison of several of the world's religions with respect to some question or theme (which will vary from year to year).

PHIL 124: HEALTH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE, 3 credit hrs.
This course looks at the intersection of issues in health and social justice. As such, this course pulls from a number of different fields: politics, economics, sociology, philosophy, epidemiology, medicine, biology and anthropology (and probably some others). We will spend time looking at international health and justice as well as domestic issues of health and justice. In particular we will discuss the impact of the health of a population on economic and political justice and the impact of economic and political justice on the health of a population.

PHIL 125: PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION, 3 credit hrs.
This class serves as an introduction to the contemporary practice of philosophy of religion as well as an exercise in the comparative explanation and evaluation of religious reason-giving. Each year we will examine one particular set of religious ideas and reasons in several different religious traditions from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.

PHIL 126: THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE/BELIEF, 3 credit hrs.
Examination of significant issues in the theory of knowledge; such as the criteria of meaning and truth; a priori knowledge; knowing and sensing; and the problems of induction, memory and skepticism. Prereq.: One philosophy course.

PHIL 127: THEORIES OF REALITY, 3 credit hrs.
Discussion of selected metaphysical problems such as universals, materialism, causality, freedom, personal identity and the nature of metaphysical thinking. Prereq.: One philosophy course.

PHIL 128: LANGUAGE AND REALITY, 3 credit hrs.
An introduction to philosophy of language, linguistics, and semiotics focused on the issue of linguistic relativism, i.e., whether languages are significantly different, and if so, whether they shape significantly different views of reality. Examines evidence both in support of and against linguistic relativism, and then uses this evidence as a means of addressing the relationship between language and reality.

PHIL 129: PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE, 3 credit hrs.
Examination of the major topics and issues of contemporary philosophy of science, including (but not limited to) the demarcation criteria of science, the rationality and objectivity of scientific theories, the verification and falsification of scientific theories, and scientific realism and empiricism.

PHIL 130: MINDS, BRAINS, AND COMPUTERS, 3 credit hrs.
An introduction to philosophy of mind, focused on the nature of intentionality and consciousness, the relationship between mental and physical states, and the possibility of artificial intelligence.

PHIL 131: GREAT PHILOSOPHERS, 3 credit hrs.
Concentrated study of selected individuals and schools from the history of philosophy, such as Plato, Kant or Positivism. A student may receive credit for four semesters of this course. Prereq.: One philosophy course or instructor consent.

PHIL 136: THEORIES OF JUSTICE, 3 credit hrs.
Issues of distributive justice are frequently topics of passionate discussion with everyone agreeing that we ought to be just but also disagreeing about what criteria have to be met for justice to be achieved. Since the mid-twentieth century, philosophers have spent considerable time working to articulate and defend plausible theories of justice. This course focuses on close examination of several of these theories. Students will read primary texts, work to understand arguments presented in texts, apply the different theories to particular cases and evaluate the arguments.

PHIL 137: RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES, 3 credit hrs.
Investigation of the philosophical questions regarding moral rights. Assuming that we have them, what are they? Why do we have them? Does the obsession with rights lead to a problematically individualistic culture? As we look at all of the questions, we will also be looking at the extent to which rights are connected with responsibilities.

PHIL 138: PHILOSOPHY OF ART, 3 credit hrs.
What is art? In this class, we will investigate four traditional definitions of art, apply these definitions to actual artworks, and try to come up with definitions of our own. We will learn about aesthetics and the philosophy of aft from both the analytic and continental philosophical traditions, and we will explore interdisciplinary connections with fields such as art criticism, literary theory, and studio arts.

PHIL 139: MORAL TRUTH, 3 credit hrs.
"Honesty is good." "Murder is wrong." Are these statements capable of being true or false similar to statements about astronomy or mathematics? Or are they expressions of personal taste or opinion similar to statements about whether chocolate is good? Or something else? More importantly, given our options for action, how do we decide to behave? This course is a study of the discussions about the meaning (or lack thereof) of moral statements in addition to discussions about moral reasoning. We discuss whether moral statement can be true or false, justified or unjustified and what implications on moral reasoning and theory follow from different answers. The purpose of this course is to continue development of critical thinking, speaking and writing skills as well as to familiarize students with 20th century discussions in analytic philosophy regarding the possibility and nature of moral truth and moral reasoning. Additionally, we will discuss in what way these highly theoretical discussions are relevant to everyday life and decisions or decision-making. By the end of the semester students should have a good understanding of the different positions taken and their associated arguments. Students should be capable of having intelligent and informed conversations on these topics with people who have not taken the class.

PHIL 140: NEUROSCIENCE & THE LAW, 3 credit hrs.
This course investigates assumptions about choice, responsibility, and punishment reflected in our legal system and considers the extent to which our growing knowledge of the brain may support or challenge those assumptions. The course also considers what kinds of changes to existing legal and public policy may be reasonably supported by this investigation.

PHIL 151: SELECTED TOPICS, 3 credit hrs.
A seminar approach to significant issues in contemporary philosophy. A student may receive credit for four semesters of this course. Junior or senior standing or consent of instructor.

PHIL 197: SENIOR CAPSTONE, 3 credit hrs.
The Senior Capstone course is a culminating course in which students will bring to bear their philosophical knowledge and skills to "do philosophy" in one area which furthering their knowledge and skills. Emphasis will be put on primary sources, individual research and creative work and collaborative work. All seniors will participate in a departmental presentation of their work at the end of the semester. The particular topic of study will be selected by the professor teaching the course. Limited to Senior Philosophy majors or permission of instructor.

PHIL 198: SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHY, 1 to 6 credit hrs.

PHIL 199: INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1 to 3 credit hrs.

Religion Courses

REL 003: INTRO TO WORLD RELIGIONS, 3 credit hrs.
Introduction to World Religions explores the sacred writings, traditions, and beliefs of the various religions of the world. The course investigates the diversity within religions and the lived experiences of participants in those religions.

REL 004: RELIGIONS OF DES MOINES AND INTERFAITH LEADERSHIP, 3 credit hrs.
This course introduces students to lived religion in the Des Moines metro, to the principles and practices of interfaith leadership, and to the relationship between religious literacy and interfaith leadership. It includes site visits to local religious communities, the creation and screening of digital stories about personal faith/meaning experiences, and exercises in intercultural development and interfaith leadership. Additionally, it incorporates traditional classroom learning and academic scholarship about religious traditions, theory and method in the study of religion, and the western-colonial construction of “religion” and “world religion.”

REL 024: ANTHROPOLOGY OF RELIGION, 3 credit hrs.
Anthropology of Religion begins with the study of the everyday religious practices of people in their local communities. Through fieldwork, anthropologists focus on the real religious worlds in which people experience religion and express it through their actions. They explore the ways people draw on religious practices to solve conflicts, attenuate uncertainty, and search for meaning, order, and power. By studying religions in everyday life, anthropologists are interested in the myriad ways religion intersects with other aspects of social/cultural life, whether economics, politics, race, gender, or history, within a cultural tradition as well as cross-culturally (the ‘holistic approach’). We will familiarize ourselves with the ways anthropologists engage with religions by reading ethnographic works and by conducting research ourselves.

REL 053: LIFE & TEACHINGS OF JESUS, 3 credit hrs.
A reconstruction of the life and message of Jesus of Nazareth from the Gospels of the New Testament against the background of his Palestinian cultural and religious environment.

REL 062: RELIGIONS OF INDIA, 3 credit hrs.
This course serves as an introduction to the history of religious beliefs and practices in India (and to a lesser degree South East Asia and Tibet) with special attention to the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam. It will make some effort also to observe the contemporary practice of some of these religions in the greater Des Moines area.

REL 064: INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM, 3 credit hrs.
This class will introduce you to the diverse traditions of Buddhism, with a focus on (1) how Buddhist traditions change in their historical transition from India to China and (2) contemporary manifestations of Buddhism in America. We will explore Buddhist perspectives on a variety of religious and philosophical questions of enduring human concern. Experiential learning components will focus on meditation practices and visits to local Buddhist temples and/or interactions with local practitioners (when available).

REL 066: RELIGIONS OF AFRICA, 3 credit hrs.
This course serves as an introduction to religion in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing especially on the Yoruba people of western Africa and the Zulu people of southern Africa. First, we explore the pre-colonial indigenous histories, societies, practitioners, practices, and beliefs of these religions. Next, we look at the introduction of Islam and Christianity to the subcontinent, mostly through colonial and imperial processes, examining issues of “purity” and “hybritiy” in indigenous and Abrahamic religion. Finally, we examine post-colonial contestations over the nature, function, and value of “religion” and “African religion,” especially as relevant to African politics today.

REL 067: RELIGIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST, 3 credit hrs.
Three of the largest and oldest religions developed from the cultures of the Middle East. Although the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share similar foundations and many similar beliefs, their histories and innovations led to distinct religions that are often entangled in deep religious and political conflict. Religions of the Middle East will begin by exploring the histories and beliefs of these religions. The class will then examine two major issues that affect and are influenced by the religions of the Middle East.

REL 091: CONTEMPORARY ETHICAL PROBLEMS, 3 credit hrs.
Study of contemporary ethical problems from the perspective of philosophical and religious principles. Various sections of the course may specialize in different types of ethical problems. Crosslisted with PHIL 091. May be used as part of Women's Studies Concentration.

REL 103: PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION IN CHINA, 3 credit hrs.
This class explores China's major philosophical and religious traditions, or the "Three Teachings" of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. We look at doctrinal debates that unite and divide these three traditions, as well as at their rituals and practices. We pay special attention to how early texts discuss the effectiveness of various ritual actions. That is, how does Confucian rituality aid in moral cultivation? How does Buddhist meditation lead to enlightenment? And, what practices produce the astonishing skills of Daoist sages? Along the way, we will learn about Chinese culture and society, in both historical and contemporary contexts. Students will gain a solid foundation for continued study of China in various disciplines. Crosslisted with PHIL 103.

REL 121: COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS, 3 credit hrs.
This class serves both as an introduction to the academic field of comparative religion and as an actual comparison of several of the world's religions with respect to some question or theme (which will vary from year to year).

REL 124: INVENTING "RELIGION", 3 credit hrs.
This course explores the invention of religion as a category of scholarly inquiry. It tracks the genealogy of "religion" and religions from ancient Rome to the present; it explores the various ways in which religion is constructed and studied by scholars of religion; and it reenacts the 1893 World Parliament of Religions, the first ever dialogue of practitioners and scholars of the world's diverse religions.

REL 125: PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION, 3 credit hrs.
This class serves as an introduction to the contemporary practice of philosophy of religion as well as an exercise in the comparative explanation and evaluation of religious reason-giving. Each year we will examine one particular set of religious ideas and reasons in several different religious traditions from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.

REL 151: SELECTED TOPICS, 3 credit hrs.
In-depth study of a selected theologian or school of thought of major significance.

REL 198: INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1 to 3 credit hrs.
Prereq.: Consent of instructor.

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