|
|
2012-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
|
|
|
|
| |
Nursing The following section provides course descriptions for the nursing major. Courses with a last digit of 1 are for accelerated B.S.N. students. |
| |
-
NU 4210/4211 - Community Health Nursing
(3)
This course focuses on public health concepts and the nursing leadership role for the management of health of communities and global society. Factors that impact the community as client are analyzed. Frameworks for planning health education programs focus on health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention. To facilitate the management of health in communities, selected areas of study may include community assessment, epidemiology, environment, vulnerable populations, disaster management and global health.
Prerequisite: All NU 3000 courses.
Pre- or corequisite: NU 4100/4101 ; NU 4230/4231 ; NU 4400/4401 .
|
| |
-
NU 4230/4231 - Community Health Nursing Practice
(2)
This clinical practicum provides the opportunity for students to incorporate leadership skills and community concepts in a variety of community settings. The focus is on health promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention programs with selected at-risk populations. Activities may include assisting community agencies and organizations to plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs. Assigned Pass/No Pass grade.
Prerequisite: All NU 3000 courses.
Pre- or corequisite: NU 4100/4101 ; NU 4210/4211 ; NU 4400/4401 .
|
| |
-
NU 4400/4401 - Capstone: Leadership in Professional Nursing Practice
(5)
This clinical practicum provides the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills from previous or current nursing courses through a focused clinical experience. This course culminates with leadership role acquisition relevant to the clinical site. The course provides for autonomous and collaborative functioning, which includes synthesis and integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes requisite to professional nursing practice. Assigned Pass/No Pass grade.
Prerequisite: All NU 3000 courses.
Pre- or corequisite: NU 4100/4101 ; NU 4210/4211 ; NU 4230/4231 .
|
| |
-
NU 4990 - Independent Study
(1-3)
Guided study or research on some aspect of nursing.
Prerequisite: Associate Dean and instructor approval.
|
Paralegal Studies |
| |
-
PA 2000 - Legal Theory and Practice
(3)
This class provides students with an introduction to the American legal system, the procedures used to solve legal disputes in the court systems and the steps in planning for a career in law. Students have an opportunity to survey a variety of substantive areas of law (i.e. property, employment, torts, contracts, criminal law, and alternative dispute resolution). Legal method and reasoning are demonstrated through student writing assignments in case analysis and opinion briefs.
|
| |
-
PA 3100 - Business Organization
(3)
The structure and organization of legal business entities with emphasis on the role of the lawyer and legal assistant in the formation of various business organizations.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 3200 - Real Estate Law
(3)
Laws relating to real property and the common types of real estate transactions and conveyances.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 3300 - Estate Planning and Probate Administration
(3)
Prepares the student to assist practicing attorneys with problems associated with planning for efficient use of financial resources during working life, retirement, and after death of the principal income producer.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 3400 - Ethics and Professionalism
(3)
Overview of rules and laws governing ethical legal obligations oriented to paralegals and a survey of professional paralegal practices. Ethics topics will include confidentiality, conflicts of interests, attorney-client and work product privileges, and the authorized practice of law as well as selected additional issues. Professional topics will include, but are not limited to, interviewing of clients and witnesses, factual investigation, records collection, documentation and communication skills.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 3510 - Women and the Law
(1)
A survey and analysis of case opinions affecting the economic, political and social lives of women. The course focuses on issues related to gender-based discrimination, constitutional, and statutory provisions concerning women and employment, reproductive rights, and educational opportunities.
|
| |
-
PA 3520 - Contract Law
(1)
An overview of the law of enforceable promises. Lectures and small group exercises focus on the elements of contract formation, performance, breach and calculation of damages.
|
| |
-
PA 3550 - Labor and Employment Law
(1)
An overview of labor law and legal issues in the workplace concerning employers, employees and unions. The historical context of unions and the role they have played in the legal regulation of the workplace is discussed. Federal laws and regulations and the roles and structures of administrative agencies is emphasized. Additional topics include workplace discrimination, organizing, negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, grievance and arbitration, employment-at-will, wage and hour laws, and safety laws.
|
| |
-
PA 3570 - Evidence Law
(1)
This course covers the Federal Rules of Evidence and correlated Kansas rules of evidence, and Missouri evidence law, with special emphasis on preparation of documentary evidence, including depositions, for use at trial. In addition to lecture, students participate in a variety of small-group activities designed to explore the issues of relevance, impeachment of testimony, hearsay, and issues related to the introduction of exhibits into evidence at trial.
|
| |
-
PA 3580 - Elder Law
(1)
The course focuses on issues confronted by senior citizens and reviews possible legal remedies. Through lecture and small group participation, the class covers the areas of Social Security; Medicare; health care decision-making; wills; guardianship; housing; consumer fraud; and abuse and neglect of the elderly. The perspective taken is that of a paralegal advocate.
|
| |
-
PA 3590 - Alternative Dispute Resolution
(1)
The course focuses on mediation, arbitration, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and how such procedures can be applied in tort, business, employment, and other types of civil disputes. Also examined will be the growing use of pre-dispute ADR clauses in contracts involving employment, financial, and other business contexts. The perspective taken will be that of both the advocate and the neutral person in ADR.
|
| |
-
PA 3600 - Litigation and Trial Practice
(3)
Analysis of state and federal court systems, types of litigation, preparation of pleadings and discovery documents, trial procedures, post-trial remedies, and appeals.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 3700 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
(3)
Develops a familiarity with the criminal justice system in the United States.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 3750 - Tort Law
(3)
Tort Law, as defined in Black’s Law Dictionary, is “a private or civil wrong or injury, other than breach of contract, for which the court will provide a remedy in the form of an action for damages.” This course provides a general understanding of the basic concepts and fundamental elements of tort law, including intentional torts, elements of negligence, strict liability, and discussion of common personal injury cases.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 3800 - Domestic Relations
(3)
Acquaints the student with the legal problems involved in domestic relations pertaining to a separation, divorce, child custody, adoption, and nonsupport.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 4000 - Legal Research
(3)
An in-depth examination of the law library; survey of traditional print reference materials as well as electronic sources available in determining applicable law. The process of legal research and writing of memoranda and results of legal research are also explored.
Prerequisite: PA 2000 .
|
| |
-
PA 4100 - Advanced Legal Research
(1)
This course is designed to reinforce and build upon the skills developed in PA 4000. Particular emphasis focuses on four main subject areas which are characterized by rapid expansion in relevant legal materials and integration of all forms of primary authority.
Prerequisite: PA 4000 .
|
Physical Education |
| |
-
PE 1130 - Basic Skills in Minor Sports: Lifetime Sports
(2)
Designed to teach the value of those sports which enhance lifelong physical fitness, this course includes racquetball, handball, tennis, swimming, walking, jogging, biking, hiking, horseshoes, weight lifting, etc. A combination of field and class activities comprise this course.
|
| |
-
PE 2810 - Theory of Football
(2)
A complete study of the theoretical aspects of the fundamentals of football. Students study defensive and offensive tactics for each position, organization of teams, scheduling and training.
|
| |
-
PE 2820 - Theory of Basketball
(2)
Concerned with theory of basketball, including methods of teaching fundamentals, individual and team offense and defense. It explores various styles of play and methods of training and evaluating candidates.
|
| |
-
PE 2830 - Theory of Volleyball and Softball
(2)
Concerned with the theory of volleyball and softball, including offense, defense, teaching fundamentals and strategy.
|
| |
-
PE 2840 - Theory of Track and Field
(2)
This course will describe and detail coaching theory, methods and strategies relevant to track and field. The intent of this course is to apply the skills, theories and methods needed to coach track and field at all levels, including analysis for individual form and techniques as well as team effort.
|
| |
-
PE 2850 - Theory of Golf and Tennis
(2)
Theory and practice with an analysis of strokes. Course includes the fundamentals and techniques of playing as well as methods of coaching. Tournaments are included in the course.
|
| |
-
PE 2860 - Theory of Baseball
(2)
Concerned with the theory and practice of baseball, including teaching fundamentals of offense, defense, and pitching. Includes the techniques of play, methods of training and evaluating players, and methods of coaching.
|
| |
-
PE 2870 - Theory of Soccer
(2)
This course covers the current theories and trends in soccer. Special attention will be given to rules, fitness requirements, team organization, techniques, and strategy. This course will also include season planning, soccer philosophy, team policies, player management, and team building.
|
Physics |
| |
-
PH 1200 - The Art of Physics
(3)
Designed for non-science majors, this course explores the basic scientific viewpoint and develops elementary but effective techniques for formulating and solving vaguely stated problems. In addition, the course surveys the basic phenomenology of physics and some of its applications to chemistry, geology and technology.
Prerequisite: high school algebra.
Corequisite: PH 1210 .
|
| |
-
PH 1210 - The Art of Physics Laboratory
(1)
Selected experiments closely tied with PH 1200 . Two hours per week.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: PH 1200 .
|
| |
-
PH 1500 - Basic Electricity and Electronics
(2)
Basic electrical concepts including potential, current, resistance, capacitance, inductance, RC circuits, potentiometers and Wheatstone bridges. Basic electronic concepts including semiconductors, diodes, transistors, logic gates and flip-flops. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory every two weeks.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: MT 1090 - Calculus for Business or MT 1800 - Calculus I , or concurrently.
|
| |
-
PH 1600 - Introduction to Astronomy
(3)
A study of the Universe around us – the planets, stars, and galaxies – and how the process of science has enabled us to discover so much about these distant bodies. Students will learn about what you can see in the night sky, how stars, planets, and galaxies are formed, as well as the latest discoveries on black holes, Big Bang cosmology, dark matter, and life in the Universe.
Recommended: MT 0100 or equivalent.
Corequisite: PH 1610 .
(SCI Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 1610 - Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory
(1)
Laboratory activities to support the major topics of PH 1600 . These include collaborative team projects about the motion of the sky, stars, planets, and galaxies, outside observing with small telescopes (weather permitting), and a field trip to a local observatory.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: PH 1600 .
(SCI Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 1700 - Physics Concepts and Connections I
(3)
Fall semester
An introduction to the study of physics with a conceptual concentration on Newtonian mechanics, the physics of fluids, and waves and sound through inquiry, discussion, demonstration, and hands-on activities. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding and the applicability of physics to the students’ major area of study and career interests. Physics topics that relate to the health and therapy fields will be stressed. Students will be expected to demonstrate conceptual and applied understanding of physics principles through class discourse, written assessment, and the design of projects utilizing physics principles in an application to an area of students’ career interests.
Recommended: MT 0100 or equivalent.
Corequisite: PH 1710 .
(SCI Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 1710 - Physics Concepts and Connections Laboratory I
(1)
Fall semester
Selected constructivist, inquiry-based laboratory activities to accompany PH 1700 . Two hours per week.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: PH 1700 .
(SCI Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 1750 - Physics Concepts and Connections II
(3)
Spring semester
A continuation of the study of physics principles introduced in PH 1700 with a concentration on the mathematical application of Newtonian mechanics to the human body, as well as a study of thermodynamics, waves and sound, electricity and light. Emphasis will be on both the conceptual understanding of physics principles and the mathematical application of physics principles in force, motion, torque, circular motion, work and energy, momentum, fluid pressure, thermodynamics, waves and sound, optics and electricity. Students will be expected to demonstrate conceptual and applied understanding of physics principles through class discourse, problem solving, written assessment, and the design of projects utilizing physics principles in an application to an area of students’ career interests.
Prerequisite: PH 1700 .
Recommended: MT 1190 or equivalent.
Corequisite: PH 1760 .
(SCI or SCII Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 1760 - Physics Concepts and Connections Laboratory II
(1)
Spring semester
Selected experiments to accompany PH 1750 . Two hours per week.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: PH 1750 .
(SCI or SCII Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2300 - The Phascination of Physics
(3)
Fall semester of even-numbered calendar years
A one-semester conceptual physics course designed to cover major physics topics in waves and sound, light and color, and electricity/magnetism through inquiry-based hands-on activities, discussion, and demonstrations. Emphasis will be on conceptual understanding and the applicability of physics to the real everyday world. Students will be expected to demonstrate conceptual and applied understand ing of covered physics principles through class discourse, written assessment, and the design of a project utilizing physics principles to be included in a “Haunted Physics Laboratory.” Course projects will contribute to the development of a Halloween-related physics lab to be set up in October as an educational physics laboratory for all physics students-and potentially, the public.
Recommended: MT 0100 or equivalent.
Corequisite: PH 2310 .
(SCI or SCII Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2310 - The Phascination of Physics Laboratory
(1)
Fall semester of even-numbered calendar years
Selected constructivist inquiry laboratory activities in waves and sound, light and color, and electricity/magnetism to accompany PH 2300 . Laboratory activities will be intertwined with the lecture section during the evening class and on the four Saturday mornings.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: PH 2300 .
(SCI or SCII Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2800 - General Physics I
(3)
Fall semester
An introduction to physics for students majoring in science or interested in science-related programs such as pre-med and other healthcare pre-professional programs. This course will employ calculus as needed and emphasize the scientific method and physical reasoning. Topics covered include: measurement, kinematics in one and two dimension, dynamics and Newton’s Laws, gravitation interactions, work and energy, momentum and rotational motion. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding prior to the mathematical application of physics problems. Students will be expected to demonstrate conceptual and applied understanding of physics principles through class discourse, problem solving, and written assessment.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT 1800 - Calculus I .
Corequisite: PH 2810 .
(SCI Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2810 - General Physics Laboratory I
(1)
Fall semester
Selected experiments to complement PH 2800 . Two hours per week.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: PH 2800 .
(SCI Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2850 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
(3)
Spring semester
Calculus based study of the principles of Newtonian mechanics, introduction to heat, thermodynamics, sound and waves. This course will emphasize the scientific method and physical reasoning.
Prerequisite: MT 1800 .
Corequisite: PH 2860 .
(SCI Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2860 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I
(1)
Spring semester
Selected experiments to complement PH 2850 . Two hours per week.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: PH 2850 .
(SCI Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2900 - General Physics II
(3)
Spring semester
A continuation of General Physics I for students majoring in science or interested in science-related programs such as pre-med and other healthcare pre-professional programs. This course will employ calculus as needed and emphasize the scientific method and physical reasoning. Topics covered include: biomechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, waves and optics. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding prior to the mathematical application of physics problems. Students will be expected to demonstrate conceptual and applied understanding of physics principles through class discourse, problem solving, and written assessment.
Concurrent: PH 2910
Prerequisite: PH 2800 .
Corequisite: PH 2910 .
(SCI or SCII Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2910 - General Physics Laboratory II
(1)
Spring semester
Selected experiments to complement PH 2900 . Two hours per week.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: PH 2900 .
(SCI or SCII Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 2940 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
(3)
Calculus based study of the principles of electricity and magnetism, light and optics and modern physics. This course will emphasize the scientific method and physical reasoning.
Concurrent: PH 2910 .
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT 1810 or consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: PH 2850 .
(SCI or SCII Lecture & Lab combined)
|
| |
-
PH 3200 - Physics of the Body I
(3)
This course expands on the physics principles developed in introductory physics courses through an in-depth study of mechanics, fluids and thermodynamics as they are applied to the human body. Areas of study include the following: biomechanics (torque, force, motion and lever systems of the body; application of vector analysis of human movement, impulse, momentum, stress and strain), thermodynamics and heat transfer (food intake and mechanical efficiency) and the pulmonary system (pressure, volume and compliance relationships). Guest speakers from the medical community will be invited.
Prerequisite: PH 1700 /PH 1710 and PH 1750 /PH 1760 or PH 2800 /PH 2810 and PH 2900 /PH 2910 or PH 2850 /PH 2810 and PH 2940 /PH 2910 .
|
| |
-
PH 3210 - Physics of the Body II
(3)
This course is a continuation of Physics of the Body I with a concentration on the cardiovascular system, electricity and wave motion. Areas of study include the following: cardiovascular system (heart as a force pump, blood flow and pressure), electricity in the body (action potentials, resistance-capacitance circuit of nerve impulse propagation, EEG, EKG, EMG), and sound (hearing, voice production, sound transfer and impedance, ultrasound—transmission and reflection). In addition, students complete a guided, in-depth, investigation on a topic pertinent to Physics of the Body. Guest speakers from the medical community will be invited.
Prerequisite: PH 3200 .
|
| |
-
PH 3240 - Physics of Medical Imaging
(3)
This course will focus on the physics and math of health care instrumentation. Topics may include: electrical stimulation, EKG, EEG, laser surgery, medical imaging (MRI, CAT, X-Ray, ultrasound, etc.), and application of 2D and 3D vector analy sis of human movement to video. In this course, students will learn about the physics and math involved in how these diagnostic and therapeutic instruments work (not how to use them in practice), as well as the analysis of data produced by these instruments.
Concurrent: MT 1800 - Calculus I .
Prerequisite: PH 1750 /PH 1760 or PH 2900 /PH 2910 .
|
| |
-
PH 3400 - Thermodynamics
(ES 3400 )
(3)
Spring semester of odd-numbered years
Fluid properties, work and heat, first law, second law, entropy, applications to vapor and ideal gas processes.
Prerequisite: PH 2850 and MT 1810 .
|
| |
-
PH 3500 - Statics
(ES 3500 )
(3)
Spring semester of even-numbered years
Fundamentals of statics; static equilibrium and introduction to elements of mechanics to elastic materials.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT 2800 .
Prerequisite: PH 2850 .
|
| |
-
PH 3510 - Physical Chemistry I
(CH 3510 )
(3)
Fall semester
Basic principles of physical chemistry with emphasis on thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics. Lecture three hours a week.
Prerequisite: CH 2630 or CH 2650 , PH 2900 and MT 1810 or instructor approval.
|
| |
-
PH 3530 - Physical Chemistry II
(CH 3530 )
(3)
Spring semester
Basic principles of physical chemistry with emphasis on quantum mechanics, molecular structure, and spectroscopy. Lecture three hours a week.
Prerequisite: CH 3510 , PH 2900 and MT 1810 or instructor approval.
|
| |
-
PH 3560 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory
(CH 3560 )
(1)
Spring semester
Laboratory and computer modeling experiments designed to illustrate basic theories in thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, quantum mechanics, molecular structure, and spectroscopy.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: CH 3530 (PH 3530 ).
|
| |
-
PH 3710 - Mathematical Methods in Physics
(3)
Determinants and matrices, introduction to functions of a complex variable, Fourier series and integrals, vector analysis, introduction to partial differential equations with applications and calculus of variations.
Prerequisite: MT 3700 or instructor approval.
|
| |
-
PH 4000 - Electric Circuits
(3)
Introduction to electric circuits for civil and mechanical engineering students.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT 3700 .
Prerequisite: Computer Programming for Engineers and PH 2940 .
|
| |
-
PH 4011 - Electromagnetic Theory
(1)
Elements of vector analysis. Electrostatic fields and potentials, equations of Poisson and Laplace, magnetic fields and the vector potential, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell’s equations and plane electromagnetic waves. Electric and magnetic fields in material media.
Concurrent: PH 4000 .
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT 1810 .
Prerequisite: PH 2900 or PH 2940 .
|
| |
-
PH 4100 - Dynamics
(3)
Basic fundamentals of particle and rigid body dynamics; energy and momentum methods; computer use.
Prerequisite: PH 3500 .
|
| |
-
PH 4111 - Classic Mechanics Theory
(1)
The Newtonian formulation of mechanics with applications to simple mechanical systems. Generalized coordinates, the Hamilton’s principle and the Lagrangian formulation.
Prerequisite: PH 2800 or PH 2850 ; and MT 1800 .
Corequisite: PH 4100 .
|
| |
-
PH 4215 - Advanced Laboratory
(1)
Fall semester
Basic experiments in mechanics, electronics, optics, resonance phenomena and atomic and nuclear physics. This course will serve as a research capstone experience for traditional physics majors.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: PH 2900 or PH 2940 .
|
| |
-
PH 4400 - Optics
(3)
Spring semester of odd-numbered calendar year
This course covers both the geometric and physical properties of optical principles including optics of the eye, lasers, fiber optics, and use of endoscopy in medicine. Students will complete a final optics project in which they relate content learned to an area of optics research.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: PH 1750 or PH 2900 ; and MT 1800 .
|
| |
-
PH 4500 - Modern Physics
(3)
Fall semester of odd-numbered calendar year
“Modern physics” is distinguished from “classical physics” not only by its youth (dating from about 1900) but also by its description of phenomena in startlingly different ways. The basic new theories are relativity and quantum mechanics, which form the basis for the description of “elementary particles,” nuclei, atoms, molecules and matter in its various states. This course begins with a study of special relativity and then turns to quantum theory, describing the empirical discoveries leading to each. Emphasis is placed on the meaning of these theories. Applications of quantum theory to the study of atoms, molecules and solids are studied.
Prerequisite: PH 2900 and MT 1810 - Calculus II .
|
| |
-
PH 4550 - Quantum Mechanics
(3)
This course deals with the Schrodinger equation and its implications: operators, eigenvalues and the interpretation of the wave function. Topics include angular momentum and spin, scattering theory, group theory, perturbation methods and quantum statistics.
Prerequisite: PH 4500 , PH 4600 and MT 3710 Applied Analysis.
|
| |
-
PH 4650 - Classical Mechanics II
(3)
Continuation of PH 4600. Topics include Noether’s Theorem and special relativity. Lecture three hours per week.
Prerequisite: PH 4600.
|
| |
-
PH 4900 - Statistics for the Health Sciences
(3)
This course introduces the basic principles and methods of health statistics. Emphasis is on fundamental concepts and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics with applications in health care, medicine and public health. Core content includes research design, statistical reasoning and methods. Emphasis will be on basic descriptive and inferential methods and practical applications. Data analysis tools will include descriptive statistics and graphing, confidence intervals, basic rules of statistical software to conduct data analysis of health related data sets. This course will be included in the Physics of Medicine Program.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: MT 1800 ; junior standing.
|
| |
-
PH 4940 - Research in Physics of Medicine
(1)
Independent student research on coursework from Physics of Medicine Program. Students will choose topic from Physics of Medicine Program coursework to investigate further and prepare for presentation submission. This course will serve as a capstone course for Medical Physics Majors.
Prerequisite: PH 1750 or PH 2900 or PH 2940 .
|
Philosophy |
| |
-
PL 1100 - Reality and Human Existence
(3)
Fall and Spring semester
An introduction to the practice of philosophy which distinguishes philosophical understanding from other ways of knowing, through the investigation of ultimate questions about reality, including human reality. The course includes a philosophical examination of appearance and reality; knowledge and truth; and of issues such as the existence of God, freedom, immortality, personal identity, and the meaning of life.
(PLI)
|
| |
-
PL 1150 - Honors: Reality and Human Existence
(3)
Fall semester
The content and purpose are the same as PL 1100 - Reality and Human Existence , though the perspective is broadened and deepened.
Prerequisite: Honors status or instructor approval.
(PLI)
|
| |
-
PL 2500 - Introduction to Logic
(3)
A study of the fundamental types of logic and basic structures of logical reasoning, including argument patterns, deduction (syllogistic and/or symbolic methods), induction, definition, and informal fallacies.
|
| |
-
PL 2600 - Formal Logic
(3)
A study of deduction using symbolic methods, including truth tables, first-order propositional logic, and first-order predicate logic, with emphasis on using rules of inference, conditional and indirect methods, and quantification rules to construct proofs.
|
| |
-
PL 3100 - Ethical Theory
(3)
Fall and Spring semester
An exploration of those fundamental factors involved in moral decision making and the discovery of ethical principles, in order to achieve a critical and reasoned understanding of the meaning and basis of morality. The course includes a rigorous examination of ethical theory, and a study of the derivation of moral principles and values and their application in ethical decision making.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 ; sophomore standing; junior standing recommended.
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3150 - Honors: Ethical Theory
(3)
Spring semester
The content and purpose are the same as PL 3100 - Ethical Theory , though the perspective is broadened and deepened.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 ; sophomore standing; Honors status or instructor approval.
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3200 - Philosophy of God
(3)
This course will examine various philosophical issues relating to existence and nature of God, with special attention given to the nature of God. Attention will also be given to various conceptions of God in different cultures and religious traditions. Other issues will include: the ontological argument; a discussion of the traditional attributes of God; God’s foreknowledge and human freedom; God and time; God and the nature of morality; God’s relationship to the world; and the religious relevance of the “God of philosophy.”
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3250 - Virtue and Character
(3)
The study of moral virtues is, both in Western culture and also in many Eastern cultures, a primordial philosophical approach to how to live well as a human being. Yet it has been mostly ignored academically in the last century in the West. This course examines the phenomenon of admiration as the origin of moral consciousness, and the historical centrality and the current revival of attention to the study of moral virtue and human character.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3300 - Philosophy of Death and Dying
(3)
This course examines through a selection of classical and contemporary texts, the problem of death and dying from a primarily philosophical point of view. Topics covered include the problem of pain and suffering; the meaning of death; various theories of immortality; attitudes toward death; ethical problems raised by recent medical technology, including euthanasia, suicide, assisted suicide and the reasons for their popularity. It also examines religious, moral, and legal definitions of death and issues in the care of the dying.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3400 - Ancient Philosophy
(3)
A study of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, exploring issues such as the origin and nature of the universe; the unity and diversity of being; the development of logic; and the study of morals and politics. Thinkers to be studied may include the pre-Socratic philosophers, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Epicurean, Stoic, and Neoplatonic philosophers.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3410 - Medieval Philosophy
(3)
A study of philosophical thought from the patristic age to the decline of scholasticism. Themes include the relation between logic and reality (the problem of universals), and the attempt to reconcile the rediscovered pagan philosophy with religious belief (on creation, personal immortality, and the nature of God). Texts are chosen from the writings of major figures such as Augustine, Abelard, Anselm, the Jewish and Arab philosophers, Aquinas, Bonaventure, Scotus, and Ockham.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3420 - Modern Philosophy
(3)
A study of major issues and figures in 17th and 18th century philosophy, focusing on Continental rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, and/or Leibniz), British empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, and/or Hume), and the critical philosophy of Kant.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3430 - 19th Century Philosophy
(3)
A study of selected issues and figures in 19th century philosophy. Topics are selected from the works of influential philosophers such as Fichte, Schelling, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Comte, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Marx, Mill, Peirce, and James.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3440 - 20th Century Anglo-American Philosophy
(3)
An examination of the work of some of the most influential philosophers in the analytic tradition of 20th century philosophy. Topics are selected from the work of Frege, Russell, Ayer, Wittgenstein, the logical positivists, and ordinary language philosophers, and from recent work in analytic metaphysics and epistemology.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3450 - 20th Century Continental Philosophy
(3)
An examination of the work of some of the most influential philosophers in the Continental tradition of 20th century philosophy, including representative texts from the phenomenological, existentialist, and postmodernist movements. Topics are selected from the work of Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, Marcel, Gadamer, Habermas, Derrida, Foucault, and/or other significant philosophers.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3500 - The Pre-Socratics and Plato
(3)
|
| |
-
PL 3500-3590 - Topics in the History of Philosophy
(3)
Study of a particular period or movement, such as pre-Socratic philosophy, Neoplatonism, Renaissance philosophy, etc.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3510 - The Pre-Socratics
(3)
|
| |
-
PL 3650 - Existentialism
(3)
A systematic introduction to the work of major figures of 19th and 20th century existentialism. The main themes covered include the different views of the self which emerge in existentialist thought; the relationship of the self to the world, other people, and God; the nature of human freedom, choice, anxiety, commitment, and responsibility. These themes are explored through the work of such thinkers as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, Marcel, Merleau-Ponty, Dostoevski, and Kafka.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3670 - Phenomenology
(3)
An introduction to phenomenological philosophy, beginning with the thought of Husserl and including the development of phenomenology by phi losophers such as Heidegger, Scheler, and Merleau-Ponty. Themes include the critique of naturalism and empiricism; intentionality and the description of experience; static (structural) and genetic (temporal) analysis; applications of phenomenological method; and the differences between transcendental and existential phenomenology.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3700 - Postmodernism
(3)
A study of the major themes and conceptualizations to emerge in postmodernist movements of later 20th century thought. The course examines the central movements of postmodernism: structuralism, hermeneutics, critical theory, and deconstructionism, focusing on themes such as the critique of rationality and identity, the nature of signs, issues of textual criticism, the critique of culture, postmodernist accounts of intentionality, and the nature of knowledge, language, and meaning. These issues are examined through a consideration of such thinkers as Heidegger, Gadamer, Habermas, Barth, Foucault, Rorty, and Derrida.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3750 - Philosophy of Art
(3)
An exploration of a variety of central questions in the philosophy of art. Topics covered normally include a philosophical investigation into the nature of art; the unity of the fine arts (music, painting, sculpture and dance); their relation to performance art and crafts; the nature of aesthetic experience; the artistic process; the relation between the artist, the work and the viewer; art and truth. Some consideration may also be given to such related issues as the artist’s relationship to society, and art as a medium for the expression of moral values and of perspectives on the meaning of human life. The issues of the course are explored through a selection of writings from outstanding classical and contemporary thinkers.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3770 - Philosophy of Religion
(3)
A philosophical inquiry into the rationality of religious belief, focusing in particular on two questions: 1) Does God exist? and 2) Is religious belief rational? Discussion of these questions normally involves discussion of the following issues: arguments for the existence and nature of God; the problem of evil; the questions of immortality, religious pluralism, and the relationship between religion and morality; the nature of religious experience; faith vs. reason; religion vs. science; etc.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3775 - Religion and Science
(3)
This course is concerned with exploring philosophically several key issues which arise out of the historical and contemporary dialogue and debate between religion and science. The course will discuss: the history of the relationship; the nature of religious belief; the role of reason and faith in religion; the rise and challenge of naturalism; a study of various contrasting models of how the relationship might be understood; the origin of, and the order in, the universe; evolution and creation, with special emphasis on current debates. The course concludes by looking at some implications for the nature of the human person.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3800 - Philosophy of Mind
(3)
An examination of the various explanations of the nature of mind, including an assessment of dualism, materialism, behaviorism, epiphenomenalism, functionalism, mind-brain identity, etc. In order to analyze and evaluate these positions, considerable attention is given to questions regarding consciousness, experience, intellectual knowledge, intentionality, personal identity, human freedom and immortality. “Cognitive science” and other social scientific explanations of mind are also examined, including the question of mind vs. machine, and issues relating to artificial intelligence.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3840 - Philosophy of Technology
(3)
A philosophical inquiry into the impact of technology on society, culture, and the human person, including epistemological, metaphysical and ethical implications of the human development and use of technology. Since the very existence of technology opens up new possibilities for decision making and action, technology comes into contact with human values and becomes part of the development of human society. And so, this course seeks to provide a philosophical understanding of the role of technology in our lives, and highlights the concerns that face a “technological society.”
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3850 - Philosophy of Science
(3)
This course explores questions that come up in thinking philosophically about natural science, such as: how is science to be defined; the criteria for good scientific theories; the distinction between science, non-science, and pseudo-science; how theory change takes place in science; scientific theories and objective truth; the status of theoretical entities in science; questions arising from science and religion, science and values, and the history of science. Thinkers studied will include: Aristotle, Augustine, Galileo, Newton, Popper, Quine, Duhem, Hempel, Kuhn, Lauden, McMullin, and Longino.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3900 - Metaphysics
(3)
This course studies those principles and features that are necessary to the intelligibility of whatever is real insofar as it is real. It examines the relationships between being and becoming, the actual and the potential, creativity (freedom) and causal determination, the necessary and the contingent. It examines some questions about the existence and nature of God, the relation between physical and immaterial beings, and between being and knowing. Texts from major philosophers (historical and/or contemporary) are employed.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 3940 - Epistemology
(3)
A philosophical examination of the origins, nature, and validity of human knowledge. Themes covered normally include the problem of objective knowledge; knowledge and truth; the mind and its relation to extra-mental reality; types of knowledge; and questions about perception, conceptual thinking, identity, language, and meaning. Attention is given to the historical development of these themes in the history of epistemology. The issues of the course are explored through a variety of epistemological writings by outstanding classical and/or contemporary philosophers.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 4100 - The Philosophy of Plato
(3)
An examination of important philosophical themes as they develop in the dialogues of Plato. Attention is given to how the young Plato, much under the influence of Socrates (the early dialogues), struggles with moral, political and epistemological questions so as to develop in time (the middle and later dialogues) into an original metaphysician and moral thinker in his own right. Specific values issues include Plato’s views regarding individual and social justice, the good life, virtue, the common good, beauty and art; metaphysical issues include the nature of reality and knowledge (including Plato’s treatment of the world of forms and dialectical understanding), human nature and human destiny. Due to the peculiarities of Plato’s writings, some attention is given to contemporary interpretations of the dialogues.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 4120 - The Philosophy of Aristotle
(3)
A study of the influential Greek philosopher known in the Middle Ages as “The Philosopher,” and who was called by Dante, “The Master of all who know.” This course examines primary texts, some pertaining to Aristotle’s theoretical writings (e.g., his logical, physical and metaphysical works) and others to his practical philosophy (e.g., his ethical, political and aesthetic treatises). Some commentators on Aristotle, including contemporary writers, also are consulted, since their work clarifies problems of interpretation in the ancient Greek’s philosophy. Special attention is also given to how Aristotle agrees and disagrees with his original teacher, Plato.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 4140 - The Philosophy of Aquinas
(3)
Study of the thought of the thirteenth-century philosopher, known as the “Angelic Doctor.” Special attention is paid to historical influences on his thought as well as to developments that distinguish his philosophy from those of his predecessors and his immediate successors (such as Duns Scotus and William of Ockham). Primarily his views on the relation of faith to reason, on metaphysics, and on the philosophy of human knowing are studied. Some consideration is given to his practical philosophy and to his influence on contemporary thinkers.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
-
PL 4170 - The Philosophy of Kant
(3)
An introduction to the critical philosophy of Immanuel Kant, concentrating on his investigation of the nature and limits of human reason and on his theory of morality, and including attention to the context of his thought, particularly Hume’s empiricism and Newtonian physics.
Prerequisite: PL 1100 or PL 1150 .
(PLII)
|
| |
Page: 1
| 2
| 3
| 4
| 5
| 6
| 7
| 8
| 9
| 10
|
|
|
Print this Page