The two disciplines that have a home in this department, Philosophy & Religious Studies, raise some of the most fundamental questions about our world and ourselves-questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, morality, God, and society. Students study the thinking of major scholars on such matters and learn to think critically and clearly on their own. Our small classes cultivate student-faculty mentoring, research and learning. Our faculty - professional philosophers and scholars of religion, authors and leaders in the field - work one-on-one with students, encouraging independent research and professional preparation. And our co-curricular activities and organizations build strong rapport and camaraderie between our students, most notably by participation in dialogue.
The Department of Philosophy serves our majors and minors by providing an intensive and flexible course of study through which they rigorously engage in reflection and dialogue, logical analysis, conceptual interpretation, and develop and critique texts, arguments, and ideas. We help them develop a broad competence in critical thinking and analysis of arguments. Philosophy and Religious Studies students pursue the study and understanding of many different positions and perspectives, and are encouraged to consider the relevance of their course of study for their post-graduate plans.
Religion intersects with all areas of culture including politics, science, economics, and law. This intersection of religion and culture is reflected in a wide variety of careers pursued by Religious Studies graduates across the spectrum of cultural work, human services, education, and the arts, such as hospital chaplaincies, secondary education, legal support work, and journalism. Furthermore, the conditions of globalization mean that there will be increasing demand for job candidates who can negotiate culturally diverse work environments. Knowledge of the world's religions is needed in business, law, health, law enforcement, and politics both national and international. Religious literacy is essential to responsible citizenship, and increasingly demanded by employers.
Through individual advising sessions, advisors help students select courses, understand degree requirements, and plan for graduation. Depending on students' unique needs, advisors may also provide information on major-specific concentrations, teaching certification options, education abroad and internship opportunities, GPA calculation, degree applicability of transfer courses, and strategies for overcoming academic probation and suspension.
