This course explores the relationship between philosophy and film by examining the ways that philosophy helps us understand film as a unique artistic medium, as well as how film helps us grasp complicated philosophical problems with newfound clarity. The first few weeks of the course use philosophy to analyze the deeper aesthetic foundations and socio-political implications of film as an artistic medium that represents reality.

Capstone research and writing in a collective humanities setting. Students will enroll for one credit in the first semester and two credits in the second semester.

Courses on topics of interest to philosophy students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisites as determined by the instructor. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

Independent reading and/or research under the guidance of a philosophy faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

A community service-based experience arranged interdepartmentally which focuses on the actual application of ethical frameworks in a job-related setting. Consent of instructor required. G3, G9

A study of the American national governing environment: the constitutional basis for our democratic evolution and the unique American political experience. Also, an investigation of the contemporary state of American government. SS Offered every Fall

Courses on topics of interest to political science students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

Introduction of the basic concepts and techniques of both Aristotelian syllogism and Modern symbolic logic, designed to equip students to analyze and evaluate arguments employed in scientific and non-scientific discourse. PMI

The ethical issues of health care are some of the most controversial and interesting of our day. In this course, ethical theory is critically examined and applied to moral problems in health care, sometimes using the medium of films and case studies. Moral problems in contemporary medical practice and public policy such as informed consent, euthanasia, confidentiality, termination of treatment, HIV/AIDS, genetics, the allocation of scarce resources, surrogate decision making, advance directives, paternalism, and research involving human and animal subjects are analyzed and discussed.

This course will explore the philosophical and ideological assumptions behind different theories and methods of education, paying close attention to how views of education have developed and changed over time. In addition to exploring fundamental questions surrounding the nature and purpose of education, the course will also examine the potential value of philosophy for K-12 education.