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2014-2016 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2014-2016 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Core Curriculum Requirements
Please visit www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum/Pages/approved-core-curriculum-courses.aspx for a listing of courses that have been approved for specific Core Curriculum requirements (Class of 2016 and beyond). The list is updated on a regular basis. In addition, students in the Class of 2013, 2014, and 2015 can search the Course Catalog or Semester Course Offerings in CyberFriar to locate courses with a specific Core Curriculum attribute. Need assistance? Please contact Alyssa Marton at aneubeck@providence.edu or 401.865.1765.
 

Music
  

  • MSC 328 - Jazz Studies

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    In this course, jazz performers develop basic musical and theoretical concepts and skills. Students study modal scales, tension theory, substitutions, and chromatic harmony as well as repertoires of jazz standards for analysis and performance to become functionally conversant with the jazz language. Solos of great masters also are transcribed, edited, and performed as a foundation for the study of improvisation.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 330 - Teaching General Music in Elementary School

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Designed to acquaint the music education student with a variety of instructional approaches, materials, and activities for the elementary general music program, based on a conceptual, developmental understanding of musical learning. Curriculum, classroom management, organization, and appropriate teaching strategies will be considered.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  
  

  • MSC 331 - Teaching Music, Secondary School: Vocal

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Introduces the music education student to various pragmatic approaches to becoming an exemplary secondary music teacher. The student studies and demonstrates rehearsal techniques, score preparation, knowledge of repertoire, methods of selecting appropriate works, and group vocal techniques. Long-range planning, budget preparations, evaluations, concert planning, and public relations also are considered.


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  • MSC 332 - Teaching Music in Secondary School: Instrumental

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    This music education class covers techniques of teaching instrumental music primarily in the secondary school. Some middle school techniques will be included as well as strategies for secondary general music.


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  • MSC 333 - Teaching Brass and Percussion

    1 semester, 1 Credit

    Covers the basic techniques of teaching and playing brass and percussion instruments. The following will be covered: fundamentals of tone production, fingering, teaching materials, pedagogy, and use of these instruments in bands, orchestras, and chamber music.


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  • MSC 334 - Teaching Woodwinds

    1 semester, 1 Credit

    Covers the basic techniques of teaching and playing woodwind instruments. The following will be covered: fundamentals of tone production, fingering, teaching materials, pedagogy, and use of woodwind instruments in bands, orchestras, and chamber music.


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  • MSC 335 - Teaching Strings

    1 semester, 1 Credit

    Covers the basic techniques of teaching and playing string instruments, including: fundamentals of tone production, fingering, teaching materials, pedagogy, and use of string instruments in orchestra and chamber music.


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  • MSC 350 - Piano III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 351 - Jazz Piano III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 352 - Organ III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 353 - Harpsichord III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 354 - Voice III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 355 - Violin III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 356 - Viola III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 357 - Cello III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 358 - String Bass III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 359 - Flute III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 360 - Oboe III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 361 - Clarinet III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 362 - Bassoon III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 363 - Saxophone III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 364 - Trumpet III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 365 - Trombone III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 366 - French Horn III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 367 - Baritone III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 368 - Tuba III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 369 - Percussion III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 370 - Classical Guitar III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 371 - Jazz Guitar III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 372 - Electric Guitar III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 373 - Electric Bass III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 375 - Composition III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


    Click here for the Semester Course Offerings
  

  • MSC 376 - Harp III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credit

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department. Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 377 - Vocal Jazz III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credits

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons. Students must register in the music department.  Prerequisites: Applied Music II and permission of department.


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  • MSC 378 - Applied Lessons in Conducting III

    1 semester, 1 1/2 Credits

    For junior/senior music majors. A music major is expected to advance to this level of private instruction as a junior and senior. This upper-division applied study will assist in the preparation for the senior recital/project. There is an additional fee for these lessons.


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  • MSC 401 - Post-Tonal Music Theory and Analysis

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Addresses the techniques and materials of post-tonal music with a special emphasis on the analysis of atonal, serial, and centric music. Explores music on the brink of atonality; free atonal music and the classic pitch-class set theory of Allen Forte; 12-tone music and serialism; and linear analysis and voice-leading approaches to post-tonal music. Prerequisite: MSC 202.


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  • MSC 481 - Seminar in Music

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Concentrates on a specific topic, announced in advance, and offers an intensive study of some major composers or important historical development in music. Research techniques are also emphasized. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.


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  • MSC 482 - The Life and Works of Johann Sebastian Bach

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students study Bach’s development as a composer and player; the various positions held throughout his life; the historical, social, and cultural events and issues that affected his life and works; and the influence and reception of his music. Analyses of works consider the concertante, obbligato, rhetorical, and symbolic principles.


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  • MSC 483 - Musical Theatre: Advanced Analysis & Performance

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Explores specific areas within musical theatre in depth, and focuses on both academic and performance work.  Students will expand knowledge of particular aspects of musical theatre history and repertoire through readings and analytical study of musical scores and play scripts.  Students will apply their findings through performances, providing musical and dramatic interpretations of specific songs and scenes. Same as TDF 483. Prerequisites: TDF 109, MSC 101 or 201, and TDF 206.


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  • MSC 498 - Senior Recital/Project

    1 semester, 1 Credit

    Each music major is expected to complete either a senior recital or senior project during the senior year. This requirement is overseen by the department chairperson and a particular faculty advisor, and must be successfully completed for graduation as a music major.


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  • MSC 499 - Student Teaching in Elementary and Secondary Schools

    1 semester, 12 Credits

    Involves a semester of teaching music in elementary and secondary schools under the joint supervision of cooperating teachers and a College supervisor. Seminar meetings will be held weekly.


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Natural Science
  

  • NSC 101 - Ten Great Experiments in the Physical Sciences

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Covers major aspects of physics by the use of ten of the most important experiments that have been performed from antiquity through the twentieth century. The subjects covered are astronomy and cosmology, mechanics and dynamics, electromagnetism and light, structure of matter and quantum mechanics. Other subjects such as relativity theory, nuclear fission and fusion will be discussed as time permits.


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  • NSC 102 - Cell Biology, Genetics, and Evolution

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Deals with principles of cell biology, genetics, and evolution at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Wherever possible, the emphasis will be placed on human biology, and current developments in these areas will be examined. The emphasis on evolution as the unifying principle in all the biological sciences will be stressed throughout the course.


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Philosophy
  

  • PHL 101 - Logic

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to identifying, analyzing, and evaluating arguments. Topics may include: paraphrasing arguments, informal fallacies, and Aristotelian categorical logic. Open to Freshman and Sophomores only.


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  • PHL 103 - Introduction to Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to the principal questions of philosophy. Topics may include: What is the nature of reality? What can we know? How ought we to live? What is the best political state? Do we have an immortal soul? Open to Freshman and Sophomores only.


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  • PHL 150 - Philosophy and Literature

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination, through primary texts, of the relationship between philosophy and literature. Topics may include: the nature of literature, philosophical approaches to fiction, literary criticisms of philosophy, and the necessity of literature in a philosophical life or of philosophy in a literary life. Open to Freshman and Sophomores Only.


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  • PHL 200 - Introduction to the Philosophy of St. Thomas

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Introduces the student to the basic principles and themes required for further study in Thomistic philosophy and theology. To meet this goal, the course will rely heavily on selections from St. Thomas’ Summa Contra Gentiles and Summa Theologica, as well as other Thomistic writings. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 202 - General Ethics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of happiness and of the means used by men and women to attain it. Law, morality, and virtue are studied as contributing to the growth of each person to one’s full intellectual, moral, and spiritual stature.


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  • PHL 206 - The Wisdom of Socrates

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Seeks to achieve an understanding of the personality, spirit, and thought of the man who gave Western philosophy its distinctive character. An examination of how Socrates, by force of personality and argumentation, stirred and, in some cases, transformed the religious and political perceptions of his contemporaries. Examines the present contemporary relevance of the criticisms of Socrates. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 207 - Philosophy of the Human Person

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to philosophical anthropology. Topics may include: the nature of persons, freedom and responsibility, immortality, and the relation of mind and body. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 300 - Ancient Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of Greek philosophy, from its beginnings through late forms that survived into the Christian era. Emphasis is placed on analysis and critical understanding of key philosophical problems which developed within Greek culture, and which are of permanent relevance. The foremost of these problems, and the focal motif of the course, is the question of what constitutes a genuinely good life for a human being. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 301 - Ethics, Moral Leadership, and the Common Good

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the philosophical foundations for an ethics of public service. The course will include the study of ethical principles as a foundation for moral life and moral decision-making; a study of moral leadership as a means for transforming society; and a reflection on the common good and the call to service. Course may include a practical experiential component. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 304 - Current Problems in Ethics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The application of ethical principles to the areas of social work, business, law, medicine, and other fields of endeavor. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 306 - Business Ethics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The focus is threefold: First, introduce students to the principles that are relevant for resolving moral problems and assist them in developing the reasoning and analytical skills needed to apply those principles. Second, expose students to the important moral issues that arise in various business contexts. Third, provide students with firsthand experience of morality in business situations through case studies and/or seminars with business leaders. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 309 - Biomedical Ethics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analysis of the ethical issues related to contemporary biomedical advances and health care delivery. Among the topics considered are: abortion, euthanasia, health care rationing, patients’ rights, and dilemmas of health care professionals. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 310 - Medieval Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination of perennial philosophical issues, such as the existence of God, the process of human knowledge, the relation of intellect to the will, the source of values and meaning in creation, the problem of universals, etc., by drawing from philosophers of the medieval period. Sources include Augustine, Maimonides, Anselm, Averroes, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and Ockham. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 312 - Thomistic Ethics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An exploration of the philosophical elements of St. Thomas Aquinas’s ethics through an extensive reading of his treatises on moral life and action. The course will also examine the enduring influence of the Thomistic ethics. Not open to Freshmen. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 316 - Social and Political Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An historical and critical examination of the core institutions of our society — those within which all of us, including people in business and the professions, will act — and of the ideas that have shaped and continue to inform them. Examine such ideologies as liberalism, conservatism, communitarianism, feminism, and multiculturalism. Includes consideration both of the classics of Catholic political thought and of contemporary teachings by the pope and the Catholic bishops. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 317 - Philosophy of Religion

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analysis of the world religions and a metaphysical, psychological, and epistemological study of the religious phenomena. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 318 - Philosophy of Science

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A systematic study of the principal philosophical problems raised by the natural sciences. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 319 - Philosophy of Knowledge

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of classical and modern theories concerning the nature, origin, and validity of human knowledge. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 320 - Philosophy of Catholic Social Thought

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Analyzes and critiques the philosophy behind Catholicism’s best kept secret: natural law theory, Thomistic-Aristotelian political theory, modern theories of capitalism and socialism, phenomenology, personalism, and liberation philosophy. Covers the philosophical influences that expand beyond doctrine to Catholic social thought that engages social, economic, and political issues from the tradition of Catholic philosophy. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only. Requires work in the community for 2-3 hours per week on average.


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  • PHL 321 - American Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A critical study and analysis of the writings of outstanding American philosophers. Same as AMS 331. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 325 - Asian Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to several of the major philosophical traditions of Asia, including Buddhist philosophy, Vedanta, Taoism, Confucianism, and Zen. The course begins with a brief study of cross-cultural understanding. The emphasis falls upon analysis and critical understanding of philosophical problems within the Asian tradition — e.g. the nature of God, knowledge, and the human person. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 326 - Contemporary Women Philosophers

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An in-depth investigation of selected women philosophers and their contributions to contemporary thought. The course may include the study of philosophers such as Elizabeth Anscombe, Simone de Beauvoir, Simone Weil, Hannah Arendt, and Edith Stein. Same as WMS 326. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 330 - The Wisdom of Aquinas

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The reading and discussion of selected texts from the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 337 - Philosophy and Globalization

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students will study the phenomenon entitled ‘globalization’ through readings and assignments that focus on its epistemological, metaphysical, and ethical import and challenges. Emphasizes the multiple ways of addressing globalization—i.e., it places students in dialogue with scholars from both the developed and developing worlds and with key texts in both the history of philosophy and contemporary Continental and Catholic thought. Same as GST 337. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 339 - Environmental Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the relationship of human beings to the nonhuman world. Topics may include: mechanism, land rights, animal rights, deep ecology, stewardship, preservation, and conservation. Emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary nature of environmental concerns. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 342 - Sources of Philosophical Errors

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Designed to engage students in the activity of philosophy by examining certain key philosophical problems from a different vantage point: as mistakes that have been made. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 347 - Philosophy of Language

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to, and exploration of, some of the central themes and problems in contemporary Philosophy of Language, such as the concepts of meaning, truth, and representation, translation, interpretation, and rule-following, the meaning of statements about the unknown past and the possibility of skepticism about meaning. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 352 - Philosophy of Mind

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Deals with questions of consciousness and how the mind interacts with the body and the outside world. Questions investigated include: What is human consciousness? Is our consciousness material in nature? Can consciousness be reproduced? Do other minds exist? Can we make free choices? Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 360 - Early Modern Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of major philosophical themes of the 17th and 18th centuries, through an investigation of the works of British empiricists, continental rationalists, and German idealists. Emphasizes the philosophical implications of the Scientific Revolution. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 380 - Late Modern Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A critical study through primary sources of the major philosophical themes from the 19th Century through the early 20th Century, which may include works from movements like Romanticism, Idealism, Materialism, Neo-Kantianism, and by authors like Fichte, Schelling, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Darwin, Comte, Mill, Stirner, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Windleband, Mach, and Dilthey. Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 406 - The Wisdom of Augustine

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    The Wisdom of Augustine encompasses a critical investigation of select themes and texts pertinent to the philosophy of St. Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430), with a focus upon his general contribution to western thought. Uses Augustine’s philosophical anthropology as a touchstone for exploring his intellectual maturation and his efforts to harmonize the resources of faith and reason in forging his theories of human nature and personhood. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 407 - Philosophy of Art

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A philosophical consideration of the nature of art and beauty, their relationship, and their functions in society. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 412 - Contemporary Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of the principal schools of 20th- and 21st-century philosophy from both the analytic and continental traditions. Central issues may include the nature and future of philosophical inquiry and the question of communication among rival intellectual and cultural traditions. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 422 - Contemporary Existentialism

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analytical study of the main themes in current existentialist thought with emphasis on Sartre, Camus, and Marcel. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 430 - Phenomenology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Students will encounter both the descriptive method and the Continental European philosophical tradition that bear the name “phenomenology.” Begins with the foundation of phenomenology in the early 20th-century works of Edmund Husserl, then moves either chronologically or thematically from Husserl’s works through other key texts in the tradition, highlighting those of Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 434 - Ethical Problems and Technology

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Investigates the ethical and spiritual significance of modern technology for human life and the human relationship to nature. Focuses on the significance of modern technology as such and the future prospects for technological humanity. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 460 - Tutorial

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Open primarily, but not exclusively, to senior Philosophy majors. Small groups of students have the opportunity to explore in depth an advanced topic in philosophy outside of the regular departmental offerings. Specific topic and meeting-time series are determined in consultation with faculty member and department chairperson.   Prerequisite: Permission of department chairperson.


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  • PHL 470 - Special Topics in Philosophy

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Affords students the opportunity to study topics in philosophy which are not currently covered or not ordinarily treated in depth. The format of the course may vary with instructor and the topic chosen. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.


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  • PHL 490 - Independent Study in Philosophy

    1 semester, 1-3 Credits

    Open primarily, but not exclusively, to senior Philosophy majors. The student is provided the opportunity to explore advanced topics in philosophy outside of the regular departmental offerings. The number of credits is determined by consultation with the faculty member responsible for the project and the chairperson.
     Prerequisite: Permission of the department chairperson.


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Political Science

Note: Not all of these courses are offered each semester. Students should check the latest course registration booklet for offerings and for changes in prerequisites.
  

  • PSC 101 - Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to the study of politics and the discipline of political science. Includes basic concepts used in the discipline as well as an introduction to major ideologies. The pedagogy will stress the development of learning-related skills such as writing, oral presentation, use of scholarly sources, and discipline-related computer technology. May require student participation at specific times outside of the normal class period.


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  • PSC 102 - Empirical Political Analysis

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A survey of analytic approaches and methods used in empirical political science, with substantive illustrations and applications.


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  • PSC 201 - American Government and Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An analysis of American political institutions, politics, and political behavior. The interrelated nature of public opinion, pressure groups, political parties, the decision-making structures, and public policy are surveyed. Fulfills the American Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 204 - Political Theory

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An examination of some of the basic concepts and problems in political theory, such as justice, power, virtue, equality, freedom, obligation, identity and difference, resistance, and the nature of the self and its relation to the political.


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  • PSC 205 - Comparative Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to several techniques and approaches used in cross-national comparative analysis. Fulfills the Comparative Government and Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 207 - International Relations

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    A study of the basic factors in international relations of the Western and non-Western state systems, the distribution of power, the balance of power, of nationalism, and the adjustment of inter-state conflict through law, diplomacy, and war. Fulfills the International Relations requirement.


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  • PSC 211 - Public Administration

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    An introduction to the structure, operation, and politics of American public administration. Focuses on the federal bureaucracy with comparisons to state and local administration, where appropriate. Special attention is given to administrative theories, problems in intergovernmental relations, organizational reform, and the budgetary process. Fulfills the American Politics requirement.


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  • PSC 215 - Human Rights

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Human rights are a universally recognized aspiration at the center of a global political struggle. Human Rights are also the subject matter of a growing academic discipline. Introduces the legal, political, moral and historical foundations, theoretical underpinnings, and key debates in the field, and familiarizes students with the skills necessary to become effective human rights advocates. 


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  • PSC 217 - Environmental Politics

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Advanced survey of contemporary political ecology. Subjects include ecological crises and global political responses; the history of the environmental movement; the dynamics of public and private interest in environmental policy-making; the emergence of Green parties in Europe, the United States, Oceania, Africa, Asia, and Latin America; and the diversity of underlying philosophies that guide environmental politics.


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  • PSC 300 - Law and Society

    1 semester, 3 Credits

    Deals with the American legal system from a behavioral perspective. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the behavior of the major actors in the legal system: attorneys, judges, police, and press. Some attention will be given to schools of jurisprudence and criminal justice policy. Fulfills the American Politics requirement.


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