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Course Category: Philosophy

A survey of the significant theories and theorists that have shaped the way human beings perceive their relationship to, and place in, the universe large. This course examines the classic questions of human existence: who are we, where did we come from and what is our destiny. Competing philosophical viewpoints will be represented. Ultimately, students will be encouraged to develop or explain critically their own positions regarding these fundamental problems. Meets the humanities requirement.
This course covers some of the main threats to doctrines and ideas of moral philosophy, including nihilism, relativism, egoism, utilitarianism, the categorical imperative, virtue, and the social contract. Rather than keeping these as pure theoretical constructs, these ideas will be applied to real life, practical situations, such as those involving ethics in the workplace, and important current debates. Meets the humanities requirement.
Special Topic courses are studies of selected problems, periods or movements in the subject area not otherwise included in the curriculum. They are typically chosen from a faculty member’s particular expertise and field of scholarly inquiry, and offered to a student or group of students forming an interest in the particular subject matter. The 250 designation denotes a General Education level of instruction and may include an appropriate General Education task to be completed. The 450 designation denotes a senior level degree of sophistication expected in both learning and instruction. A single course may be offered at both levels simultaneously, in which case the syllabus will clearly differentiate the course expectations and assessment measures for students enrolled at each of the two levels. A Special Topics course must be approved by the School of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee before it is offered, and it must address one or more Major Outcomes within the discipline.