PHIL 210 Philosophy of Western Religion (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Humanities; General Transfer Elective Course Description An introduction to the central philosophical concepts, problems, and arguments of major Western monotheistic religions. Explores such issues as God, faith and reason, the problem of evil, and the possibility of immortality and miracles.
Course Content A. How ethical monotheism provides the framework for inquiry about philosophical questions related to religion
B. The nature and attributes of God
C. Arguments for and against the existence of God
D. The problem of evil
E. Issues regarding faith and reason, such as the possibility of miracles, questions regarding science and creation, or other issues
F. Ethical issues arising from ethical monotheistic religions (Judaism, Islam, Christianity), such as the problem of evil, the moral status of hell, or other issues
Student Outcomes
1. Explain how ethical monotheism provides the framework for inquiry about philosophical questions related to religion
2. Explain the difficulties that arise from ascribing certain attributes to God
3. Analyze and evaluate arguments for and against the existence of God
4. Analyze the problem of evil and evaluate the problem of evil as the basis for disbelief
5. Analyze and evaluate issues regarding faith and reason, such as the possibility of miracles, questions regarding science and creation, or other issues
6. Analyze and evaluate ethical issues arising from monotheistic religions (Judaism, Islam, Christianity), such as the moral status of hell, the problem of evil, or other issues
Degree Outcomes Humanities: Graduates acquire critical skills to interpret, analyze, and evaluate forms of human expression, which can include creation and performance as an expression of human experience.
Critical, Creative and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Lecture Contact Hours 50 Lab Contact Hours 0 Clinical Contact Hours 0 Total Contact Hours 50
Potential Methods A. Formal writings: essays, essay exams, research reports, reading responses
B. Projects: group presentations, individual presentations, multimedia productions
C. Informal writings: journals, in-class responses, brainstorming, freewriting
D. Group discussions and classroom activities
E. Exams and quizzes: short answer, matching, multiple choice
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