The following course descriptions are from the Clarke University 2012-2013 Academic Catalog.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 110 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHILOSOPHY 3 hours
A general introduction to philosophy and its various fields with a focus on values. Students learn the rationale and methodologies of the discipline as well as characteristics of good versus bad arguments. Catholic contributions to the field and philosophical perspectives on BVM core values are included. This course is designated as the core foundational philosophy general education course.
PHIL 200 OUR BVM AND CLARKE UNIVERSITY HERITAGE 3 hours
An exploration of the origins, history, philosophy and faith commitments of the religious congregation that founded Clarke University. The class is organized chronologically, beginning with the early days in Ireland and then proceeding to the voyage to America, initial settlement in Philadelphia, the move to Dubuque, the growth and expansion of the congregation to other areas of the country, and the BVMs today. A sub-focus of the class will be the origin, growth, nature and significance of Clarke University in BVM history. This course is designated as a humanities division general education course.
PHIL 212 GENERAL ETHICS 3 hours
A study of the bases for decisions about how human beings ought to act through an examination of various ethical theories and particular moral problems. Prerequisite: PHIL 110. This course is designated as a foundational philosophy general education course.
PHIL 213 WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT 3 hours
An historical survey of political philosophies from ancient times to the present. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 225 APPLIED ETHICS 1-3 hours
An application of various ethical theories to moral problems in a given field or area, most commonly to business or biomedicine. Additional areas of application may include such subjects as the environment, the family, animal issues and sports. Prerequisite: PHIL 110. This course is designated as a foundational philosophy general education course.
PHIL 230 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION 3 hours
A study of the existence of God, the problem of evil, the relation of faith and reason, and the meaning of religious experience. Prerequisite: PHIL 110. This course is designated as a foundational philosophy general education course.
PHIL 245 PHILOSOPHY OF PEACE AND WAR 3 hours
A study of concepts, theories and issues broadly related to violence and nonviolence but with emphasis on alternatives to the use of violence. Specific topics include the just war theory, nuclear weapons proliferation, deterrence, human rights, Catholic social teaching, civilian-based defense and conflict resolution. Prerequisite: PHIL 110. This course is designated as a foundational philosophy general education course.
PHIL 250 ASIAN PHILOSOPHY 3 hours
A survey of some major non-Western philosophical systems, including Chinese, Hindu and Buddhist contributions. Prerequisite: PHIL 110. This course is designated as a foundational philosophy general education course. This is an approved diversity studies course.
PHIL 260 PHILOSOPHY OF SEX AND LOVE 3 hours
A detailed analysis of sex and love in relationship to the whole person and the individual’s place in society. The course is structured from the vantage point of ethics and social philosophy. Specific topics include intimacy, non-traditional relationships, homophobia and sexual orientation. Prerequisite: PHIL 110. This course is designated as a humanities division general education course.
PHIL 270 PHILOSOPHY OF WOMAN 3 hours
A detailed study of issues of importance to both sexes but with emphasis on the experiences, contributions and roles of women. Course content is related to the general concerns of paid labor, family, sexuality and marriage. Prerequisite: PHIL 110. This course is designated as a foundational philosophy general education course. This is an approved diversity studies course.
PHIL 280 TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY CV 1-3 hours
A study of a particular approach to philosophy, or a particular philosopher’s thought, or a particular philosophical problem or area. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 290 SYMBOLIC LOGIC 3 hours
An introduction to symbolic logic, topics include logic and language, truth tables, the method of deduction, and predicate calculus. Other topics may include modal logic, deontic logic, and science and logic. A significant part of the course will involve using symbolic logic to understand and evaluate the arguments made in classic philosophical texts. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 296 PHILOSOPHY OF ART 3 hours
An analysis of philosophical ideas and theories as they relate to a variety of art forms. A study of the nature of the art object, the artist and the aesthetic experience. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 320 CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHY 3 hours
A study of major Western philosophers and ideas as they occurred in ancient Greece and Rome from the Pre-Socratics through the Neo-Platonists. Emphasis is placed upon Socrates, Plato and Aristotle in terms of their theories of knowledge and being. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 321 MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY 3 hours
A study of major Western philosophers and ideas from the time of the early Church to the end of the 14th century. Jewish and Islamic figures are studied, as well as Christian, and theories of knowledge and being are emphasized. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 322 RENAISSANCE AND MODERN PHILOSOPHY 3 hours
A study of major European philosophers and systems of thought in the 16th through the 18th centuries, especially in terms of theories of knowledge and being. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of the Renaissance, the opposing schools of rationalism and empiricism, and the synthesis of the divergent ideas in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 323 CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY 3 hours
A survey of some of the major European philosophical trends of the 19th and 20th centuries beginning with Hegel and including Marxism, phenomenology and analytic philosophy. Theories of knowledge and being receive focused treatment. Six previous hours in philosophy are recommended before taking this course. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 351 EXISTENTIALISM 3 hours
A study of the basic themes and sources of existentialism as well as the texts of prominent 19th and 20th century existentialists. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
PHIL 395 INTERNSHIP/COOPERATIVE EDUCATION 1-3 hours
Academic credit for professionally related work experience. A maximum of six semester hours may be applied toward the major or three toward the minor. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and faculty sponsor.
PHIL 480 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY 1-3 hours
A study of a particular approach to philosophy, or a particular philosopher’s thought, or a particular philosophical problem or area. The advanced topics listing is intended primarily for majors and minors in philosophy. Prerequisite: Majors, minors or consent.
PHIL 490 INDEPENDENT STUDY CV
An independent philosophical investigation of any approved topic under the guidance of an instructor. Prerequisite: 12 hours of philosophy, including PHIL 110.
PHIL 499 PHILOSOPHY CAPSTONE 3 hours
This course provides a focal point for and closure to a liberal arts education within the context of the discipline of philosophy and completion of the departmental portfolio. As a departmental offering, this course focuses on discipline-specific topics and expands to include breadth of knowledge and synthesis. Capstone discussions culminate in an oral presentation and written thesis requirements. Interdisciplinary integration of knowledge and research are incorporated. General education and major outcomes are integral to course assessment. Prerequisite: Ordinarily a student must have senior standing as a philosophy major and have completed a minimum of 42 credit hours in general education.