Division of Biblical Studies

Department of Religion and Philosophy

Courses:

RPH 2003 Introduction to Political Thought (Three hours)
A study of ancient and modern political philosophies and their practical application. Topics include nature, reason, virtue, freedom, justice, right, property, legitimacy, culture, convention, law, religion, tradition, will, passions, power, custom, and the soul. (Same as POL 2003)

Offered each semester

RPH 3002 Introduction to Philosophy (Two hours)
A survey of major classical views on metaphysics, values, religion, and knowledge from a Christian perspective. Prevailing contemporary world views, such as linguistic philosophy, existentialism, and Christian philosophy are examined.
Prerequisites: EGL 1023 and HST 1003

Offered each semester

RPH 3313 Comparative Religion (Three hours)
A survey of the living religions or a concerted study of one of the major religious traditions of the world. Emphases include the various religions’ apprehension of existence, their beliefs and religious practices, and their relation to the Christian faith.
Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor

Offered spring semester

RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith (Three hours)
An advanced study of major issues in a Christian approach to philosophy. The course often centers around the works of a major Christian philosopher as a basis for discussion and evaluation.
Prerequisite or corequisite: RPH 3002, RPH 3333 or equivalent

Offered fall semester (even-numbered years)

RPH 3333 History of Philosophy (Three hours)
An historical survey of the development of the western philosophical traditions from Plato to Derrida, based on a close reading of primary texts. Emphasis is placed on how Christian thought can be enriched by and/or can critique the major developments in western philosophy.

Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)

RPH 4423 Ethics (Three hours)
A systematic and critical study of the theoretical basis of human behavior. Students evaluate non-biblical ethical systems and develop and apply a biblically based system of ethics.

Offered spring semester

RPH 4433 Christian Apologetics (Three hours)
A study of the defense of historic Christian faith against the challenges of modernity, science, evil, etc. Various methods of defense are examined in light of the nature of the Christian faith and of major opposing systems. Prerequisite or corequisite: RPH 3002 or RPH 3333

Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)

RPH 4481, 4482, 4483 Selected Topics (One to three hours)
Topics are chosen from some area of Religion and Philosophy. The student may also do independent study and research under the supervision of the instructor.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor

Offered upon sufficient request