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School of Humanities

Philosophy Undergraduate Course Descriptions

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Spring 2026

 
PHI 151: Introduction to Philosophy 
Multiple sections
 
 
 
PHI 171: Ethics and Good Living
Multiple Sections
 
 
 
PHI 253: Logic 
T/Th 11:00-12:15 
Dr. Paula Smithka 

Learn to reason like Spock! As Spock says, “Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end.” You will be introduced to various reasoning methods, namely deduction and induction, but we will focus primarily on deduction. At the completion of the course, you will be able to represent ordinary language arguments in symbolic notation and demonstrate the validity of deductive arguments using natural deduction—the way you actually think but didn’t have a name for it. You will develop skills required to appreciate and engage in practices requiring procedural order both in logic and in everyday living. “It’s only logical.” 
 
 
 
PHI 317: Philosophy Through Sci-Fi  
(cross-listed with ENG 314 and HUM 202) 
T/Th 2:30-3:45 
Dr. Paula Smithka, Dr. Luis Iglesias 
 
Explore new worlds through the thought experiments of Science Fiction! In this class, we will investigate both literary and philosophical themes in this popular culture genre asking what does it mean to live in a science fictional universe that compels us to reflect on ourselves, our interactions with others, and our place in the world today and in the future.  
 
 
 
PHI 301: Philosophy and Film 
Online 
Susan Mullican 
 
Watch movies.  Write a little.  Watch more movies.  What more do you want?  Get credit for a 300 level class? Done.   
 
 
 
PHI 320: Moral Issues (Feminism and Feminist Ethics) 
M/W 9:30 – 10:45 Online Chat 
Susan Mullican  
 
Do Feminists really hate men?  What is the patriarchy?  Why does it matter to you?   This discussion-based class will read classics in feminist literature to answer those questions and more.  
 
 
 
PHI 356: Ethics 
Online 
Dr. Sam Bruton 

Come explore what great philosophers have to say about the difference between right and wrong, virtue and vice.  This class introduces students to the timeless philosophical theories of Aristotle, the Utilitarians, and Kant, and we will consider the strengths and weaknesses of these theories by applying them to a variety of contemporary moral issues and ethical dilemmas.  This class is required for philosophy majors.   
 
 
 
REL 131: Comparative Religion 
Multiple Sections
 
 
REL 340: Beyond the Grave
online 
Dr. Amy Slagle 
 

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