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.”
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
(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.
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.
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
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
Multiple Sections
REL 340: Beyond the Grave
online
Dr. Amy Slagle