Philosophy and Religious StudiesWeb: gmu.edu/departments/philosophy FacultyProfessor: Bergoffen Associate professors: Burns, Cherubin, De Nys, Fletcher, Froman, Holman, Kaufmann (chair), Kinnaman, Nguyen, Paden, Ro, Rothbart, S.M. Skousgaard Assistant professors: Dakake, Shiner Adjuncts: Catlett, Caudill, Glazer, Giuliani, D. Gregory, Hebbar, Oberoi, Romanovskaya, S.A. Skousgaard, Sojka Course WorkThis department offers all course work designated LS, PHIL, and RELI in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. Undergraduate ProgramsPhilosophy, BAThe degree program in philosophy covers the major issues and areas in philosophy and serves the needs of students with various interests and career goals. Major emphases are available for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in philosophy or to emphasize philosophy while acquiring a broad liberal arts education. Students can use this major as preparation for professions such as law or government service or complement other interests by taking a double major in philosophy and a related field of study. In addition to the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for a BA degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, philosophy majors must complete at least 33 credits in philosophy earning a minimum grade of 2.0 in each. At least 21 credits must be at the 300 level or above including at least 6 credits at the 400 level or above. No course may be used to fulfill more than one requirement. The credits must be distributed as follows: 1. Logic (at least 3 credits): PHIL 173 or PHIL 376 2. History of philosophy (at least 12 credits)
3. Theories of value (at least 3 credits):
When the subject matter is appropriate, and at the discretion of the undergraduate coordinator, PHIL 391, 392, 421, 425, or 426 may be used to fulfil the theories of value requirement. 4. Reality, knowledge, and science (at least 3 credits)
When the subject matter is appropriate, and at the discretion of the undergraduate coordinator, PHIL 391, 392, 421, 425, or 426 may be used to fulfill the reality, knowledge, and science requirement. 5. Philosophy electives The following philosophy courses fulfill the General Education Syntheses requirement: PHIL 309 and 377 Writing-Intensive RequirementThe university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Philosophy majors should consult the undergraduate coordinator for the courses that can be taken to fulfill this requirement. Minor in PhilosophyThe minor in philosophy is organized according to specific emphases, each one stressing a different aspect of philosophy. The emphasis in the history of philosophy is particularly useful to students in the humanities, especially those who wish to pursue graduate study. Students majoring in the human and natural sciences would benefit from the emphasis in reality, knowledge, and science, while those who hope to pursue a career in law or politics would be well advised to complete the emphasis in social and political philosophy. Students must complete 18 credits in philosophy with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course. No course may be use to fulfill more than one requirement. The credits must be distributed as follows:
Emphasis in the history of philosophy This emphasis requires at least 3 additional credits in the history of philosophy plus 6 credits of electives. At least 3 credits in history of philosophy should be taken from PHIL 302, 325, 332, 335, 336, or 337. Emphasis in reality, knowledge, and science This emphasis requires at least 6 credits from courses in reality, knowledge, and science plus 3 credits of electives (see list of courses under the major). Emphasis in social and political philosophy This emphasis requires at least 9 credits chosen from PHIL 311, 312, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 338, or 470. When the subject matter is appropriate, and at the discretion of the undergraduate coordinator, PHIL 391, 392, 421, 425, or 426 may be used to fulfill the emphasis requirements. Religious Studies, BAThe major in religious studies is intended to bring the student to an understanding of the major traditions of world religions. Areas of study include Asian religious traditions, biblical studies, Near Eastern religious traditions including Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Students develop skills in reading and interpreting sacred texts. They explore the cultural and social dimensions of religion, along with a consideration of religious values and ethics, from comparative and cross-cultural perspectives with relation to global issues. The courses are writing intensive and allow the student to study and analyze religious ideas and symbols, and encourage students to present well-argued papers. In addition to the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for a BA in the College of Arts and Sciences, religious studies majors must complete at least 33 credits in religious studies earning a minimum grade of C- (1.67) in each. No course may be used to fulfill more than one requirement. The credits must be distributed as follows: 1. 6 credits of introduction to the main world religions
2. 3 credits in a writing-intensive seminar taken during the senior year (RELI 420 Seminar). 3. 6 credits in courses emphasizing either comparative or methodological aspects of the study of religion, such as:
When the subject matter is appropriate, at the discretion of the student's advisor, RELI 376 may be used to fulfill the comparative or methodological requirement. 4. A minimum of 12 credits in 300- or 400-level RELI courses not used to fulfill requirements 2 or 3. 5. 6 elective credits in religious studies or related disciplines (including anthropology, art history, and history) to be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. Up to 6 credits of a scriptural language (e.g., Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, Chinese, Classical Greek, Latin, Sanskrit) may be used to fulfill requirements 4 or 5. Writing-Intensive RequirementThe university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Religious studies majors may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing one of the courses under requirement 2 above. Minor in Religious StudiesThe minor in religious studies introduces students to the world's religious traditions. Within the minor, students may pursue biblical studies or Western or Eastern religious traditions. The minor consists of 18 credits, at least 9 of which must be in 300- and 400-level courses. 3 credits must be taken from RELI 100 The Human Religious Experience, RELI 211 Religions of the Near (Middle) East, or RELI 212 Religions of the Orient. Students must earn a minimum grade of C- (1.67) in each course and have a minimum GPA of 2.000 in courses applied to the minor. Graduate ProgramThe department offers a comprehensive master's degree in traditional and contemporary philosophy. The degree is designed for students who intend to go on to a doctorate in philosophy as well as those who seek the master's as a terminal degree to further their professional expertise. Students may pursue interests in the history of philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, contemporary continental thought, contemporary analytic philosophy, and philosophy of science. The department offers a concentration in professional ethics for those master's students interested in combining the study of ethics in a variety of career settings; a graduate certificate in professional ethics is also offered. Philosophy, MAAdmission RequirementsIn addition to fulfilling the university admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. GRE exams are recommended, especially for those students expecting to pursue a PhD in philosophy. Degree RequirementsStudents must successfully complete 30 credits distributed as follows. As part of their course work, students may elect to do a thesis or project. Students must secure an advisor on entering the program and meet regularly with that advisor during their course of study. With the agreement of their advisors, students establish a contract defining their program of study. With an advisor's approval, students may apply up to 9 credits from other departments towards the degree.
Students who wish to receive the concentration in professional ethics must complete the following:
Certificate in Professional EthicsAdmission RequirementsStudents interested in the Graduate Certificate in Professional Ethics must be admitted to graduate study or approved for graduate course enrollment through Extended Studies. Students who initially enroll in the certificate program through Extended Studies must apply for admission to the graduate program no later than the second semester of study. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any other graduate program in the university. Certificate RequirementsStudents must successfully complete 15 graduate credits distributed as follows. In consultation with an adviser, students should select their courses to create a coherent program of study.
Track in Liberal Studies, MAISThe Philosophy and Religious Studies Department is the academic and administrative home of the liberal studies track of the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. The liberal studies track is designed for students interested in a multidisciplinary and multicultural approach to human ideas and values. The track provides an opportunity for students to broaden their liberal arts backgrounds. The program is for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in the humanities (e.g., cultural studies, philosophy, religious studies, women's studies) and those who wish to explore social and political questions within their cultural contexts. It is recommended for teachers and business and professional people who understand that the study of the humanities provides valuable insights into the problems posed by contemporary society. Admission RequirementsStudents must show a capacity for original thought and sustained work in the humanities and liberal arts. Transcripts of all colleges attended, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.000, three letters of reference, and an essay detailing interest in the liberal studies track are required. One of the standardized examinations (GRE, LSAT, or MAT) is strongly recommended. Prospective students are encouraged to call the coordinator of liberal studies at 703-993-1292. Degree RequirementsStudents must complete 30 credits of graduate course work and take a comprehensive essay exam. According to university policy, 18 credits must be taken at George Mason University after having been admitted to the degree program. A maximum of 12 credits may be transferred into the program from George Mason's Extended Studies program, another George Mason graduate degree program, or other accredited institutions. Credits are distributed as follows: 1. 4 required courses (12 credits) chosen from
2. 2 elective courses (6 credits) chosen from
3. 12 credits in a liberal studies emphasis of the student's choice. Possible emphases include
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