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Course List

Course Number	Course Name	C - L - H	Hrs
340-101-DW	Introduction to Philosophy	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: This course will survey central philosophical questions and how influential philosophers have attempted to answer them. Major topics such as the nature of reality, truth, knowledge, justice, personal identity, freedom, responsibility, and meaning will be covered. In a broad sense, this course explores the human condition, and the ways we humans have tried to understand and define ourselves, our world and our possibilities. As this is an introductory course, students will also learn and practice the philosophical fundamentals of sound argumentation. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of basic problems of philosophy and their development. They will also have a sense of philosophy’s relevance and importance for the social sciences, the natural sciences, and contemporary issues.
340-1N1-DW	Introduction to Philosophy	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: This course will survey central philosophical questions and how influential philosophers have attempted to answer them. Major topics such as the nature of reality, truth, knowledge, justice, personal identity, freedom, responsibility, and meaning will be covered. In a broad sense, this course explores the human condition, and the ways we humans have tried to understand and define ourselves, our world and our possibilities. As this is an introductory course, students will also learn and practice the philosophical fundamentals of sound argumentation. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of the basic problems of philosophy and their development. They will also have a sense of philosophy’s relevance and importance for the social sciences, the natural sciences, and contemporary issues.
340-219-DW	Topics in Philosophy	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: This course is designed for students who have previously taken Introduction to Philosophy, or an equivalent. In this course, we will engage in a focused analysis of one or more specific topics which hold a central place in philosophical discussion. Students will be introduced to the ideas and arguments surrounding these topics, as put forward both by relevant historical and contemporary thinkers. Students will refine their skills in analyzing and reconstructing the arguments of others, formulating their own views on these topics, and expressing their ideas in sound argumentational form.
340-219-DW	Topics in Philosophy	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: This course is an introduction to the philosophy of art and aesthetics. Some of the questions we will consider are: What is art? What do poetry, painting, dance, tragedy, stand-up comedy and music, for example, have in common, if anything? Does a urinal exhibited in a museum also count as art? What is the creative process? If it’s an expression of emotion, then why is yelling at someone not art - or is it? What is beauty, and is it subjective? Is beauty required for something to count as art? If so, what do we make of horror movies? What exactly is an artwork? Why is an exact replica of the Mona Lisa considered a forgery while a copy of your favourite novel is not? Why and how do humans respond to artworks? Why would moviegoers who enjoy watching a war movie not enjoy watching the same events unfold in their lives? By examining how philosophers have explored such puzzles, this course will analyze the complex human phenomenon known as art.
340-303-DW	Philosophy: Thinking for Ourselves	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: In a world which moves so quickly there often isn’t even time to think, it is imperative to develop the skills necessary to engage in critical reflection and interpretation, to reason effectively and creatively, to separate truth from illusion, and to judge, act and communicate in ways that lead to a meaningful and authentic life. In this course, we will pursue those skills by focusing on the art of doing philosophy — studying and practicing the critical and creative reasoning that philosophical thinking demands, and which is increasingly important to a fulfilling engagement with life in a modern, fast-paced technological culture. Through our study of philosophy and the philosophical method, we will be more prepared than ever to think for ourselves, to challenge and defend ideas, to find meaning and to articulate our identities and place in the world.
340-910-DW	Ancient Philosophy	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: In this course, the writings of the pre-Socratic philosophers will be studied, such as Thales, Anaximander, Empedocles, and some texts of Plato and Aristotle. The main objective is to introduce students to ancient philosophical ideas, including those of ancient science, with an eye to clarifying some of the projects and problems of philosophy, and to understanding the similarities and differences between ancient and modern science.
340-912-DW	Modern Philosophy	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: This course examines the meaning and scope of Western ideas and institutions. In order to grasp the scope of modern thought, this course will explore the differences between the main ideas and views of modern philosophy versus the main ideas and views of modern science. It will become clear that philosophy and science have distinct ways of addressing the essential problems and themes of modern thought. The course will analyze, compare and contrast these differences in order to clearly understand the particular way philosophy treats modern problems. Finally, this course will attempt to integrate philosophical ideas, concepts and analytical methods into the study of other fields.
340-913-DW	Philosophy and Culture	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: Though we might not recognize it on first glance, philosophy holds a central place in contemporary culture, as the questions addressed by philosophers—concerning the meaning of life, the nature of reality, the limits of knowledge, and the justification of our values—are precisely the questions that are posed and examined by artists and writers throughout the world, currently and throughout history. In this course, we will examine both how philosophical ideas have helped shape and define contemporary culture, and how philosophy, as a method, may offer us a number of tools to help us better understand, appreciate, navigate and communicate in an increasingly diverse and interconnected culture.
340-913-DW	Philosophy and Culture	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: This course introduces students to philosophy and its cultural role through philosophical reflection on love. Questions we’ll consider include: What is love? (Is it a feeling? A choice? A value judgment?) What are the different kinds of love? What is the value of love? (Why love? Is it worth it?) To what extent is love universal, and to what extent does it vary from one culture to another? How has culture shaped our own ideas about love, and are these ideas true and beneficial? By thinking about such questions in light of what major thinkers have had to say about love, students will be introduced to the practice of philosophy, as well as to central philosophical figures, areas and movements. Throughout the course, we will see how philosophy critiques and contributes to the surrounding culture.
340-913-DW	Philosophy and Culture	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: Culture is the collective customs and achievements of a people. We will examine three forms of culture: (1) the mythological culture of ancient Greece, (2) the scientific rationalistic culture of Western Civilization that began with Socrates, and (3) our contemporary modern culture. We will examine the philosophical ideas that underpin these various forms of culture by reading some philosophers, such as Plato and Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche’s The Birth of Tragedy is a searing critique of a modern culture dominated by science and technology. Nietzsche felt that his modern society was morally, politically and intellectually corrupt and wanted to create a new society and culture that recognized the value and power of great art. The Birth of Tragedy, itself a great literary, philosophical, and artistic work, argues that artistic culture is the only culture that makes human life worth living, and turns to the great art of Aeschylus, Homer and Sophocles to make to make this case.
340-914-DW	Why Art Matters	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: Art plays a central role in defining culture – all culture, throughout all of human history. But what exactly is art? How do we decide what counts as art and what doesn’t? Can there be any objective definition of “art”? What would that definition look like? This is the sort of question we begin with in a philosophical study of art or aesthetics. Is art defined by the emotional reaction it inspires? Does it require an audience? Do the intentions of the artist matter? Does art teach us anything? Does art convey truths? How do aesthetic values compare to ethical ones – and to what extent is art connected to ethics, or politics, or gender, or culture? Why, and on what basis do we value it? How do we compare artworks? And ought we preserve art for future generations? In short, why does art matter? This is the question we will tackle in this course.
340-943-DW	Ethics of Journalism	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: In an age of “fake news,” culture wars, social media filter bubbles, infotainment, and widespread distrust in the media establishment, good journalism seems more vitally important than ever before. But what is good journalism? What standards should journalists follow in reporting news, and what should we as media consumers do to help ensure we are getting true and meaningful information? In this course we’ll develop answers to these questions by examining key aspects of the contemporary news media. These include the essential roles journalism plays in a democratic society, what makes something “news”, how news organizations get revenue, the economic and psychological forces behind misinformation and disinformation, and skills in media literacy. This course offers students a deeper understanding of the nature of good journalism as well as the knowledge and skills to be more media savvy and ethically responsible in producing and consuming news.
340-A01-DW	Topics in Philosophy	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: This course is an introduction to the Theories of Justice. Some of the questions we will consider are: Is justice a virtue only of individuals, society, or both? Or is justice only a property of laws? Can laws be unjust? If so, are we entitled to disobey the laws and under what conditions? What is social justice and is social justice possible? What is coercive justice and what is distributive justice? Is justice purely procedural or does the idea of justice have a content? If so, what is it? What are the competing theories of justice and is a unified theory of justice possible? This philosophy course will study the problem of justice by examining how Plato attempted to provide a unified theory of justice in The Republic and how subsequent philosophers responded to his proposals.
340-A02-DW	Human and Machine	2 - 1 - 3	45
Description for Course: Our era of rapid technological change raises profound philosophical questions about what we are and where we are heading. For example, does the development of AI show that the human mind is itself a sort of computer? Will technology enable us to transcend basic human realities like death and aging, and would this be desirable? What exactly is technology, and how can we ensure that it is developed in line with what is best for us? This course explores questions like these by philosophically analyzing human nature, intelligence, and well-being in relation to technology. Students will employ concepts, methods and theories from a variety of philosophical perspectives and will exit the course with a deepened understanding of philosophy and a stronger ability to think critically about important issues technology poses for contemporary society
340-BWA-03	Why Art Matters	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: Art plays a central role in defining culture – all culture, throughout all of human history. But what exactly is art? How do we decide what counts as art and what doesn’t? Can there be any objective definition of “art”? What would that definition look like? This is the sort of question we begin with in a philosophical study of art or aesthetics. Is art defined by the emotional reaction it inspires? Does it require an audience? Do the intentions of the artist matter? Does art teach us anything? Does art convey truths? How do aesthetic values compare to ethical ones – and to what extent is art connected to ethics, or politics, or gender, or culture? Why, and on what basis do we value it? How do we compare artworks? And ought we preserve art for future generations? In short, why does art matter? This is the ultimate question we will tackle in this course.
340-BWS-03	Introduction to Philosophy	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: This course will survey central philosophical questions and how influential philosophers have attempted to answer them. Major topics such as the nature of reality, truth, knowledge, justice, personal identity, freedom, responsibility, and meaning will be covered. In a broad sense, this course explores the human condition, and the ways we humans have tried to understand and define ourselves, our world and our possibilities. As this is an introductory course, students will also learn and practice the philosophical fundamentals of sound argumentation. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of basic problems of philosophy and their development. They will also have a sense of philosophy’s relevance and importance for the social sciences, the natural sciences, and contemporary issues.
340-BWS-03	Social and Political Thought	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: Students in this course become familiar with the main theoretical approaches used in the social sciences (e.g. positivism), and learn how these approaches can be applied to contemporary issues (e.g. racism). The course also seeks to illustrate how the methods of social science can influence social issues (e.g. polling and the outcome of elections).
340-BWS-03	The Scope of Human Knowledge	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description for Course: What is truth? What is the difference between knowledge and mere opinion? On what is knowledge based? Are there different ways of knowing? How do we know that our theories match the world? Can we know reality as it truly is? These are some of the questions that will be investigated in this course. The aim of the course will be to introduce students to philosophy and the different philosophical approaches that have shaped our understanding of the world.
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