Request to revise undergraduate curriculum in Philosophy

Date: October 26, 2009
To: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
From: Julie Putnam, Administrative Assistant to Faculty Governance
Approved On: October 6, 2009
Implementation Date: 2009

Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.

Summary

Remove twelve courses from the curriculum:

• PHIL 2165(Introduction to Political Philosophy; there are no 2000-level courses
• of this type)
• PHIL 2175(Professional Ethics; see new specific professional ethics courses proposed below)
• PHIL 3050(Topics)
• PHIL 3201(Meaning of Death)
• PHIL 3207(Narrative Philosophy)
• PHIL 3214(Contemporary Philosophy; all courses have contemporary parts)
• PHIL 3219(History of Ethical Theory; see new PHIL 3210)
• PHIL 3221(Ethics; see new PHIL 3210)
• PHIL 3265(Theory of Knowledge; see new PHIL 3430)
• PHIL 3275(Metaphysics; see new PHIL 3430)
• PHIL 3792(Honors Thesis II; drop is subject to approval from Honors Council)
• PHIL 4050(Topics)

Modify course titles and/or descriptions for: All current courses except (i) the twelve courses just listed to be removed from the curriculum, and (ii) PHIL 2101, PHIL 2102, and PHIL 2105

Modify only course numbers for the following courses:

• Medieval Philosophy, from PHIL 3212 to PHIL 3110
• Internship in Applied Ethics, from PHIL 3452 to PHIL 3380
• Practicum in Philosophy, from PHIL 3851 to PHIL 3600
• Research Methods and Publication, from PHIL 3853 to PHIL 3605
• Independent Study, from PHIL 3859 to PHIL 3610

Add eleven new courses to the curriculum:

• PHIL 3030, 20^th Century Philosophy
• PHIL 3120, 19^th Century Philosophy
• PHIL 3190, Topics in History/Genealogy
• PHIL 3210, Ethical Theory
• PHIL 3310, IT Ethics
• PHIL 3320, Engineering Ethics
• PHIL 3390, Topics in Ethics/Aesthetics
• PHIL 3410, Knowledge and Reality
• PHIL 3590, Topics in Knowledge/Language
• PHIL 3830, Philosophy and Race
• PHIL 3990, Topics in Identity/Society

• Increase credit hours required for a major from 30 to 33
• No longer offer the Traditional or Applied Concentrations for Majors
• No longer require the following course for a major:

PHIL 3214, Contemporary PhilosophyGroup all our regular courses into the following six topical areas:

• Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)
• Logic (3 credits)
• History/Genealogy (9 credits)
• Ethics/Aesthetics (Ethical Theory) (6 credits)
• Knowledge/Language (Knowledge and Reality) (6 credits)
• Identity/Society (Social-Political Philosophy) (6 credits)

And require the following 7 courses from these six areas:

• PHIL 2101or PHIL 2102, Introduction to Philosophy
• PHIL 2105, Logic
• PHIL 3010, Ancient Philosophy
• PHIL 3020, Modern Philosophy
• PHIL 3210, Ethical Theory
• PHIL 3410, Knowledge and Reality
• PHIL 3810, Social and Political Philosophy

• Additional credit hours for major to be distributed as described in revised Catalog Copy (Section G2)
• Increase credit hours required for a Minor from 15 to 18
• Require the following 2 courses for a minor:

PHIL 2101or PHIL 2102 (W), Introduction to Philosophy; and

PHIL 1105, Critical Thinking OR PHIL 2105, Logic OR PHIL 3510,Advanced Logic

Additional credit hours for minor to be distributed as described in revised Catalog Copy (Section G2)

Catalog Copy

PHILOSOPHY (http://philosophy.uncc.edu)

Philosophy is reasoned inquiry about the nature of persons, reality, thought, knowledge, values, and beauty. It seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods of resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating fundamental ideas, principles and arguments in all areas of human existence and knowledge. Equally concerned with human endeavor in both the arts and the sciences, philosophy continues to reside at the core of a liberal education.

Students major or minor in Philosophy because of their desire to pursue fundamental ideas, principles, and arguments in general or in relation to other disciplines. Philosophy helps students develop strong skills in writing, critical thinking, reading, and understanding complex texts. These skills are indispensable for any committed and concerned citizen. The study of philosophy also provides a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the challenges and issues people face throughout their personal and professional lives.

Students may choose to major solely in Philosophy, or to pursue it as a second major or as a minor. As several members of the department teach regularly within Interdisciplinary Studies, many philosophy courses introduce a wide range of ethical, political, scientific, technological, literary, and aesthetic ideas into discussions of philosophical issues. Courses in critical thinking and logic are a benefit to students in all their coursework and can be especially useful to students who plan to enter graduate school or professional school. Given the department’s association with the Center for Professional and Applied Ethics, many philosophy courses give students a deeper understanding of contemporary issues in business, law, medicine, public policy, information technology, and environmental studies.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PHILOSOPHY

A major in Philosophy leading to a B.A. degree consists of a minimum of 33 semester hours in philosophy, at least 18 of which are earned at UNC Charlotte with a grade of C or better, with no more than six hours below the 3000 level counting toward the major. A GPA of 2.5 is required for all philosophy courses applied to the major. Majors are strongly encouraged (but not required) to take the Senior Seminar, a capstone course, in one of their last three semesters.

Students majoring in Philosophy must complete either a 2000-level course in a foreign language that uses the Latin alphabet (French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) or a 1202-level course in a foreign language that is not written in the Latin alphabet (Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, etc.), or demonstrate proficiency at that level. Intermediate American Sign Language is accepted. Non-native speakers of English may complete the foreign language requirement by passing ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102 or the equivalent.

Students who major in Philosophy are required to take the following courses and types of courses:

MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY

A minor in Philosophy consists of 18 semester hours in philosophy, at least twelve of which are earned at UNC Charlotte with a grade of C or better, with no more than six hours below the 3000 level counting toward the minor. Students who elect the minor are required to take the following courses and types of courses:

HONORS PROGRAM IN PHILOSOPHY

[Note: The first paragraph below has not changed. Changes in the second paragraph were approved by the University Honors Council on April 9, 2009. The changes are: (a) one rather than two courses from University Honors Programs; (b) only three instead of four Honors Thesis Research credits; and (c) G.P.A. of 3.5 instead of 3.2 for Honors courses.]

Students seeking a greater academic challenge may contact the Department Chair with a request to pursue the Honors Track within the philosophy major. Honors work may be undertaken as early as the first semester a student is enrolled at the University. Graduation with Honors will be noted on the student’s transcript and the phrase “Honors in Philosophy” inscribed on the student’s diploma.

To qualify for graduation with Honors in Philosophy a student must receive the recommendation of the Honors Committee in Philosophy. The Honors Committee will consider as candidates for graduation with Honors in Philosophy students who have completed the standard philosophy major and the following requirements: (a) one three-hour course chosen by the student from University Honors Program courses; (b) a grade of A for three hours of Honors Thesis research (which count toward the 33-hour major requirement); (c) oral presentation of the Honors Thesis before the Department of Philosophy Honors Committee, other faculty, and students; (d) GPA of at least 3.5 in all Philosophy courses counted toward the major; and (e) GPA of at least 3.5 for all departmental and University Honors Program courses submitted towards graduation with Honors.

PHILOSOPHY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PHIL 1105. Critical Thinking. (3) (W)

Fundamental skills of clear thinking that will help people reason better during communication, problem-solving, and design, particularly as these integrate scientific/engineering efforts with social needs and values. The course will focus on clarifying goals, identifying constraints, and generating and evaluating ideas or solutions. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

PHIL 2101. Introduction to Philosophy. (3)

Exploration of some of the basic problems that have shaped the history of philosophy (truth, knowledge, justice, beauty, etc.) and remain relevant to students today on personal and professional levels. Readings will range from classical to contemporary texts by a variety of philosophers representing diverse perspectives on these problems. Please see the descriptions in Banner attached to each section to appreciate the different ways this course will be taught every semester. Crosslisted as PHIL 2102, but does not fulfill the general education writing goal. Students can receive credit for either PHIL 2101 or PHIL 2102, but not both. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

PHIL 2102. Introduction to Philosophy – Writing Intensive. (3) (W)

Exploration of some of the basic problems that have shaped the history of philosophy (truth, knowledge, justice, beauty, etc.) and remain relevant to students today on personal and professional levels. Readings will range from classical to contemporary texts by a variety of philosophers representing diverse perspectives on these problems. Please see the descriptions in Banner attached to each section to appreciate the different ways this course will be taught every semester. Makes substantial use of writing as a tool for learning. Crosslisted as PHIL 2101, but fulfills the general education writing goal. Students can receive credit for either PHIL 2101 or PHIL 2102, but not both. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

PHIL 2105. Deductive Logic. (3)

Principles of deductive logic, both classical and symbolic, with emphasis on the use of formal logic in analysis of ordinary language discourse. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Prerequisites for upper level courses. While PHIL 2101/2102 is not a prerequisite for courses at the 3000 level and above, students who have taken PHIL 2101/2102 typically benefit more from upper-level philosophy courses than students who have not.

PHIL 3211PHIL 3010. Ancient Philosophy. (3) Western intellectual and philosophic thought from the early Greeks to the post Aristotelian period, often with an eye to issues in contemporary philosophy. Readings from the pre Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, Epicureans, Stoics, Skeptics, and Neoplatonists. (Yearly)

PHIL 3213PHIL 3020. Modern Philosophy. (3)Modern philosophic and scientific thought from Descartes to Kant. Readings selected from representative works in the 17th and 18th centuries. (Yearly)

PHIL 3030 Twentieth-Century Philosophy. (3) Examination of some central problems, issues, and methodologies of Twentieth Century Philosophy. Examination may include: pragmatism, phenomenology, logical analysis, existentialism, ordinary language philosophy, critical theory, hermeneutics, structuralism, or post-structuralism. (Alternate Years)

PHIL 3212PHIL 3110. Medieval Philosophy. (3)Western philosophical tradition from Augustine to William of Ockham. Readings include such other authors as Anselm of Canterbury, Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas, and Duns Scotus. (Periodically)

PHIL 3120. Nineteenth-Century Philosophy. (3) Examination of some central problems, issues, and methodologies of Nineteenth-Century Philosophy, including from some more contemporary perspectives, such as feminism. Examination may include: German Idealism (e.g. Fichte, Schelling, Hegel, Schopenhauer), Early Existentialism (e.g. Kierkegaard, Nietzsche), Early Phenomenology (e.g. Balzano, Brentano), Social Philosophy (e.g. Comte, Feuerbach, Bentham, Mill, Marx), and American Philosophy (e.g. Peirce, James, Washington, DuBois). (Periodically)

PHIL 3217PHIL 3130. American Philosophy. (3) This class will analyze the question of what constitutes American Philosophy, examining the interaction between America and philosophy, and exploring some of the characteristics that may help contribute to the characterization of American Philosophy including: individualism, community, practicality, fallibility, and meliorism. The course will critically examine the narrative of American philosophy, focusing on pragmatism, America’s distinctive contribution to philosophy, and assess the role that American philosophy has, can, and should play concerning social and cultural issues in America. (Periodically)

PHIL 3223PHIL 3140. Existentialism. (3)Existentialist tradition in philosophy and literature including such issues as: authenticity, absurdity and the meaning of life, freedom and morality, anguish, death, and atheism. (Periodically)

PHIL 3060PHIL 3170. Major Figure in Philosophy. (3) An investigation into the thoughts and writings of a major figure in philosophy with special emphasis on primary sources. Included may be Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Marx, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Quine, Davidson, Rawls, and others as indicated by departmental needs and interests. May be repeated for additional credit. (Periodically)

PHIL 3190. Topics in History/Genealogy. (3) Specific topics in the history/genealogy of philosophy. May be repeated for additional credit with the approval of the Department. (Periodically)

PHIL 3210. Ethical Theory. (3) Selective examination of major normative and metaethical theories that undergird our practical judgments about morally right actions and virtuous persons. Normative theories studied may include virtue ethics, deontology, consequentialism, and representative feminist theories. Metaethical theories studied may include cognitivism, expressivism, realism, and error theory. (Yearly)

PHIL 3225PHIL 3220. Aesthetics. (3) Discussion and analysis of major theories of art ranging from historical figures (Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, and Dewey) to contemporary philosophers (Sontag, Danto, Kristeva, and Ranciere). Emphasis will be on the development of aesthetics in relation to the visual and performing arts, new media, and philosophy, but also in response to social-political-cultural issues, such as feminism, racism, and the like. (Yearly)

PHIL 3228PHIL 3230. Healthcare Ethics. (3) Major ethical dilemmas within medical science and biology are examined to assist students to identify, analyze, and decide ethical issues in such a way that they can defend their positions to themselves and others. Issues include reproductive and genetic technology, death and dying, patient rights, and justice in distribution of healthcare benefits and burdens. (Yearly)

PHIL 3310. IT Ethics. (3) Looks at ethical issues that emerge in the context of new technologies. We will combine a study of traditional moral theories with a look at how those theories might help us understand some of the many challenges presented by contemporary technologies. Topic areas may include privacy/surveillance, intellectual property (things like cell patents, peer-to-peer file sharing, etc.), and genetically modified foods. (Periodically)

PHIL 3320. Engineering Ethics. (3) This course will familiarize students with the ethical and social dimensions of professional engineering practice. The course is built around discussions of (1) some of the classical philosophical theories (Utilitarianism, Respect for Persons, etc.), (2) concepts and techniques for breaking down complicated scenarios (factual, conceptual, etc.), (3) typical problem areas such as professional integrity and responsibility, risk analysis, and the conflict between engineers and managers, (4) case studies and special focus on classic cases (Columbia and Challenger disasters, etc.), and (5) various ethical codes of the engineering profession (electrical, mechanical, petroleum, etc.). Emphasis on the enhancement of skills in critical thinking and effective communication in professional engineering. (Periodically)

PHIL 3205PHIL 3330. Philosophy and Literature. (3) Discussion and analysis of the classic and contemporary philosophical themes in literature, the literary dimensions of philosophy (e.g., Platonic dialogues and the modern essay), the role of philosophy in the development of literary theory, the effects of changes in literature on philosophy (e.g., new narrative structures in both fields), and the like. Readings will range from the classical (e.g., Plato, Montaigne, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche) to the contemporary (e.g., Adorno, Derrida, Eco, and Nussbaum). (Periodically)

PHIL 3231PHIL 3340. Business Ethics. (3) Ethical problems confronting business as a social institution and individuals in business. Application of ethical theory to business institutions and practices, internal exchanges of business (e.g., hiring, promotions, working conditions, employer/employee rights and duties) and external exchanges (e.g., product safety, environment, depletion, marketing, advertising.) Emphasis is on the role of critical thinking about and in business. (Periodically)

PHIL 3452PHIL 3380. Internship in Applied Ethics. (3) Prerequisite: Declared philosophy major or minor; at least junior standing; selection by department. Field experience includes on-site visits to host companies, corporations, or agencies to investigate ethics codes, policies, culture, and practices. Background ethics research on ethics challenges facing the host organization today. Final reports evaluated by faculty advisor and shared with the host organization. (Fall, Spring, Summer with Permission)

PHIL 3390. Topics in Ethics/Aesthetics. (3) Specific topics in Ethics/Aesthetics. May be repeated for additional credit with the approval of the Department. (Periodically)

PHIL 3410. Knowledge and Reality. (3) An examination of interrelated issues concerning belief, justification, knowledge, and existence and the implications of these for broader philosophical issues. “Narrower” issues may include: What is the source of our beliefs? How do these sources affect our determinations of what fundamentally exists and what those things are like? How do our assumptions about what exists affect the objects and methods of knowing? When do beliefs become knowledge? Are there some things about the world that we cannot know about? Broader issues may include: What kind of thing is a mind or a self? How does such a thing fit into a natural world? What can non-human animals or computers tell us about intelligence? In what sense can collective entities engage in intentional behavior? (Yearly)

PHIL 3264 PHIL 3420. Philosophy of Language. (3) An inquiry into the nature of language and its use in actual practice. Discussion will focus on theories of meaning and their relations to the fields of logic and linguistics, and will address special topics such as linguistic creativity and linguistic violence. (Yearly)

PHIL 3425PHIL 3430. Mind, Cognition, and Behavior. (3) An exploration of epistemological, metaphysical, and ethical questions concerning the mind. The main focus is on the possibility of integrating classic philosophical perspectives with contemporary research in cognitive science. Topics include: the descriptive/normative relation, the connection between philosophy and science, the plausibility of the mind and/or brain as a computational, symbol-manipulating system, including cases in which ethical consequences emerge from this orientation, and other topics such as consciousness, free will and determinism, logic and language, emotion and reasoning, and rationality. (Yearly)

PHIL 3235PHIL 3510. Advanced Logic. (3) Advanced systems of logic, with emphasis upon symbolic logic and formal systematic characteristics such as axiomatics and proof techniques. (Periodically)

PHIL 3247PHIL 3520. Philosophy of Science. (3) Questions concerning scientific knowledge and methods and their relation to technology, metaphysics, history/sociology, and interdisciplinary connections. “Science” is construed broadly to imply a connection with all systematic inquiry, either past or present, into natural or social questions. Particular topics may include the nature of theories, models, observations, predictions, and the conditions of progress. (Periodically)

PHIL 3242PHIL 3530. Philosophy of Religion. (3) Cross-listed as RELS 3242. Philosophical implications of religious experience including the definitions, development, and diverse forms of the problems of belief and reason in modern thought. (Periodically)

PHIL 3590. Topics in Knowledge/Language. (3) Specific topics in the Knowledge/Language. May be repeated for additional credit with the approval of the Department. (Periodically)

PHIL 3851PHIL 3600. Practicum in Philosophy. (1-3) Prerequisite: permission of the department. Directed individual study involving the student and instructor in rethinking and reworking some major problems in the teaching of undergraduate philosophy, including interaction with a particular class, usually PHIL 1105, 2101/2102, or 2105, in the preparation, presentation, and evaluation of the course. (Not for teacher licensure.) (Fall, Spring with Permission)

PHIL 3853PHIL 3605. Research Methods and Publication. (3) Permission of the instructor required. Individual instruction in current methods of research in philosophy through participation in major research project. No more than six hours may apply towards the major in Philosophy. (Fall, Spring with Permission)

PHIL 3859PHIL 3610. Independent Study. (1-3) Prerequisite: permission of the department. Directed individual study of a philosophical issue of special interest to the student. May be repeated for additional credit as the topics vary and with departmental approval. No more than six hours may apply toward the major in Philosophy. (Fall, Spring with Permission)

PHIL 3791. Honors Thesis. (3) Prerequisite: permission of the department. Individual or group inquiry into selected philosophic problems. Exposition and discussion of the results. (Fall, Spring with Permission)

PHIL 3226 PHIL 3810. Social and Political Philosophy. (3) Examination of basic concepts involved in understanding the nature and structure of political and social formations. Issues may include topics such as justice, human rights, the nature of political power, and the relations between individuals and political/social institutions. Readings from historical and/or contemporary sources, and may include figures such as Plato, Hobbes, Marx, Rawls, Arendt, Foucault and Butler. (Yearly)

PHIL 3227PHIL 3820. Feminist Philosophy. (3) Cross-listed as WGST 3820. Overview of feminist critiques of the philosophical canon, contemporary feminist work on philosophical topics (e.g., feminist epistemology, feminist aesthetics, etc.), and philosophical work on topics such as gender, sexuality, and intersectionality. Critical race, postcolonial, and global feminisms will also be studied. (Yearly)

PHIL 3830. Philosophy and Race. (3) Cross-listed as AFRS 3830. This course both examines the role of the concept of race in the Western philosophical canon, and uses current philosophical texts and methods to examine Western discourses of race and racism. Issues such as whiteness, double consciousness, the black/white binary, Latino identity and race, ethnicity, mixed-race identity, and the intersection of race with gender and class will also be examined. (Alternate Years)

PHIL 3243PHIL 3910. Philosophy of War and Peace. (3) Crosslisted as LBST 2101-H01. This course focuses on the conceptual and historical aspects of violence, terrorism, war, non-violence, justice, and the economic motivations and results, both intended and unintended, associated with these phenomena. (Periodically)

PHIL 3249PHIL 3920. Philosophy of Technology. (3) Examination of basic concepts and controversies in philosophical discussions of technology. Issues may include relations between technology and nature (and/or human nature), technological determinism, the prospects for intelligent and/or democratic control of particular technologies, and normative issues such as technological systems of social control. (Periodically)

PHIL 3244PHIL 3930. Philosophy of Body. (3) Opportunity to explore the implications of the Eastern and Western philosophical literature on what the body means to individuals and societies. Philosophical readings about the body’s relationship to the mind, politics, happiness, social interaction, and education will be explored through lecture, discussion, and writing. (Periodically)

PHIL 3241PHIL 3940. Philosophy of Education. (3) Exploration of classic Western approaches to education and the contemporary moral problems faced by America’s schools. Issues to be considered are the effect of race, class, and gender on school culture and teacher preparation. (Periodically)

PHIL 3990. Topics and Identity/Society. (3) Specific topics in Identity/Society. May be repeated for additional credit with the approval of the Department. (Periodically)