College: Graduate Programs Institute

This interdisciplinary major combines the study of philosophy and religious sciences, exploring fundamental questions of human existence, ethics, metaphysics, and religious beliefs. Students delve into key areas such as philosophical traditions, religious texts, ethical theories, comparative religion, and the intersection of philosophy and theology. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the application of philosophical and religious principles to contemporary issues. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, religious studies, ethics, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of philosophy and religious sciences.
• Develop critical thinking, logic, and ethical analysis skills.
• Learn techniques for interpreting philosophical and religious texts.
• Explore the intersection of philosophy and theology and their impact on contemporary issues.
• Understand principles of comparative religion and interfaith dialogue.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in philosophical and religious studies.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for philosophical and religious projects.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Philosophy and Religious Sciences
   • Overview of philosophy, religious sciences, their history, and fundamental concepts.
   • Basics of philosophical traditions, religious beliefs, and ethical theories.
2. Philosophical Traditions
   • Principles of major philosophical traditions, including ancient, medieval, and modern philosophy.
   • Techniques for analyzing and interpreting philosophical texts and ideas.
3. Religious Texts and Interpretation
   • Basics of religious texts, including sacred scriptures, commentaries, and theological works.
   • Techniques for interpreting and understanding religious texts and beliefs.
4. Ethical Theories
   • Principles of ethical theories, including deontological ethics, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics.
   • Techniques for applying ethical theories to contemporary ethical issues.
5. Comparative Religion
   • Principles of comparative religion, including the study of world religions, their beliefs, practices, and history.
   • Techniques for comparing and contrasting different religious traditions.
6. Philosophy of Religion
   • Basics of philosophy of religion, including the existence of God, religious experience, and the problem of evil.
   • Techniques for exploring the philosophical dimensions of religious beliefs.
7. Interfaith Dialogue
   • Principles of interfaith dialogue, including promoting understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among different religious traditions.
   • Techniques for facilitating and participating in interfaith dialogue.
8. Contemporary Issues in Philosophy and Religion
   • Analysis of contemporary issues like bioethics, environmental ethics, and religious pluralism.
   • Techniques for applying philosophical and religious principles to address contemporary challenges.
9. Capstone Project in Philosophy and Religious Sciences
   • A practical project to apply acquired skills in philosophical analysis, religious interpretation, or interfaith dialogue.
   • Techniques for providing comprehensive solutions to philosophical and religious challenges.

Assessment Methods:

Philosophical analyses, religious text interpretation, ethical theory applications, comparative religion studies, philosophy of religion essays, interfaith dialogue projects, research papers, group projects, and internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "The Republic" by Plato.
• "Nicomachean Ethics" by Aristotle.
• "Summa Theologica" by Thomas Aquinas.
• "The World's Religions" by Huston Smith.
• "Philosophy of Religion: A Guide and Anthology" by Brian Davies.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of philosophy, religious studies, and ethical theories. Suitable for students interested in philosophy, religious sciences, ethics, and related fields.

Duration:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, and internships. Advanced degrees may take additional years.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in Philosophy and Religious Sciences and pursue further specialization or professional certifications in philosophy, religious studies, or ethics.

Target Audience:

Aspiring philosophers, theologians, ethicists, and professionals seeking specialization in philosophy and religious sciences. This major equips students with the critical thinking, analytical, and interpretive skills necessary to excel in philosophy and religious sciences, supporting the exploration of fundamental questions and contemporary issues.