Upcoming Courses

Spring 2026 Undergraduate Courses

Asian Philosophies          

PHIL 1502  | MWF 10:10–11:00am  | Dr. Pearce

An introduction to Chinese philosophy during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), specifically Confucianism, Mohism, and Daoism, as well as to a tradition that emerged in India at around the same time—Buddhism.

Citizens and Their Cities

PHIL 1502  | various times | Dr. Convertito

In this course we will examine the notions of “city” and of “citizen” from different geographic, cultural, and historical contexts as an introduction to the practices and uses of philosophical thinking.

Philosophy of Humor                  

PHIL 1512 | MWF 11:15am–12:05pm  | Dr. Shuster

We all like to laugh and find things amusing—but why? What makes something humorous? Why is offensive humor offensive? Can humor be unethical or wrong? What role can humor play in politics?

Philosophy of Love and Sex                                                      

PHIL 1512 | MWF 9:05–9:55am | Dr. Sullivan

Introduces students to the field of philosophy via the topic of love and sex. Topics may include monogamy, homosexuality, bisexuality, intersexuality, masturbation, rape, prostitution, gay marriage, and pornography.

Critical Thinking in Philosophy                                                       

PHIL 2100 |  MWF 1:25–2:15pm  | Dr. Talsma

Fundamental skills of clear thinking that help students reason better during communication, problem-solving, and design, particularly as these integrate scientific/engineering efforts with social needs and values.

Deductive Logic                                                    

PHIL 2105  | various times  |  various instructors

Principles of deductive logic, both classical and symbolic, and the use of formal logic in analysis of ordinary language discourse. 

Healthcare Ethics                                               

PHIL 2220 |  MWF 10:10–11:00am [hybrid]  |  Prof. Raymer

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.

Feminist Healthcare Ethics                                                       

PHIL 3039-001  | online asynchronous  |  Dr. Bradley-Volz

We will examine various healthcare topics through a bio/ethical feminist lens, focusing upon the concerns of feminists regarding reproductive health, cancer, ageing, disability, globalization, standard of care, etc.

What Are Rights?                                                  

PHIL 3039-002  |  T/Th 11:30am–12:45pm   |  Dr. Landerreche Cardillo

This course will look at competing theories concerning the nature, function, justification, and significance of rights, as well as their historical development and their place in our political vocabulary.

Ethics of Procreation                                         

PHIL 3039-003 |  T/Th 4:00–5:15pm  |  Dr. Rasmussen

Is procreation a right, a privilege, a duty, or none of these? What does it mean that we can plan for not only when and whether to procreate, but also what kinds of offspring to have?

Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence                                               

PHIL 3059 | online asynchronous  |  Dr. Ganapini

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we live, work, govern, and understand ourselves. This course surveys core philosophical questions raised by AI together with pressing ethical and political issues.

Race, Gender, Biology, and the Politics of Difference                            

PHIL 3079-001  | online asynchronous |   Prof. Jackson

Are sex, gender, race, and sexuality biologically innate? How can we weigh claims and counterclaims in this area?

Disability Theory and Politics                         

PHIL 3079-002   |  T/Th 1:00–2:15pm   |  Dr. Knight

This course examines the political nature of disability and the disabling nature of politics.

Latin American Philosophy                    

PHIL 3211  | T/Th 2:30–3:45pm  | Dr. Monque

Latin American philosophy deals with some of the most important questions we face today. What is progress or development? How is colonialism still alive? Where can we look for alternative models of living in an age of environmental crisis?

Existentialism                    

PHIL 3213 | T/Th 10:00–11:15am |  Dr. Landerreche Cardillo

An introduction to the existentialist tradition in philosophy and literature including such issues as authenticity, absurdity and the meaning of life, freedom and morality, anguish, death, and atheism.

Philosophy of Mind                                   

PHIL 3242 | MWF 12:20–1:10pm  |  Dr. Talsma

This course will serve as an introduction to the significant puzzles and theories in contemporary philosophy of mind, with an emphasis on theories concerning the nature of the mind and the relationship it has with the brain/body.

Advanced Logic                 

PHIL 3251  | W 9:15am–12:00pm |  Dr. Boisvert

Learning the language of predicate logic to investigate interrelated questions about language, thought, and logic.

Philosophy of Technology                                

PHIL 3272 | T/Th 2:30–3:45pm | Dr. Williams

This course will survey and critically assess several approaches to the philosophy of technology. We will investigate themes such as AI, hybridity, cyborgs, nature, bodies, and the relationship between sciences and technologies.

Hip Hop as Redescription                                                

PHIL 3275  |  T/Th 1:00–2:15pm  | Dr. Sanders

In this class we will philosophically examine hip hop culture—its origins and evolution. We will consider many aspects of hip hop, including beats, lyrics, race, authenticity, misogyny, homophobia, commercialism, and more.

Philosophy of Law                                                

PHIL 3279  |  M 6:30–9:15pm  | Prof. Perry

An examination of the philosophy underlying the legal system and the Anglo-American practice of law.

Black Aesthetics              

PHIL 4039  |  online asynchronous  |  Dr. Kelly

Some of the key questions in this course are: What is black about black aesthetics? What is different, if anything, about aesthetics in black aesthetics? How was Western aesthetics racist when it emerged in the 18^th century? Can this racism be eliminated?

African American Political Philosophy                    

PHIL 4079-001 | MW 2:30–5:00pm [1^st half-term] | Dr. Souffrant

Examines modern racial languages and practices through the work of a variety of Afro-American thinkers.

Race, Sexuality, and the Body              

PHIL 4079-002 | T 4:00–5:15pm [hybrid] | Dr. Ramsey

Examines how interpretations of race and gender have influenced and characterized body image among persons of color.

Queer Theory                                 

PHIL 4170 | T 5:30–8:15pm | Dr. Brintnall

Queer Theory, drawing on feminist theory, sexuality studies, and psychoanalytic theory, is ultimately invested in understanding the cultural construction and operation of “queerness”—of otherness, marginalization, and exclusion.

Senior Seminar

PHIL 4600 |  MW 10:45am–12:00pm | Dr. Sullivan

The capstone course for philosophy majors. As a guiding thread we will study different philosophical perspectives on nature, including Asian, Indigenous, and Euro-American philosophies.