Discipline: Philosophy
HUM-Humanities
 Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Philosophy 35


COURSE DESCRIPTION
35 Philosophy of Religion
Same as: HUM-Humanities 35
 Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Advisory: PHI 10 or PHI 11
An introduction to the examination of religious claims from a philosophical perspective. Emphasis will be placed upon examining the rational justification for various traditional faith claims, and upon examining the relationship between rationality and faith. The course presumes a basic knowledge of philosophical argumentation. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
An examination of religious and faith claims from a philosophical perspective.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. compare and contrast different philosophical ideas and traditions.

  2. identify, restate, and explain philosophers’ answers to fundamental questions, along with their supporting arguments.

  3. analyze and critically assess various philosophical or logical arguments within the context of the texts and traditions that inform them.

  4. demonstrate the ability to organize and write brief critical essays.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Analyze issues pertaining to religion by using methods of 
      philosophical argumentation;

2.   Understand a variety of alternative viewpoints about the nature and
      role of religion;

3.   Demonstrate independent and rational thinking about issues within
      the philosophy of religion;

4.   Apply advanced skills of critical analysis when writing and reading
      about faith claims and their relationship to rational thought.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. The intersection and interaction of religious and philosophical traditions and issues
  2. Examination of discussions about and arguments for the existence and attributes of a god or gods
  3. Examination of viewpoints about the nature of humanity and the human soul
  4. xploration of the problem of evil and the nature of morality and goodness
  5. Free will vs. determinism and predestination
  6. Miracles, immortality, and natural law
  7. Eastern and Western concepts of the afterlife
  8. Reason, faith, and mysticism
  9. Spectrum of viewpoints - theism and its variations (polytheism, monotheism, henotheism) through atheism
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Presentation of lectures and demonstrations on basic concepts and issues in the philosophy of religion, including primary texts, in order for students to understand the major faith claims and the intersection of philosophy and religion
  • Class discussions about religious issues and problems and differing critical arguments on the main topical areas belonging to this field of study
  • Guest writers/lecturers invited to class to discuss philosophical and religious perspectives
  • Field trips to selected museums, places of worship, or cultural exhibits which promote and enhance understanding of the concepts being studied
  • Showing films, videos, PowerPoint presentations, distributing handouts, and/or using electronic or computer-based media in order to reinforce understanding of basic concepts and issues in the philosophy of religion
  • Cooperative/collaborative learning tasks and activities designed to assist students in applying concepts learned in the course to their own value systems and lives
  • Individual conferences in order to evaluate and advise students on written work or course content
  • Computer-assisted and/or web-enhanced instruction which reinforces the course content.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • The writing of a minimum of 3000 words of formal interpretive/analytical prose 
  • Individual and group assignments designed to demonstrate successful understanding and application of basic concepts and issues in the philosophy of religion
  • Questions on topics and content designed to evaluate students’ understanding of the key approaches to understanding the growth of rational, ethical, and philosophical approaches to religion
  • Quizzes/examinations designed to assess students’ ability to recall, critically analyze and apply key concepts and course content
  • Participation and regular attendance as required by instructor to ensure progress in mastering the course content and participation in collaborative learning projects
  • Final examination designed to assess students’ mastery of the essential concepts explored in the course.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Davies, Brian. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. 3 ed. N.Y. : Oxford University Press, 2004.
  • Mitchell, Basil. The Philosophy of Religion . N.Y.: Oxford University Press, 1971.
  • Pojman, Louis P. . Philosophy of Religion: An Anthology. 3 ed. any: Wadsworth, 1997.
  • Rowe, William L. . Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction. 3 ed. any: Wadsworth, 2000.
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