Philosophy and Religious Studies
715-836-2545
Department Website
The Philosophy and Religious Studies Department offers graduate-level course work, but no graduate degree programs..
Graduate Faculty
Charlene Burns, Ph.D.
Steven Fink, Ph.D.
Sean McAleer, Ph.D. (Chair)
Matthew Meyer, Ph.D.
Kristin P. Schaupp, Ph.D.
Courses in Philosophy and Religious Studies are offered as electives for programs in other disciplines.
All 500- and 600-level graduate courses include requirements or assignments which differentiate them from their companionate 300- and 400-level undergraduate offerings. Students who have taken a course at the 300- or 400-level may not include that course at the 500- or 600- level in a graduate program, except in the case of special topics courses when the topic is not the same as that taken at the undergraduate level.
Philosophy (PHIL)
How to Read Course Descriptions
The bold first line is the capitalized course abbreviation that designates the subject area followed by the course number, title and credits.
Prerequisite: Coursework to be completed and/or requirements to be met before taking the course.
Course description: Summary of the purpose and key topical areas of the course.
Attributes: Indicates Liberal Education (LE) (or General Education-GE) area for which the course may fulfill a requirement and/or special course fee requirements.
NOTE: Attributes are term specific to the term course is taken. Defer to the Schedule of Classes in CampS for term specific attributes.
GE – General Education applies to requirements in catalogs prior to Fall 2016.
Courses listed in the prerequisite that are not linked indicate that the course is inactive and is listed for historical purposes.
The unit of credit is the semester hour. It is defined as one class hour per week (or its equivalent) for one semester. Thus, a lecture-discussion course which meets three hours per week ordinarily carries three semester credits. Laboratory and studio classes usually require two hours in class as the equivalent of one semester credit.
PHIL 545 Philosophy of Religion (3 crs)
Prerequisite: One course in philosophy or consent of instructor or RELS 210, RELS 315, RELS 350, RELS 470; or RELS 353/WMNS 353; or RELS 450/PHIL 450.
• Cross-listed with PHIL 345 and RELS 345/RELS 545. Credit may only be earned in one of these courses.
Critical study of the subject of religion, including the nature, grounds, and limits of religious claims.
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
PHIL 595 Directed Studies (1-3 crs)
Consent: Department Consent Required
• Cross-listed with PHIL 395.
Work with instructor on a specific philosophical issue, problem, or activity. Content of the course to be determined by the student and the instructor. Recommended for non-majors.
Repeat: Course may be repeated
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
PHIL 797 Independent Study (1-3 crs)
Consent: Department Consent Required
Individual project under the direction of a faculty member.
Repeat: Course may be repeated
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
Religious Studies (RELS)
How to Read Course Descriptions
The bold first line is the capitalized course abbreviation that designates the subject area followed by the course number, title and credits.
Prerequisite: Coursework to be completed and/or requirements to be met before taking the course.
Course description: Summary of the purpose and key topical areas of the course.
Attributes: Indicates Liberal Education (LE) (or General Education-GE) area for which the course may fulfill a requirement and/or special course fee requirements.
NOTE: Attributes are term specific to the term course is taken. Defer to the Schedule of Classes in CampS for term specific attributes.
GE – General Education applies to requirements in catalogs prior to Fall 2016.
Courses listed in the prerequisite that are not linked indicate that the course is inactive and is listed for historical purposes.
The unit of credit is the semester hour. It is defined as one class hour per week (or its equivalent) for one semester. Thus, a lecture-discussion course which meets three hours per week ordinarily carries three semester credits. Laboratory and studio classes usually require two hours in class as the equivalent of one semester credit.
RELS 507 Judaism (3 crs)
• Cross-listed with RELS 307. Credit may not be earned in both courses.
Judaism from its earliest times to the twenty-first century, including its history, literature, and lifestyles.
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
RELS 545 Philosophy of Religion (3 crs)
Prerequisite: One course in philosophy or consent of instructor or RELS 210, RELS 315, RELS 350, RELS 470; or RELS 353/WMNS 353; or RELS 450/PHIL 450.
• Cross-listed with RELS 345 and PHIL 345/PHIL 545. Credit may only be earned in one of these courses.
Critical study of the subject of religion, including the nature, grounds, and limits of religious claims.
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
RELS 797 Independent Study (1-3 crs)
Individual project under the direction of a faculty member.
Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option