2003-2004 - The University of Scranton

176 Arts and Sciences/Physics
PHIL 418 3 cr.
(P) Phenomenology
An introduction to this 20th-century European
movement through selected works of Husserl,
Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty. Topics
include the nature of the self, lived experience,
history, social reality, sense perception, technology
and science, space and time, the lived body,
and the theory of intentionality.
PHIL 420 3 cr.
(P) Philosophy of Rhetoric
A systematic investigation of the form, meaning
and influence of rhetoric. Explores the relationships
between topic and metaphor, logic and
narration, ethos and logos, conscience and persuasion.
Special attention is given to the various
relationships between rhetoric and philosophy.
PHIL 425 3 cr.
Postmodern Philosophy
An examination of the transition from modernist
culture and thought to postmodernist culture
and thought. Derrida’s method of deconstruction
will serve as the paradigm example of
postmodernism. Recommended for those interested
especially in literature and fine arts.
PHIL 430 3 cr.
(P) Philosophy of the Social and Behavioral
Sciences
The goal of the course is to encourage students
to think philosophically about issues raised in
social scientific studies, especially regarding the
following: (1) the problem of cross-cultural
understanding and interpretation, (2) the difficulties
of research design and methodology, and
(3) the relationship between social science, ethics,
and policy making.
PHIL 431 3 cr.
(P) Philosophy of Science
An introduction to the history and philosophy
of science. Selections from Darwin’s The Origins
of Species (1859) and The Descent of Man (1871)
and Popper, Feyerabend, Hanson, Stace, Quine,
Frank, Rescher, Hempel, and Baier.
PHIL 434 3 cr.
(P) Issues in Philosophy and Theology
This course will investigate certain modern and
contemporary problems in the relationship
between philosophy and theology. In particular,
it will examine the ways in which philosophical
discussions (both specific arguments and general
positions) influence theological discussions, as
evidence of the suggestion that philosophy “gives
voice” to theology.
PHYSICS
Faculty
Robert A. Spalletta, Ph.D., Chair
W. Andrew Berger, Ph.D.
Joseph W. Connolly, Ph.D.
Paul F. Fahey, Ph.D.
John R. Kalafut, M.S.
Argyrios C. Varonides, Ph.D.
Christine A. Zakzewski, Ph.D.
Overview
The Department of Physics and Electrical
Engineering offers majors in Physics and Biophysics,
as well as the Electrical Engineering,
Computer Engineering and Electronics-Business
majors described earlier. The objectives
of the department are to provide skills, understanding,
and the methodology required to
initiate active participation in the development
of new knowledge about the material
universe. The approach of the physicist, based
as it is on the analysis of mathematical models
dealing with matter and energy and their
interactions, supplies a unique and important
insight to the solution of problems in many
disciplines.
A 1988 study by the Office of Institutional
Research at Franklin and Marshall College
shows that over 66 years, The University of
Scranton ranked 33rd out of 977 four-year,
private, primarily undergraduate institutions
as the baccalaureate origin of physics doctorates.
In addition, the Biophysics concentration
in recent years has regularly produced
students admitted to medical school.
Minor in Physics
21 credits, including PHYS 140, 141, 270
(all with labs), 352, ENGR 252, and at least
one of PHYS 473, 372 and/or 371.
Major in Biophysics
The Biophysics major is designed to prepare
a student to apply the physical and
mathematical sciences to problems arising in
the life sciences and medicine. By choosing
proper electives, the student can prepare to
enter graduate study of biophysics, biology,
biochemistry, medicine or dentistry.