Radford University Undergraduate Catalog, 2011-2012

number of specific issues within contemporary
philosophy of religion such as those of religious
“truth, faith,” and “experience.”
PHIL 360. Existential Philosophy. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy.
Detailed study of the origins and historical development
of the 20th century movement in philosophy
called existentialism. Through a careful
reading of both literary and philosophical texts,
students explore such fundamental existential
themes and issues as freedom, responsibility,
anguish, alienation, authenticity, and death. Special
emphasis is given to major thinkers such as
Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre.
PHIL 370. Philosophy of Language. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy.
Examines the contemporary philosophical focus
on language. Course topics include the nature
and functions of language and theories of meaning.
The course will consider both the historical
roots and recent developments in the area.
PHIL 375. Philosophy of Law. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy.
Examines the central historical and contemporary
issues in the philosophy of law. Includes an
in-depth study of the central conceptual problems
with philosophy of law today, the historical development
of the concept of law in Western thought,
and the unique issues that arise when the rule of
law is envisioned on a planetary scale.
PHIL 380. Aesthetics. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy.
Explores various theories and philosophical issues
concerning the nature of creativity and the
nature and significance of art in all of its forms.
Students engage in a critical examination of
such questions as these: what exactly do we
mean by a “work of art?” What is beauty? What
is an aesthetic experience? How are aesthetic
values related to other sorts of values? What sort
of truth can be found in art?
363
PHIL 390. Ethical Theory. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy.
An in-depth examination of perennial problems
and issues in ethical theory. Texts of major
philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas,
Hume and Kant are used to focus discussion of
topics such as the nature of justice, happiness
and the good life, duty and moral obligation,
and moral virtue.
PHIL 421. Topics in Philosophy. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Six hours of philosophy and junior
or senior standing.
An in-depth examination of the work of one major
philosopher; a single school or movement in
the history of philosophy; or a particular philosophical
problem, theme, or issue of contemporary
interest. Emphasis is placed on the careful
reading and critical discussion of primary philosophical
texts. This course may be taken twice
with a different topic each time.
PHIL 488. Final Honors Project. (2-3)
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Honors Academy,
completion of all other Honors Academy
requirements, and minimum of 3.5 GPA in all
courses and in philosophy.
Project and topic to be determined by the student,
the faculty member with whom the student
works, and the department. In order to receive
honors credit, the student must earn a grade of
“A” or “B” for the final project. Course may not
be repeated.
PHIL 490. Philosophy Internship. (3-12)
Prerequisites: 18 hours of Philosophy; junior
or senior standing; minimum 3.0 GPA in major;
approval of the department chairperson.
Offers an opportunity through experiential
learning to apply Philosophy skills in a careeroriented
atmosphere. The internship consists of
a one or two semester placement with a business,
governmental agency, or service organization
interested in utilizing a philosophy background
and critical and analytic thinking skills,
research and writing skills, and knowledge of
issues addressed in the study of philosophy.
Grading will be on A-F basis. No more than 3