Philosophy of Religion

Class
A study of the major issues in the philosophy of religion such as the existence and nature of God, the relationships between faith and reason, the nature of religious language, religious experience, and the problem of evil.

Competencies

After completing Philosophy 2321, the student will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

  1. A basic familiarity with the history and development of philosophy of religion.
  2. A basic familiarity with the most prominent philosophers and ideas in philosophy of religion.
  3. Formulate a clear account of the theistic concept of God.
  4. A basic familiarity with the most common objections to this theistic concept.
  5. A basic familiarity with the arguments in favor of theism.
  6. The ability to demonstrate the application of tools and principles learned in class to the student’s surrounding culture.
Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

  1. Read, analyze, and critique texts in the philosophy of religion.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of major arguments, problems, and terminology in the philosophy of religion.
  3. Articulate key concepts and issues in the philosophy of religion.
  4. Write logically persuasive assessments of key concepts and issues.
  5. Discuss the application of philosophy to various aspects of religion.
  6. Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world.
Required Textbooks
Rowe, William. Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction, 4th ed., Wadsworth Publishing, 2007., Peterson, Michael, et al. Philosophy of Religion: Selected Readings, 5th ed., Oxford UP, 2014.
ISBN-10
9780495007258, 9780199303441
Evaluation Standards

  1. Major examinations with a final examination over the material.
  2. Instructors may utilize minor quizzes, such as chapter quizzes or tests, at their discretion.
  3. Instructors may assign reading summaries and reflective essays at their discretion.
  4. Instructors may include participation grades as a component of the final grade, and may use attendance as a factor in determining course grades, at their discretion.

Attendance Policy

Class attendance is an integral part of education. The dialogue between instructor and student forms the cornerstone in the acquisition of knowledge. Each instructor will check attendance daily and may at his/her discretion use attendance as one of the grading components of the class. The actual attendance policy will be provided to the student in the Class Syllabus at the beginning of the course.
Instructional Methods
Lecture, discussion, outside reading, and audiovisual materials may be used to present this course.
Required Institutional Core Learning Outcomes

Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Personal Responsibility (PR), Social Responsibility (SR)

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Revised
Fall 2021
Last Modified
Monday, September 20, 2021, 11:51 AM