Philosophy and Religious Studies Major and Minor Requirements

Department: Philosophy and Religion 
Department Chair: J. Alexander 
Department Members: J. Alexander, N. Dular 

Major: Philosophy, Religious Studies (Optional Track: Religion and Nonprofits) 
Minor: Philosophy, Religious Studies 

Philosophy

The Franklin College philosophy program is designed to prepare students for a life of critical examination of themselves and their society; to develop in students an ability to detect the structures, the strengths and weaknesses, and the assumptions of argumentation; and to seek to put these skills to use for the betterment of society. 

To fulfill this mission, the program provides opportunities for students to understand the basic questions of all disciplines and of human existence by introducing them to the major traditions and thinkers in philosophy. The program also provides practice in sharpening the skills of logical argument and awareness of the major value systems and how they shape persons and cultures. 

Students will learn to think philosophically in a variety of contexts; to seek and detect the assumptions involved in argumentation; to judge what is not only in terms of what might be, but as well in terms of what ought to be; and to understand the value of critical self-examination. 

Philosophy Major 

A major in philosophy is offered for those students preparing for professional careers in college teaching, law, medicine, and the ministry. As well, the area is strongly recommended for persons expecting careers involving significant amounts of decision-making, such as management, or involving the helping professions. All courses are available to all students except 400 level philosophy courses, which are not available to first-year students. PHL 470 and PHL 490 require the consent of the instructor. All prerequisites require a C- or better. 

Core Requirements 
PHL 116 Introduction to Philosophy 
PHL 210 Logic 
PHL 499 Senior Competency Practicum 

Professional Development Requirements 
PDP 200 Preparing for Your Internship 
PHL 498 Portfolio Development Practicum 
SNR/SNT 489 (PHL) Senior Year Experience/Project 

One of the following courses 
PHL 220 Principles of Ethics 
PHL/POL 360 Social and Political Thought 

One of the following courses 
PHL 230 Philosophy of Language 
PHL 314 History of Philosophy 

One of the following courses 
PHL 325 Topics in Value 

Nine to ten additional hours in PHL 

Related Field Requirement 
Twelve semester hours to be approved by the department and submitted in writing to the Academic Records Office. All related field courses require a C- or better. 

A student planning to do graduate work should acquire a reading knowledge of French. 

Philosophy Minor 

Core Requirements 
PHL 116 Introduction to Philosophy 
PHL 210 Logic 

One of the following courses 
PHL 220 Principles of Ethics 
PHL/POL 360 Social and Political Thought 

One of the following courses 
PHL 230 Philosophy of Language 
PHL 314 History of Philosophy 

One additional PHL course beyond those listed above 

 

Religious Studies

The Franklin College religious studies program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study religion as a response to the basic question of human life, to become familiar with the religious perceptions and practices in Western and Eastern cultures, and to develop their own theological understandings and responses. 

The program acquaints students with the diverse traditions of the world religions, explores the various dimensions of the phenomenon of religion, and provides insights into the spiritual quest for the “Divine” or the “Holy.” 

Students will gain a foundational knowledge of major religious traditions, a substantive and applied knowledge of the major religious questions, and be able to analyze religious expressions in this culture and in the global community. 

Religious Studies Major 

A major in religious studies is intended to prepare students for entrance into the field of church vocations (pastorate, Christian education, counseling), the nonprofit sector, or for graduate work in preparation for teaching religion on a college or university level. REL 340, 350, 470 and 490 require consent of the instructor or specified prerequisites. Courses numbered 400 are not available to first-year students. All other religious studies courses are available as electives to all students. All prerequisites require a C- or better. The major in religious studies consists of 26 semester hours in religious studies, plus 12 semester hours in supporting fields. 

Core Requirements 
REL 114 Introduction to Religion 
REL 310 Historical Faith and Modern Culture 
REL 365 Philosophy of Religion 
REL 499 Senior Competency Practicum 

Professional Development Requirements 
PDP 200 Preparing for Your Internship 
REL 498 Portfolio Development Practicum 
SNR/SNT 489 REL Senior Year Experience/Project 

One of the following courses 
REL 220 Old Testament Life and Literature 
REL 230 New Testament Life and Literature 

One of the following courses 
REL 250 Living Religions East 
REL 260 Living Religions West 

Plus additional Religion coursework to meet the minimum requirement of 26 credit hours 

Related Field Requirement 
Twelve semester hours to be approved by the department and submitted in writing to the Academic Records Office. All related field courses require a C- or better. 

Religious Studies Major – Religion and Nonprofits Track 

Core Requirements 
REL 114 Introduction to Religion 
REL 310 Historical Faith and Modern Culture 
REL 499 Senior Competency Practicum 

Professional Development Requirements 
PDP 200 Preparing for Your Internship 
REL 498 Portfolio Development Practicum 
SNR/SNT 489 REL Senior Year Experience/Project 

One of the following courses 
REL 220 Old Testament Life and Literature 
REL 230 New Testament Life and Literature 

One of the following courses 
REL 250 Living Religions East 
REL 260 Living Religions West 

One of the following courses 
REL 215 Religion in America I: History of Religion in America 
REL 225 Religion in American II: Contemporary Religious Experience 

All of the following courses 
NPL 222 Social Problems and Nonprofit Responses 
NPL 230 Introduction to Nonprofits 
NPL 315 Nonprofit Leadership Capstone 
REL 240 Giving in Religion 
REL 490 Independent Study – research topic concerning Religion and Philanthropy (1 credit) 

Religious Studies Minor 

Core Requirements 
REL 114 Introduction to Religion 
REL 490 Independent Study (two hours – relating religious studies to some aspect of the student’s major) 

One of the following courses 
REL 220 Old Testament Life & Literature 
REL 230 New Testament Life & Lit 

One of the following courses 
REL 310 Historical Faith & Mod. Culture 
REL 360 Contemporary Christian Thought 
REL 365 Philosophy of Religion 

Plus additional religion coursework to meet the minimum requirement of 20 credit hours

 

Revised 11-22-21