Philosophy and Religious Studies Department Mission

Our mission is to transform students into global citizens who can critically examine life’s deepest questions from multiple perspectives, including one’s own values and those of their surrounding society, by working collaboratively and creatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Both philosophy and religious studies programs at Franklin College are rooted within a liberal arts tradition that pushes students to closely study their own beliefs and values, as well as appreciate the diverse perspectives of other cultures, philosophies, and religious traditions. Yet more than this, students in these programs learn about themselves and others through service learning projects, exciting internships, and study-abroad opportunities.

Majors and minors in either program include flexible schedules and self-directed learning experiences in collaboration with the department’s faculty. Both programs are frequently tailored to the interests of the students within them, because our department is committed to helping students understand themselves and the values of those around them. Many students who major in either philosophy or religion have easily double-majored in political science, history, psychology, computer science, and art, as well as minored in nonprofit leadership. Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in law, the nonprofit sector, business, counseling, religious life, public education, and higher education.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Graduates will be able to consider competing perspectives on controversial social issues using figures and theories within their academic discipline. (philosophy or religious studies)
  • Graduates will be able to collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds to propose ways of addressing complex social issues.
  • Graduates will be able to clearly articulate how norms of power and value are realized in themselves and in society.

Philosophy and Religious Studies and the Franklin College Family

Students are usually surprised to find that the courses offered by professors in the philosophy and religious studies department frequently apply course content to current social issues and cultural discussions from a variety of different academic disciplines. That’s because the philosophy and religious studies department at Franklin College uses the liberal arts to enhance the content of our classes, projects, and service-learning opportunities. Whether our department is discussing how closely psychology and Buddhist meditation are aligned, the ways in which moral arguments about climate change can be supported by scientific research, or how biblical and quranic traditions of hospitality can be found today in war-torn Syria, our department claims that every area of study can be understood better by exploring the religious and philosophical ideas and questions that surround them. Students leave our programs with more wisdom about how to live in an ever-changing world.