I. Course Title: Modern Philosophy: Renaissance to the Present (GE)
II. Course Number: PHIL 217
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: None
V. Course Description:
History of philosophy courses offer foundational literacy in the history of ideas
and in key figures and cultural events shaping philosophical thought. Students will
study primary texts of major philosophers from Kant to Nietzsche, with some secondary
texts also included. Emphasis is placed upon the complex relations of philosophy to
the development of modern science, the social and political history of the West, and
man’s continuing attempt to achieve a satisfactory worldview.
Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
History of philosophy courses offer foundational literacy in the history of ideas and in key figures and cultural events shaping philosophical thought. This course traces the development of Western philosophy from the Renaissance to the present. It seeks to examine influential philosophers and schools of thought, emphasizing both unifying themes and important contrasts between eras. The Early to Late Modern section traces the development of Western philosophy from Montaigne and Descartes in the early 17th century through Locke, Hume and the empiricists in the mid-18th century. The Late Modern section traces the development of Enlightenment ideals, and European and American philosophy, and may include Kant, Mill, Nietzsche, de Beauvoir, Arendt, James, and Dewey. Philosophical movements which may be examined include German Idealism, Positivism, 19th Century Materialism, Existentialism, and Pragmatism. This examination will function at two levels. First, students will examine individual thinkers in the context of their times. The second level of analysis will seek to understand the contributions of these thinkers and the schools of thought which they led to our contemporary world. Emphasis is placed upon the complex relations of philosophy to the development of modern science, the social and political history of the West, and man's continuing attempt to achieve a satisfactory worldview.
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
Course format will be both lecture and discussion, with students occasionally responsible for focusing class discussion. The Renaissance to Early Modern section of the course traces the development of Western Philosophy from the Southern and Northern Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation to the Modern era. This course will include careful examination of primary and secondary sources. Among the learning activities students can expect, but are not limited to, the following:
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
VIII. Assessment Measures:
A variety of assessment tools will be used. These may include quizzes/exams, writing assignments, presentations, and research papers, among others.
Review and Approval
August 2020
March 01, 2021