College of Letters & Sciences

Philosophy & Religious Studies

Contact Information


David Simmons

Department Chair

Email: simmonsd@uww.edu


David Reinhart

Master Advisor & Liberal Studies Coorindator

Email: reinhard@uww.edu

  

 

Philosophy & Religious Studies

Overview

The aim of the Philosophy & Religious Studies Department at UW-Whitewater is to foster critical thinking and appreciation in the areas of reasoning, knowledge, reality, meaning, gender and race issues, ethics, history of religions, hermeneutics, religious rituals, and sacred stories. 

We currently have ten faculty members, each of whom brings unique teaching, experience, and research in the attainment of our aim and goal. Our particular research emphases are in German philosophy, feminist philosophy, philosophy of race, philosophy of science, epistemology, ethics, social philosophy, aesthetics, biblical interpretation, classical Hinduism, Buddhism, and religion in the human sciences.

Areas of Study

Our department offers a minor in Philosophy, a minor in World Religions, and a major and minor in Liberal Studies. Our philosophy courses familiarize students with basic issues, problems, and methods of philosophy, as well as with the history of philosophy. Our religious studies courses explore ideas and issues relating to the world’s major religions, focusing on the intellectual, historical, cultural, and personal dimensions of religion in human life. Our liberal studies courses cover a wide range of disciplines, including the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences and enable students to develop breadth of vision and a fundamental understanding of society and values from interdisciplinary perspectives. All of these courses provide students with a heightened capacity for critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Student Experience

Students in the department may join two unique organization's: philosophy minors lead the Philosophy Club, where any and all questions of a philosophical nature are asked, and world religions minors lead the Religious Studies Student Organization (RSSO), where they enrich their understanding of religion. Department faculty have also sponsored independent undergraduate research.

 

Possible Careers

Studies in philosophy, religion, and liberal studies prepare students for careers in law, business, administration, government, international business, international relations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), social work, and health professions serving diverse communities.

Course Offerings in Fall 2020

Spring 2021 Course Offerings- Interdisciplinary Ethics Certificate

Spring 2021 Course Offerings- PHILSPHY, RELIGST, and LIBST


Videos

Intro to Ethics

Intro to Ethics

Intro to Ethics

Watch Now »

Ethics of Gaming

Ethics of Gaming

Ethics of Gaming

Watch Now »

Religious Ethics Video

Religious Ethics

Religious Ethics described in six words.

Watch Now »

Intro to Philosophy Video

Intro to Philosophy

Intro to Philosophy described in six words.

Watch Now »

Modern Philosophy

Modern Philosophy described in six words.

Watch Now »

Asian Studies

Intro to Asian Religions

Intro to Asian Religions described in six words.

Watch Now »

Gender and Race Studies

Philosophy of Gender & Race

Philosophy of Gender and Race described in six words.

Watch Now »