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College of Arts and
Sciences
Course Descriptions
Students eligible for Arts and Sciences courses normally begin philosophy by taking Philosophy 0100. The Core Curriculum course C050 is also an excellent preparation for further work in philosophy.
LOWER LEVEL
C050. Philosophical Challenges to the Individual (3
s.h.) FS
This course combines historical and contemporary sources to study
individuals and their social settings. It studies individuals,
and the development of the doctrine of individualism, through an
examination of issues such as personal identity, questions of
individual knowledge, and the extent of and limits on individual
choice; hence, it takes up moral codes, political doctrines, and
religious beliefs. May not be taken by those who have passed
Philosophy 0100.
0051. The Meaning and Value of Life (3 s.h.) F
This is a new course which will deal with such issues of
"critical ethics" as abortion and euthansia, and may
also deal with religious and non-religious answers to the
question, "What makes life worth living?"
0055. Critical Thinking (3 s.h.) FS
The most important principles of reasoning. How to clarify the
meanings of terms; how to tell what follows from what; how to
bring the facts to bear on issues; and how to identify deceptive
patterns of thought.
C062. Morality and the Law (3 s.h.) S
Especially recommended for pre-law and pre-social administration
students. The course provides a basic grounding in moral and
legal philosophy, and addresses issues on which both touch, such
as capital punishment, affirmative action, sexual behavior, and
the right to welfare.
C063. American Thinkers (3 s.h.) S
The major figures and central problems of American philosophy
will be surveyed historically, with a view to examining what is
distinctive in American thought and how American philosophy
relates to its natural cultural context.
C066. Introduction to Logic (3 s.h.) (MB/D4) FS
Prerequisite: Math. C055 or Stat. C011.
The meaning of such logical notions as the validity of arguments,
the equivalence of statements, and the inconsistency of sets of
statements. Symbolization of the logically relevant features of
statements and testing of arguments for validity, sets for
inconsistency, etc. Development of logical theory in connection
with these notions and techniques.
0067. Values and the Market (3 s.h.) F
Especially recommended for business students. Provides a
historical and theoretical examination of the concept of economic
value, and how it works within market systems.
0073. Reason and Religious Belief (3 s.h.) S
An evaluation of reasons for and against belief in religious
doctrine, including classical arguments, miracles, faith, and the
existence of evil.
C077. Science in Context (3 s.h.) S
A study of scientific method by critical examination of cases of
scientific work in their social, political, and psychological
context. Attention to the values and ethical concerns in
scientific inquiry.
C088. Philosophy East and West (3 s.h.) F
Systematic and comparative study of representative philosophies
of India, China, Japan, and Western Europe.
UPPER LEVEL
0100. Introduction to Philosophy (3 s.h.) (D1) FS
Philosophical problems in the works of great thinkers from
ancient times to present. Selected questions concern the nature
of reality, human freedom, the foundations of knowledge,
standards of value, and the existence of God. May not be taken by
students who have passed Philosophy C050.
0121. Introduction to Ethical Theory (3 s.h.) S
An examination of the basic philosophical questions concerning
moral obligation, responsibility, and human happiness.
0131. Introduction to Aesthetics (3 s.h.) S
Study of philosophical questions concerning the nature of
aesthetic experience, the work of art, and the place of theory
and criticism in the perception and appreciation of the arts, the
concept of expression, and expressive properties.
0154. Political Philosophy (3 s.h.) F
An examination of such issues as the source of obligation to obey
the state, natural rights, the limits of governmental authority,
and the justification of various forms of government. Readings
drawn from classical and contemporary sources.
0161. History of Philosophy: Greek (3 s.h.) (D1) F
elected basic writings of Plato and Aristotle emphasizing their
treatment of such topics as universals and the structure of
knowledge.
0165. Hume, Marx, Darwin, and Freud (3 s.h.) Alternate
S
An exploration of four major figures who are important in the
rise of the social sciences. Their influence in the present will
be stressed.
0172. History of Philosophy: Modern (3 s.h.) S
A historical and critical study of the thought of selected
philosophers from Descartes to Hume emphasizing their treatment
of such topics as perception, the mind-body relationship, the
structure of knowledge, and personal identity.
0186. Themes in Existentialism (3 s.h.) F
This course deals with the philosophical (and religious) views of
Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, Beauvoir, and Camus.
Typical issues to be discussed are the human individual, the
death of God and the will to power, consciousness and objects of
consciousness, ethics in the existentialist mode, and the meaning
of life. Probable text: Oaklander (ed.), Existentialist
Philosophy.
0200 COURSES
While some philosophy courses above 0200 do not have explicit prerequisites, they are intended for upper level students who are assumed to be well prepared in the relevant background. It is always safest to check with the instructor before registering.
0211. Intermediate Logic (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: Philosophy 0111, or a major in mathematics, or
permission of instructor.
An introduction to the metatheory of the elementary logic of
predicates and quantifiers (familiarity with which is
presupposed). Proofs that a standard derivation system is sound
and complete are central.
0212. Advanced Logic (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Philosophy 0211 or permission of instructor.
Special topics in logical theory and the foundations of
mathematics.
0217. Feminist Epistemology and Philosophy of Science
(3 s.h.) S
Human knowledge is influenced by gender ideologies. This course
examines the pervasiveness of these influences, and the resultant
implications for the possibility of attaining objectivity and
truth in inquiry. Scientific knowledge and philosophical theories
of the nature of knowledge are special focuses of attention in
this course. Scientific knowledge is considered through detailed
discussion of cases in empirical science. The complex relations
between gender, race, and class are also discussed in relation to
these epistemological issues.
0222. Contemporary Ethical Theory (3 s.h.) S
Issues in ethical theory that have come to prominence in the 20th
century. Both mathematical issues (about the meaning and
justification of ethical statements) and normative issues (about
obligation, responsibility, and goodness) will be examined.
0223. Feminist Ethics and Political Philosophy (3
s.h.) F
An examination of feminism's contribution to ethics, political
philosophy, and legal theory. Issues may include: the role of
care versus that of justice in determining moral obligations; the
nature and causes of women's oppression (including the difference
between the sexual oppression experienced by white women and the
additional forms of oppression to which women of
color/third-world women are subject); pornography and
prostitution; equality and difference; essentialism as it
pertains to gender and race; feminist jurisprudence; postmodern
feminism.
0226. Classics in Moral Philosophy (3 s.h.) F
A study of the major works in the history of moral philosophy
selected from among the writings of such philosophers as Plato,
Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, Spinoza, Hume, Kant, Mill, Nietzsche,
Bradley.
0229. Philosophy in Literature (3 s.h.) F
Selected philosophical themes as they appear in classical and
modern literature.
0232. Advanced Aesthetics: Epistemological and
Metaphysical (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Philosophy 0131, or at least junior standing and
consent of the instructor.
Emphasizes such topics as the ontological status of artworks, the
definition of art, fictional entities, truth and reference in
art, representation expression.
0243. Philosophy of Law (3 s.h.) S
An introduction to philosophical problems arising in the
examination of legal systems, including questions and theories
about the nature of law itself, about legal responsibility and
legal punishment, and about standards of fairness in settling
legal disputes.
0244. Philosophy of Mind (3 s.h.) S
An examination of mental and psychological states and the
prospects of reductive materialism. Specific issues considered
include the nature of persons, methodological relations between
the natural and psychological sciences, language, and action.
0251. Philosophy of Language (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: Philosophy 0100 or consent of the instructor.
Development of a theory of meaning and a criterion of
meaningfulness, with a study of selected topics in semantics such
as vagueness, metaphor, and theory of reference.
0253. Philosophy of History (3 s.h.) S
Will explore the recent lines of analysis in the theory of
history and some materials in 19th and early 20th century
theories. Among the contemporaries, we shall consider such
figures as the Annalistes, Michel Foucault, Martin Heidegger,
Paul Ricoeur, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Jurgen Habermas, Hayden White,
and Arthur Danto. Attention to the metaphysics of history, the
relation between natural and cultural entities, intentionality,
problems of interpretation and narrative, objectivity,
relativism, incommensurability, and the historicity of thinking.
0268. Indian Philosophy: An Introduction (3 s.h.) S
The course will cover the beginnings of Indian philosophical
thinking in the hymns of Rig-Veda and the Upanishads and the
major schools of Indian philosophy as they took shape during the
next thousand years. The latter include the Samkhya, the Buddhist
Schools, the Vaisekia, the Nyaya, and the major Schools of
Vedanta. Issues in metaphysics, epistemology, and logic will be
specially emphasized.
0273. Greek Philosophy (3 s.h.) S
Detailed critical examination of ancient Greek thought on topics
such as the nature of reality, knowledge, the self, and the good
life.
0279/0479. Kant (3 s.h.) F
In this course, we shall extensively read and discuss Kant's
Critique of Pure Reason, one of the great books of western
philosophy. This will help us not only to understand Kant's
philosophy, but also to understand a major influence on
contemporary western thought. The prerequisite for the course is
acquaintance with the history of modern philosophy and also a
willingness to work through a difficult but exciting text.
0281. 19th Century Philosophy (3 s.h.) S
Selected European philosophers from Hegel to Bradley.
0291. Special Topics (3 s.h.) S
Study of a philosophical topic or philosophy to be announced by
the instructor.
0292. Special Topics (3 s.h.) S
Study of a philosophical topic or philosophy to be announced by
the instructor.
0293. Pre-Law Tutorial (3 s.h.) FS
An alternative to senior seminar for students intending to go
to law school. Open only too senior philosophy majors. (Capstone
W course)
Intensive studies of key issues in the context of law and
philosophy.
0294. Pre-Med. Tutorial (3 s.h.) FS
An alternative to senior seminar for students intending to go
into the health professions. Open only too senior philosophy
majors. (Capstone W course)
0295-0296-0297. Undergraduate Tutorial (2-3 s.h.,
respectively) FS
Open to juniors and seniors. Available only by permission of
adviser and instructor for the purpose of study of topics not
covered in regularly offered courses.
0298. Senior Seminar (3 s.h.) F
Required of all senior philosophy majors. Open only too senior
philosophy majors. (Capstone W course).
In-depth study of special topics.
0299. Honors Thesis (3 s.h.) FS
Return to the list of courses.
NOTE: Students should check the course descriptions below or consult their adviser to find which of the sequences C081-C082, C083-C084, C085-C086, C087-C088, or 0121-0122 satisfies the Physics requirements for their undergraduate major or graduate degree program. Students who are interested only in satisfying a Core requirement may combine any initial with any final course to complete the sequence, provided that the mathematics requirements are met. Students who have taken a higher number cannot retake a lower number for credit, or take C053-C054 for credit.
LOWER LEVEL
C053. Physics: Matter and Motion (4 s.h.) (SA/D2) FS
No laboratory.
An introduction to the ideas and techniques used in the study of
motion. Application to a wide variety of physical systems ranging
from air molecules to footballs to black holes. Mostly
descriptive using photographic techniques, films, and
demonstrations.
C054. Physics: Waves and Modern Physics (4 s.h.)
(SB/D2) S
Prerequisite: Physics C053 or 0067. No laboratory.
An introduction to the ideas and techniques used in the study of
waves. Applications to a wide variety of physical systems ranging
from sound, music, light, and color to atoms, nuclei, and
elementary particles. Mostly descriptive, using photography,
films, and demonstrations.
C055. Light, Art, and Nature (4 s.h.) (SA/D2) F
Course is primarily designed for students interested in the
visual arts, but is open to anyone. Minimal mathematics.
An introduction to the properties of light, whether interpreted
as rays, waves, or photons. Discussion of the basic ideas of
geometric and wave optics, with application to the analysis of
photography, color, vision, and modern physics. Emphasis is on
factors which permit the artist and observer to understand and
more fully control the design and interpretation of images of all
kinds. Demonstrations, experiments, and video and computer
simulations to analyze signals received by the eyes or
instruments.
C056. Introduction to Astronomy (4 s.h.) (SB/D2) FS
Prerequisite: Physics C053, C055 or C067. No laboratory.
After a description of local space which includes the universe of
galaxies, red shift, and the big bang will be discussed. White
dwarfs, red giants, pulsars, black holes, and quasars will be
covered. The treatment will be mostly descriptive, utilizing
slides, NASA films, and several trips to our planetarium.
C067. Acoustics (3 s.h.) (SA/D2) F
For music students, but useful to anyone interested in
communications. Open to all students. Minimal mathematics.
Elementary principles of wave motion and discussion and analysis
of musical sounds from a large variety of sources including live
voices, instruments, oscillators, synthesizers, and recording
media of all sorts. Factors which permit the performer and
listener to understand and more fully control musical sounds.
Demonstrations and video to relate the signals received by the
ears to visual and technical analysis.
C081. Introductory Engineering Physics I (4 s.h.)
(SA/D2) FS
Corequisite: Mathematics C075 or C085. Engineering students
should take Physics C087 instead. Lecture, laboratory, and
recitation.
Principles and applications of Newtonian mechanics, gravitation,
fluids, waves, and heat. Intended primarily for engineering
technology students.
C082. Introductory Engineering Physics II (4 s.h.)
(SB/D2) FS
Prerequisite: Physics C081 or C087; Corequisite: Math C076 or
C086.
Optics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and atoms. Intended
primarily for engineering technology students. Engineering
students should take Physics C088 instead. Lecture, laboratory,
and recitation.
C083. College Physics I (4 s.h.) (SA/D2) F
Prerequisite: Mathematics 0073 or 0074 or equivalent.
Recommended for, but not restricted to, architecture students and
those preparing to enter the College of Allied Health
Professions. Not intended as preparation for advanced courses in
physics.
Selected topics from mechanics. Lecture, laboratory, and
recitation.
C084. College Physics II (4 s.h.) (SB/D2) S
Prerequisite: One of Physics C081, C085, or C087. Recommended
for, but not restricted to, architecture students and those
preparing to enter the College of Allied Health Professions. Not
intended as preparation for advanced courses in physics.
Heat, light, electricity, and magnetism, and modern physics.
Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.
C085. Introduction to General Physics I (4 s.h.)
(SB/D2) F
Prerequisite: Mathematics 0073, 0074, or equivalent. Open to
freshmen and other students in pre-professional programs,
including pre-dental and pre-medical programs. Preprofessional
students who are biology majors should take Physics 0121 instead.
Not intended as a preparation for advanced courses in physics.
Physics of motion, gravitation, and heat. Lecture, laboratory,
and recitation.
C086. Introduction to General Physics II (4 s.h.)
(SB/D2) S
Prerequisite: One of Physics C081, C085, or C087. Normally
follows Physics C085. Open to freshmen and others in
preprofessional programs, including pre-dental and pre-medical
programs. Preprofessional students who are biology majors should
take Physics 0122 instead.
Optics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and atoms. Lecture,
laboratory, and recitation.
C087. Elementary Classical Physics I (4 s.h.) (SA/D2)
FS
Pre- or Corequisite: Mathematics C075 or C085. Primarily for
physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, and mathematics majors,
but open to others.
Elementary vector algebra, one-dimensional motion, particle
dynamics, work and energy, conservation of energy, conservation
of linear momentum, collisions, rotational kinematics and
dynamics, conservation of angular momentum, oscillations, waves,
and gravitation. Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.
C088. Elementary Classical Physics II (4 s.h.) (SB/D2)
FS
Prerequisite: Mathematics C075 or C085; Corequisite:
Mathematics C076 or C086. Primarily for physics, chemistry,
engineering, geology, and mathematics majors, but open to others.
Temperature, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic
theory of gases, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics,
electrical charges, the electric field, Gauss' law, electrostatic
potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current, resistance, the
magnetic field, Ampere's law, Faraday's law, inductance,
geometrical optics, and interference and diffraction of light.
Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.
H091. Physics: Matter and Motion (4 s.h.) (SA/D2) F
Honors section of Physics C053.
H093-H094. Fundamental Physics Honors Seminar I-II (4
s.h. each) FS
Honors section of Physics C087, C088.
0095. Independent Study (3 s.h.) FS
May be repeated.
H096. Astronomy Honors Seminar (4 s.h.) (SB/D2) S
Honors section of Physics C056.
UPPER LEVEL
0121. General Physics I (SA/D2) F
Prerequisite: Two semesters of calculus. Primarily for
biology majors but open to others. Students are expected to have
completed a year of college level biology, chemistry, or geology.
Newtonian mechanics, gravitation, energy conservation, and
thermodynamics. Biological applications discussed where
appropriate. Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.
0122. General Physics II (4 s.h.) (SB/D2) S
Prerequisite: Two semesters of calculus and one of Physics
C081, C085, C087, and 0121. Normally follows Physics 0121.
Primarily for biology majors but open to others. Students are
expected to have completed a year of college level biology,
chemistry, or geology.
Optics, electricity and magnetism, atomic, molecular, and nuclear
physics. Biological applications discussed where appropriate.
Lecture, laboratory, and recitation.
0161. Computing for Scientists (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: Two semesters of calculus and two semesters of
an introductory science course for science majors.
An overview of computer systems, hardware, and software.
Designing, writing, debugging, and testing programs using
realistic scientific problems. Programming with style and
structure. Displaying results in graphical form. Numerical
techniques, data analysis, simulation, Fourier transforms. Use of
available software packages. Practical experience in laboratory
data acquisition and control of experiments. Laboratory.
0171 Optics (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: One year of introductory physics.
Nature and propagation of light, reflection and refraction,
lenses, optical instruments, polarization, interference,
diffraction, modern optics. Lecture and laboratory.
0182. Mathematical Physics with Engineering
Applications (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Calculus 0127 and General Physics.
Algebra of complex numbers, Fourier series, complete sets, linear
operators and eigenvectors, solution of sets of linear equations,
additional topics from matrices, coordinate systems, and
transformations.
0184. Mathematical Physics (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Calculus 0127 and General Physics.
Algebra of complex numbers, Fourier series, complete sets, linear
operators and eigenvectors, solution of sets of linear equations,
additional topics from matrices, coordinate systems, and
transformations.
0185. Nuclear Arms: An Interdisciplinary Framework for
Decision Making (3 s.h.) S
One of the most challenging dilemmas facing us today is the
nuclear arms race. This course provides background information
necessary for us to join the debate. The physics and effects of
nuclear weapons, the history of Soviet-American relations,
efforts at arms control, varied views on national security, and
the philosophical and moral questions involved. Students view
films; read; analyze the facts, assumptions, and arguments of
opposing positions; and formulate their own opinions through
discussion, debate, and by keeping a journal. (Cross-listed with
Philosophy 0184, Political Science 0184, and Speech 0184.)
0187. Electricity and Magnetism (4 s.h.) F
Pre- or Corequisite: One year of Introductory Physics, and
Mathematics 0127. Corequisite: : Laboratory 0187L
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, microscopic interpretation of
polarization P and magnetization M, electrostatic and
magnetostatic energy, Faraday's law, self and mutual inductance,
magnetic circuits; integral and differential forms of Gauss,
Ampere, and Faraday laws; AC circuits; introduction to the
displacement current and Maxwell's equations.
0188. Introduction to Modern Physics (4 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: One year of Introductory Physics; Corequisite:
Mathematics 0127 and Laboratory 0188L.
Special relativity, kinetic theory, blackbody radiation,
photoelectric effect, X-rays, Compton effect, Rutherford
scattering, etc. Wave mechanics.
0195-0196. Independent Study (3 s.h. each) FS
Undergraduate independent study in physics. May be repeated for
credit.
0201. Classical Mechanics (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Math 0127 and Physics 0187.
Newton's laws of motion, one-dimensional motion, second order
differential equations, harmonic oscillators (damped, forced),
vector analysis, conservation laws, three-dimensional motion,
central forces, motion in electromagnetic fields, collisions,
center-of-mass transformations, two-body problem,
numerical/computer solutions, coupled oscillators. Rigid body
rotation, statics, elasticity, fluid equilibrium, gravitation.
0202. Analytical Mechanics (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: Physics 0201.
Moving coordinate systems, three-body problems, partial
differential equations, wave propagation (strings, membranes,
fluids), boundary value problems, normal modes, fluid equations
of motion, viscosity; virtual work, Lagrange's equations,
Hamilton's equations; angular momentum of a rigid body, inertia
tensor, Euler's equations, Euler angles, tops and gyroscopes,
small vibrations.
0211. Classical Electromagnetism (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Physics 0184 and 0187.
Solutions to the equations of Poisson and Laplace; multipole
expansions; electrostatic and magnetostatic energy, forces and
torques; Maxwell's equations; the wave equation; radiation
fields, Poynting's Theorem, microwave and optical waveguides.
W215. Experimental Physics (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Physics 0171 and 0188.
An intermediate laboratory course with an introduction to data
analysis and error estimation. Students independently perform two
or three experiments, with suitable reports. (Capstone W course)
0221. Electronics (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Physics 0187 or equivalent.
Basic circuit ideas, Thevenin/Norton theorems, input/output
impedance, diodes, transistors, feedback, operational amplifiers,
elements of digital electronics, transducers for physical
measurements.
0231. Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: One year of general physics, and Mathematics
0127.
First, second, and third laws, thermodynamic potentials, kinetic
theory, and applications to simple systems. The basic ideas of
statistical mechanics.
0251. Science and Science Fiction (3 s.h.) S
Science fiction as a genre; its purposes and styles. The
existence of intelligent life in the universe. Communication with
other civilizations; problems and probabilities. Interplanetary
and interstellar travel. Time travel. Analysis of devices and
themes common in science fiction, such as faster-than-light
travel. The parallel development of science and science fiction
and recent changes and new directions.
0295. Independent Study (3 s.h.) FS
May be repeated.
0306. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: Physics 0184 and 0188.
Dual nature of light and matter, de Broglie waves, Schrodinger
equation, one-dimensional systems, Hermitian operators,
eigenfuctions and eigenvalues. Spin and isospin. Two- and
three-dimensional systems. Approximation methods. Theory of
scattering.
0321. Introduction to Solid State Physics (3 s.h.)
Even-numbered years
Prerequisite: Physics 0306.
Elementary theory of the solid state. Survey of mechanical,
thermal, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of solids.
0341. Introduction of Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle
Physics (3 s.h.) Odd-numbered years
Prerequisite: Physics 0306.
Atomic, molecular, and nuclear structure; interaction of ionizing
radiation with matter; applications; introduction to sub-nuclear
particles.
0391-0392. Undergraduate Thesis (3-6 s.h.) FS
Credit will be given either semester or both.
0395. Problems in Theoretical Physics (2-4 s.h.) FS
Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty member who will
direct the research.
Special problems in the field of theoretical physics. Primarily
for undergraduate students in conjunction with graduate courses.
Return to the list of courses.
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