Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
CBU's School of Christian Ministries’ philosophy program is designed to challenge students to think deeply about the faith so that they can know what they believe and why they believe it. CBU philosophy students learn to recognize, analyze and engage the central issues of human existence through a historical context. During the course of study, students cover such topics as 20th-century ethics, comparative religions, apologetics, metaphysics, Western philosophy and logic.
CBU philosophy majors are equipped to integrate Christian faith in learning and living. The apologetic component of the philosophy program enables you to “be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you” as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15.
Career Opportunities
An undergraduate degree in philosophy equips students with the critical thinking and communications skills essential in a wide variety of careers options including:
Biomedical ethics
Business consulting
Computer systems design
Historical research
Intelligence analysis
School teaching/counseling
Philosophy Program Student Outcomes
Philosophy Major (48 units) BA
Lower Division Requirements
CST110 Old Testament Survey
CST110 Old Testament Survey
A general survey of the Old Testament, with special emphasis given to the religious and national life of ancient Israel. Fulfills general education requirement for non-majors. (3 units; Multicultural; Fall, Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | CST110-F | F | Nsofor, C. Fyne L. | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | TBA Array |
| Fall 2013 | CST110-E | E | Slunaker, Joseph Gregory | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 2:00 PM - 3:20 PM | Sch Business Building 203 |
| Fall 2013 | CST110-D | D | Chute, Anthony L. | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM | Sch Business Building 123 |
| Fall 2013 | CST110-C | C | Mooney, David Jeffrey | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM | Sch Business Building 125 |
| Fall 2013 | CST110-A | A | Mooney, David Jeffrey | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM | Sch Business Building 125 |
| Fall 2013 | CST110-B | B | Mooney, David Jeffrey | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM | Sch Business Building 125 |
| Spring 2014 | CST110-C | C | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Tuesday, Thursday | 8:00 AM - 9:20 AM | Mission Hall 109 |
| Spring 2014 | CST110-D | D | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Tuesday, Thursday | 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM | Mission Hall 109 |
| Spring 2014 | CST110-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM | Yeager Center Array |
| Spring 2014 | CST110-B | B | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM | TBA Array |
CST130 New Testament Survey
CST130 New Testament Survey
A general survey of the New Testament, focusing on the life of Jesus and the development of the early church in its historical/cultural settings. Fulfills general education requirement for non-majors. (3 units; Multicultural; Fall, Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | CST130-A | A | Wilson, Danny K. | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday | 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM | Yeager Center ONLN |
| Fall 2013 | CST130-F | F | Wilson, Danny K. | 09/03/2013 | Thursday | 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM | Yeager Center ONLN |
| Fall 2013 | CST130-E | E | Welbaum, Sam | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 8:00 AM - 9:20 AM | TBA Array |
| Fall 2013 | CST130-B | B | Cate, James J. | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM | Mission Hall 124 |
| Fall 2013 | CST130-D | D | Cate, James J. | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM | Mission Hall 124 |
| Fall 2013 | CST130-C | C | Cate, James J. | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM | Mission Hall 124 |
| Spring 2014 | CST130-D | D | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Tuesday, Thursday | 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM | Mission Hall 109 |
| Spring 2014 | CST130-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM | Mission Hall 109 |
| Spring 2014 | CST130-B | B | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM | Mission Hall 109 |
| Spring 2014 | CST130-C | C | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM | Mission Hall 109 |
PHI213 Intro to Philosophy
PHI213 Intro to Philosophy
This course introduces students to the meaning and basic categories of philosophy such as epistemology and philosophy of religion. This is accomplished through an exploration of the primary issues and central figures within the discipline. Particular relevance is given to the development of a Christian World-view and the role philosophy plays in life and culture. (3 units; Fall, Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | PHI213-C | C | Key, Scott B. | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM | TBA Array |
| Fall 2013 | PHI213-B | B | Bates, Todd | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM | TBA Array |
| Fall 2013 | PHI213-A | A | Bates, Todd | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM | TBA Array |
| Fall 2013 | PHI213-E | E | Mosteller, Timothy | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | Mission Hall 109 |
| Fall 2013 | PHI213-D | D | Bates, Todd | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM | Mission Hall 109 |
| Spring 2014 | PHI213-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM | TBA Array |
| Spring 2014 | PHI213-C | C | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM | TBA Array |
| Spring 2014 | PHI213-B | B | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM | TBA Array |
| Spring 2014 | PHI213-D | D | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM | TBA Array |
Upper Division Philosophy Requirements
PHI300 Logic
PHI300 Logic
A systematized study of the canons and criteria of validity in thought and its rational expression by considering the processes of reasoning and inference with applications in propositional logic, natural deduction, predicate logic and induction. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Fall)
PHI301 His Westrn Phil I
PHI301 His Westrn Phil I
This course is the first of a two-semester study introducing students to the history of Western philosophy. This first part begins with the origins of philosophy in ancient Greece and ends with the Late Middle Ages. Particular attention is given to Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St Augustine, and St. Thomas. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Fall)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | PHI301-A | A | Key, Scott B. | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM | Sch Business Building 250 |
PHI302 His Westrn Phil II
PHI302 His Westrn Phil II
This course is the second of a two-semester study introducing students to the history of Western philosophy. This second part begins with the origins of modern philosophy in the seventeenth century and ends with the twentieth century. Particular attention is given to Descartes, Hume, and Kant. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2014 | PHI302-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Tuesday, Thursday | 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM | TBA Array |
PHI303 Apologetics
PHI303 Apologetics
This course will examine the emergence of apologetics within the life of the church, highlight various approaches, arguments, and central figures, and the role of apologetics in development of a Christian worldview. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Fall)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | PHI303-A | A | Bates, Todd | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM | TBA Array |
PHI320 Epistemology
PHI320 Epistemology
This course is a study of the perennial questions in the philosophical discipline of Epistemology, or Theory of Knowledge. It provides an introduction to the major parts of an account of knowledge including the nature of belief, justification, and truth. In addition, this course surveys various problems including skepticism, relativism, and the objectivity of knowledge. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Fall)
PHI323 Ethics
PHI323 Ethics
This course is an appraisal of the major metaethical positions within Western philosophy such as deontological, utilitarian, and virtue ethics in light of the Christian World-view for the purpose of analyzing and synthesizing theories regarding human conduct. Attention is given to major figures in the history of ethics as well as the nature of ethical language and the concept of value. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Fall)
PHI343 Phil of Religion
PHI343 Phil of Religion
This course introduces students to the specific branch of philosophy known as philosophy of religion. This occurs through an examination of the major issues within the discipline such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the nature of religious language. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Multicultural; Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2014 | PHI343-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM | TBA Array |
PHI363 Metaphysics
PHI363 Metaphysics
This course is a study of the basic questions regarding reality as they have developed within Western philosophy. The study will examine such topics as matter, form substance, existence, and such movements as idealism, nominalism, realism, and materialism. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Multicultural; Spring-even years)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2014 | PHI363-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Tuesday, Thursday | 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM | TBA Array |
PHI499 Senior Project
PHI499 Senior Project
A senior capstone course designed to demonstrate the competence of Philosophy majors in the discipline and showcase their research and writing skills. The portfolio produced by the student in completion of this project must conform to the departmental guidelines for Senior Projects. Prerequisite: Senior status. (3 units; Fall, Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | PHI499-A | A | Key, Scott B. | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | Instructor OFFC |
| Spring 2014 | PHI499-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Array | Array - Array | TBA Array |
Twentieth Century Philosophy Elective Requirement
Complete six (6) units from the following
PHI420 Readngs in 20th Cent Epistmology
PHI420 Readngs in 20th Cent Epistmology
This course is a study of 20th Century Epistemology. It provides an introduction to the major figures and movements of contemporary epistemology. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 Units; Spring-even years)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2014 | PHI420-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM | TBA Array |
PHI421 Twentieth-century Ethics
PHI421 Twentieth-century Ethics
A study of 20th century meta-ethics. The course provides an introduction, rooted in primary texts, of the major figures and movements of the 20th thought and seeks to investigate and assess these figures and movements in light of the convictions of the Christian world view. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Spring-odd years)
PHI422 Twentieth-century Philosophy
PHI422 Twentieth-century Philosophy
A study of 20th century philosophy. The course provides an introduction, rooted in primary texts, of the major figures and movements of the 20th thought and seeks to investigate and assess these figures and movements in light of the convictions of the Christian world view. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Spring-even years)
PHI433 Apologetics: Theory and Method
PHI433 Apologetics: Theory and Method
An analysis of the various methods used, the logic employed, the philosophical assumptions utilized, and the potential effectiveness of the major approaches to the apologetic task currently debated by contemporary apologists. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2014 | PHI433-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Tuesday, Thursday | 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM | TBA Array |
POL429 Critic Pol Phil & Postmodrnsm
POL429 Critic Pol Phil & Postmodrnsm
This course examines 20th century responses to modernity and its political and social theories. It focuses on continental philosophers and relates their ideas to contemporary society and politics. It begins with the Frankfurt School of critical theory and its criticisms of modern culture, and then moves from Nietzschean and Heideggerian thought to the hermeneutic theory of Gadamer and Ricoeur. After this, the course assesses the political relevance of the poststructuralism of Foucault, Derrida, and Lyotard. It concludes with Habermas' discourse ethics and deliberative democracy. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Fall odd years)
Special Interests in Philosophy Elective Requirement
Complete three (3) units from the following
PHI312 Aesthetics
PHI312 Aesthetics
An introduction to philosophical aesthetics, which has been marginalized and often ignored in philosophical discourse during the past four hundred years. During the last few decades the questions posted by aesthetics have moved back into the center of the philosophical discussion, including the use of the concept by post-modern thinkers. The course seeks to bring the student into the longer conversation concerning beauty, retrieve important elements that have been lost, and provide a basis for further study. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Fall-odd years)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | PHI312-A | A | Key, Scott B. | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM | The Village at CBU 300 |
PHI324 Applied Ethics
PHI324 Applied Ethics
An exploration of the application of various metaethical theories to ethical questions and issues that arise in various arenas of life. The study involves both the examination of methods as well as cases. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Fall-odd years)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | PHI324-A | A | Stumpf, Amy R. | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM | TBA Array |
PHI353 Comparative Religions
PHI353 Comparative Religions
This course is an introduction to the major religious traditions of the world, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The historical development, key figures, as well as major doctrines and practices are explored. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Multicultural; Fall, Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | PHI353-D | D | Nsofor, C. Fyne L. | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 2:00 PM - 3:20 PM | TBA Array |
| Fall 2013 | PHI353-C | C | Mosteller, Timothy | 09/03/2013 | Thursday | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | TBA Array |
| Fall 2013 | PHI353-B | B | Stumpf, Amy R. | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM | Yeager Center A110 |
| Fall 2013 | PHI353-A | A | Stumpf, Amy R. | 09/03/2013 | Tuesday, Thursday | 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM | Yeager Center A110 |
| Spring 2014 | PHI353-A | A | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Tuesday, Thursday | 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM | TBA Array |
| Spring 2014 | PHI353-B | B | TBA | 01/08/2014 | Tuesday, Thursday | 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM | TBA Array |
PHI400 Special Studies in Philosophy
PHI400 Special Studies in Philosophy
Concentration on specific philosophical areas as particular periods, traditional philosophical classifications, or individual philosophers. Course is repeatable for credit with a change in topic. (3 units; Fall, Spring)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | PHI400-A | A | Key, Scott B. | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM | TBA Array |
PHI403 Cultural Apologetics
PHI403 Cultural Apologetics
A study of the ways in which the truth of the Gospel and of the Christian worldview are reflected in popular culture through art, literature, film, music, and television. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Spring-odd years)
Political Philosophy Elective Requirement
Complete three (3) units from the following
POL423 Classical Political Philosophy
POL423 Classical Political Philosophy
This course examines the origin of Western political, social, and legal thought in order to understand the present through the great political works of the past. It begins in ancient Greece in early democratic Athens and moves through Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. From there, the course explores classical Rome, focusing on Polybius and Cicero. Since the advent of Christianity shapes the development of medieval political thought, the political thought of St. Augustine, John of Salisbury, St. Thomas Aquinas, Marsilio of Padua, Dante, and Thomas More are discussed. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Spring-odd years)
| Course | Sec | Instructor | Dates | Days | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | POL423-A | A | Anacker, Gayne J. | 09/03/2013 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM | TBA Array |
POL425 Modern Political Philosophy
POL425 Modern Political Philosophy
This course entails a comparative study of modern social, legal, and political philosophy, from the Renaissance toward the present by focusing on the great works of the Western traditions, including Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Montesqueie, Kant, Hegel, Bentham, Marx, Mill. The course examines the relationship between these various political philosophers and the modern political world. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Spring-even years)
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REQUEST INFORMATIONChase Kuhn, '07
"I was fortunate enough to serve in an internship under the supervision of one of my professors. I was changed forever and, since Cal Baptist, have gone on to complete a master's in divinity and am now in a Ph.D. program."
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