Philosophy (Concentration in Religion), BA

Foundations of the Study of Religion (12 hours)

• PAR 145 - Eastern Religious Traditions Credits: 3
• PAR 146 - Western Religious Traditions Credits: 3
• PAR 295 - Self, Society, & the Good Life Credits: 3
• PAR 342 - Theory and Method in the Study of Religion Credits: 3

Major Electives in Religion (9 hours)

• ANTH 365 - Religion, Magic, Myth Credits: 3
• ENGL 390 - The Bible as Literature Credits: 3
• HIST 421 - Romans, Christians, Barbarians Credits: 3
• HIST 455 - American Religious History Credits: 3
• PAR 230 - Legal, Scientific, & Critical Reasoning Credits: 3
• PAR 250 - Origins of Early Christian Traditions Credits: 3
• PAR 251 - Understanding Islamic Traditions Credits: 3
• PAR 260 - Religion, Gender, Sexuality Credits: 3
• PAR 307 - From Existentialism to Feminism Credits: 3
• PAR 312 - Philosophy of Religion Credits: 3
• PAR 320 - Philosophical and Religious Classics Credits: 3, R6
• PAR 323 - Mysticism Credits: 3
• PAR 330 - America’s Wilderness Ethics and Aesthetics Credits: 3
• PAR 353 - Religion in Film Credits: 3
• PAR 354 - Religion, Suffering, and the Moral Imagination Credits: 3
• PAR 356 - Buddhism Credits: 3
• PAR 357 - Hinduism Credits: 3
• PAR 365 - Faith and Reason from Empire to Enlightenment Credits: 3
• PAR 366 - Religion and Science Credits: 3
• PAR 367 - Native American Religions Credits: 3
• PAR 380 - Independent Study Credits: 1-3, R6

Special Topics and Capstone Seminars (9 hours)

• PAR 495 - Seminar in Philosophy and Religion Credits: 3, R9

• Six hours of seminars, including one or both of the following:

• PAR 392 - Global Justice, Liberty, and Human Rights Credits: 3

• and/or

• PAR 393 - Topics in Philosophy and Religion Credits: 1-3, R6

Additional Requirements

To complete the Bachelor of Arts program in the College of Arts & Sciences, a total of 42 hours is required, which includes a second major, minor, or approved program, and a minimum of 12-14 general (free) electives depending on the number of hours taken in the major that also fulfill the Liberal Studies requirements. At least 30 hours of courses at WCU must be taken at the junior-senior level to meet one of the University’s degree requirements. 

Note: Students who pursue a concentration in Philosophy can also choose a minor in Religion and students who pursue a concentration in Religion can also choose a minor in Philosophy. These students cannot, however, use a single course to count towards both the concentration and the minor.