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Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies Minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies

About the Major

Philosophy and Religion deal with the big and ultimate questions: Why am I here? Where are we going? How can we live together? What really matters? Philosophy begins in wonder, probes ordinary human experience with the tools of reason and reflection, and explores both classic texts and a rich multiplicity of contemporary perspectives in our common quest for wisdom. Religious Studies begins with questions about faith, the sacred, and the experience of transcendence. At Holy Names, this exploration is rooted in the Catholic and Christian faith traditions and also encourages students to investigate how people of many cultures and religious traditions have experienced the divine and shaped their lives in response. At Holy Names, students may pursue Philosophy and Religious Studies as part of their general education, or in a full major, interdisciplinary major, or a minor. The major has a core of four classes, in which philosophical and religious perspectives on human personhood, human social and political life, human values and world wisdom traditions are examined and compared. Beyond this common core, the student will elect a concentration in either Philosophy or Religious Studies. Career Options A major in Philosophy or in Religious Studies has many uses. For the individual student there is the challenge to express deeply held personal values and beliefs, to acquire knowledge of the great ideas and traditions that have shaped us, and to develop habits of critical reflection, disciplined inquiry, and clear communication. Society, too, is well served by the training of people skilled in rational analysis, sensitive to complex and value-laden issues, and practiced in thinking clearly, flexibly and creatively. Such skills can be more useful as career preparation than narrowly specialized training. In addition to pursuing graduate work specifically in Philosophy and Religious Studies, majors have gone on to successful careers in such fields as law, journalism, computer science, social services and education. Curriculum Concentration in Philosophy Preparation for the Major: PHIL 2 Logic PHIL/RLST 20 Moral Choices in Contemporary Society or PHIL/RLST 40 The Human Person Major Requirements: PHIL/RLST 120 Moral Choices in Contemporary Society or PHIL/RLST 140 The Human Person PHIL/RLST 122 Social and Political Thought PHIL/RLST 175 World Wisdom Traditions PHIL 100 A, B, C or D The Great Philosophers--at least two tutorials PHIL 180 A Theories of Knowledge PHIL 180 B Metaphysics One upper-division elective in Philosophy Seniors will write a Senior Essay under the direction of a member of the Philosophy faculty CONCENTRATION IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES Preparation for the Major: RLST 10 Introduction to Scripture: Hebrew Scriptures or RLST 15 Introduction to Scripture: New Testament RLST/PHIL 20 Moral Choices in Contemporary Society or RLST/PHIL 40 The Human Person Major Requirements: RLST 110 Introduction to Scripture: Hebrew Scriptures or RLST 115 Introduction to Scripture: The New Testament RLST/PHIL 120 Moral Choices in Contemporary Society or RLST/PHIL 140 The Human Person RLST/PHIL 122 Social and Political Thought RLST/PHIL 175 World Wisdom Traditions RLST 160 Christianity: History and Foundations RLST 165 A, B, C or D Themes in Contemporary Theology RLST 195 Senior Seminar in Religious Studies One upper-division elective in Religious Studies The Minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies In addition to the major in Philosophy and Religious Studies, the College offers a Philosophy and Religious Studies minor for students with majors in other disciplines. The minor requires a minimum of 21 units in Philosophy or Religious Studies, as advised.

Faculty

Robert Lassalle-Klein, PhD Graduate Theological Union Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy 510-436-1074 lassalle-klein@hnu.edu Adjunct Religious Studies Faculty Shelley Waldenburg, D.D. Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Lecturer in Hebrew Scriptures 510-436-1065 waldenburg@hnu.edu Sanchez Rene, Ph.D. (candidate) Boston College Associate Professor 510-436-1199 rsanchez@hnu.edu Margaret Campbell, snjm, PhD Graduate Theological Union Professor Emerita 510-436-1139 Heafey Room 608 Delores Rashford, snjm, PhD The Union Institute Graduate School Professor Emerita Sophia Parks, SNJM, Ph.D. (Candidate) Graduate Theological Union Lecturer in New Testament Philosophy Faculty Sheila O'Neill Gibson, PhD University of Toronto Professor of Philosophy 510-436-1015 gibson@hnu.edu Irene Woodward, PhD Catholic University of America Professor Emerita 510-436-1071 woodward@hnu.edu

Admission Contact Information

Holy Names University Office of Admission 3500 Mountain Boulevard Oakland CA 94619

local telephone: 510.436.1351 toll-free: 1.800.430.1321 email: admissions@hnu.edu

Scheduled visits to classes and appointments with faculty are encouraged and can be arranged through the Admission Office.

For transfer students, reasonable consideration is given to equating previous coursework with Holy Names University requirements.