These eras represent the beginnings of western culture which help shape who we are today. Philosophy Investigates the nature of thinking and uses the history of human thought to help us figure out what we need to think about and how to think about it. Religious Studies Examines beliefs about the nature of human beings and our place in the universe, beliefs belonging to our culture and to other cultures, now and in the past . These courses follow the shared humanistic approaches and methodologies of the separate disciplines, but being team taught, they encourage studen to ask questions and find solutions through a comparative and interdisciplinary approach. The period studies requirement provides an introduction to the methodologies of the separate disciplines and gives students a sense of the interrelationship among the diverse offerings of the separate departments.
Special emphasis is placed on critical thinking, logical expression of thought, and writing skills.
T o be chosen by the student with the advice of a committee of faculty members. These courses may be selected from the offerings of the three departments or from other humanities or university offerings. After an initial grouping in the content and methods of study of the Basic Humanities program, students have the opportunity to construct an advanced program of study with the advice of a committee of at least two faculty members, each from a different discipline involved in the program. A contracted program may be structured on the basis of chronological period, comparative cultures, traditional academic discipline, theme, or topic. Further information may be obtained from any faculty member in Classical Studies, Philosophy, or Religious Studies.