School of Arts, Humanities and Communications

Department of Philosophy, Religion and Classical Studies

Information

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE PHILOSOPHY OR RELIGION, CLASSICAL STUDIES, GREEK OR LATIN?

Let's be frank. Individuals often think they know what they think, until they take a course in philosophy. They often think they know what they believe until they examine the values of others as expressed through their religion. They think that we are the first today to have to deal with so much diversity, until they study the ancient world. If these things are important to you, then majoring or minoring in our department could be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

Most of our students do not come to college saying, "I'm going to major in philosophy, or religion, or minor in Greek." They take a course in one of our areas. They like it. They find it interesting and challenging. They take another course, and then another, and soon they are not far from a minor or a major. And they discover that they can major in one of our areas and also do work (major or minor) in another department.

BUT WHAT CAN I DO WITH THESE MAJORS/MINORS?

Thought you would ask that. Answer: Quite a few things:

Law school
Graduate school in philosophy or religion
Theological Seminary
Business
Psychology
Banking
Communications
Health Care

These are good majors and minors for developing the ability to think and write well. They are good for gaining insight into how other people and cultures think, believe and act. They may even help you to become not only a more mature person but a better one. Hence, they will help you whatever you decide to do with your life--and that may be a while off, even beyond graduation. No matter what you decide, you will continue to benefit from our programs throughout life.

SO, TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PROGRAM

We offer two majors:

Philosophy
Religion

Each major consists of thirty-two hours or eight courses taken from those listed at the end of this brochure. Some courses, naturally, are better taken before others.

We offer five minors:

Philosophy
Religion
Classical Studies
Greek
Latin

Each minor consists of twenty hours or five courses.

Independent study possibilities exist in all areas of our program. Some practical experience opportunities, combining the academic and a non-college setting, are available. Additionally, we confer departmental honors on those students whose overall grades at Susquehanna and those in their major meet high standards.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT YOUR DEPARTMENT?

There are a variety of things. Here are some:

Our Philosophy Club meets to discuss timely topics, often with food
Religious groups on campus frequently draw on our expertise
Students have gone on an archaeological dig to Israel
Guest speakers come to campus sponsored by the Shade Fund
The Jewish Chautauqua Society helps sponsor two courses
Most important, the faculty is friendly and encouraging
All the faculty are active on campus and up-to-date in their field

For more information:

Jeff Whitman, Head
Department of Philosophy, Religion and Classical Studies
The School of Arts, Humanities and Communications
(570) 372-4168
E-mail: whitman@susqu.edu