The Church considers philosophy an indispensable help for a deeper understanding of faith (Pope John Paul II).

"Philosophy is not the concern of those who pass through Divinity and Greats, but of those who pass through birth and death. Nearly all the more awful and abtruse statements can be put in words of one syllable, from 'a child is born' to 'A soul is damned.' If the ordinary man may not discuss existence, why should he be asked to conduct it" (G.K. Chesterton ).

PHI 100: Fundamentals of Philosophy. An introduction to Philosophy with an emphasis on the philosophy of nature and man. Topics will include: the meaning and nature of Philosophy, change and the four causes, the nature and powers of the soul, the immortality of the human soul, and philosophical knowledge of God. Readings will primarily be from the works of Plato, Aristotle, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Representative modern positions will also be examined. (3 credits, Fall. Pre-requisite: none.  M. Schintgen) 

PHI 101: Introduction to Philosophy.  (6 Credits.  This course has been replaced in the core by PHI 100 and PHI 200)

PHI 141 Logic: The human mind must be trained to reason properly, and this art of defining and reasoning is called logic. Since the Catholic Faith is rational, its explanation and defence require that every educated Catholic be grounded in the principles of right reasoning. This course follows the pedagogical method of John Oesterle, who summarizes Aristotle's works on logic in the light of the medieval masters. We begin with the components of the first act of the human intellect, simple apprehension including categorization, opposition, division, and definition before moving on to the second and third acts of the intellect, namely propositions, judgements of truth and falsity, and, finally, syllogistic reasoning. The exercises and examples emphasize the use and abuse of logic in everyday speech and actions. (3 credits, Pre-requisite: none: Th. Kozinski)

PHI 200: Ethics. An introduction to the foundation and method of Ethics. Topics will include: how Ethics is possible, happiness, virtue, the morality of human acts, and the purpose of society. Readings will be from Plato, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas, and select ancient and modern authors. (3 credits, Spring. Pre-requisite: PHI 100.  Th. Kozinski) 

PHI 241: Formal Logic: An examination of the principles and methods of Formal Logic through an analysis of the foundational texts of Aristotle. Attention will also be given to later historical developments by Greek, Roman, and Medieval Logicians. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite: PHI 141: Logic. Not offered 2007-2008)

PHI 242: Material Logic: This course will examine how the principles of Logic are used to acquire knowledge. The methods and degrees of certitude possible to different types of arguments (Demonstrative, Dialectical, and Rhetorical) will be analyzed. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite: PHI 141: Logic. Not offered 2007-2008)

PHI 243: Symbolic Logic: An introduction to the methods and applications of modern Symbolic Logic. Attention will also be given to the theoretical foundations of Symbolic Logic and its relationship to Aristotelian Logic. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite: PHI 141: Logic. Not offered 2007-2008)

PHI/THE 270: Augustinian Thought. John Paul II urged the spiritual sons of St. Augustine “to keep the fascination of St. Augustine alive and attractive even in modern society.”  Few today venture outside of The Confessions to encounter this great Doctor of the Church, and so remain unaware of the fact that St. Augustine’s contribution to Catholic theology, and indeed, to Christian theology as a whole, is exceeded only by the Bible itself.  Controversies that have sprung from his thought have occupied a great part of the life of the mind since his death in 430, and remain major events in the Church even today.  It is impossible to imagine theology apart from his contributions to Trinitarian theology, sacramental theology, theology of grace, mysticism, and the philosophy of personhood.  All Latin theologians since his time have considered themselves his disciples, including St. Thomas Aquinas, which makes this course a perfect complement for Thomistic Thought.  This class shall plot out the course by which a middle-class African teacher of rhetoric changed the face of the thought of humanity, with special attention to his encounter with the Manichaeans, the Donatists, and the Pelagians. (3 Credits, Spring.  Co-requisite: THE/PHI 271: Thomistic Thought.  Kerr)

PHI 290: Introduction to Political Philosophy: "There is no better way to renew a genuinely human political life than to encourage an inner sense of justice . . . and to strengthen basic convictions on the true nature of the political community as well as the purpose, the right use and the limitations of public authority" (Second Vatican Council). This course presents an overview of the development of political philosophy, in the context of the perennial philosophy, from its beginning to our times, familiarizing students with the principles that emerge along the way. While surveying a variety of great philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Maritain, the principles that are constant in the development of political thought will be examined, and their applicability to our modern society in view of the common good will be discussed. (3 Credits, Fall. Pre-requisite: PHI 200. Th. Kozinski) 

PHI 291: Political Philosophy I: This course presents an overview of the development of political philosophy from ancient Greece to the Middle Ages. While surveying a variety of great philosophers, the principles that are constant in the development of political thought will be examined, and their applicability to our modern society in view of the common good will be discussed. Pre-requisite: (3 Credits. Pre-requisite: PHI 220. Not offered 2007-2008)

PHI 292: Political Philosophy II: This course presents an overview of the development of political philosophy from the Renaissance to our times. While surveying a variety of great philosophers, the principles that are constant in the development of political thought will be examined, and their applicability to our modern society in view of the common good will be discussed. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite: PHI 100. Not offered 2007-2008)

PHI 301: Ancient Philosophy: The intellectual patrimony of western philosophy may be traced back to the philosophers of classical Greece. The ideas of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle have exercised great influence upon the work of many succeeding philosophers, whether as a foundation for further development of a train of thought, or as a foil spurring the development of a contrary line of thinking to replace the work of the ancients. The intellectual patrimony of the Greeks, and the development of this patrimony in the Roman Empire will be examined in this course, providing a solid background for understanding western thought. (3 Credits, Co-requisite: PHI/THE 271. Next offered 2008-2009)

PHI 302: Medieval Philosophy: This course surveys Philosophers and the development of Philosophy from the period of the late Roman Empire to the Renaissance. Emphasis will be given to the continuity of Medieval Philosophy with Ancient Philosophy (especially Plato and Aristotle), but also to its originality in reconciling Faith and Reason. Attention will also be given to the perennial value of Medieval Philosophy. 3 Credits, Fall. Co-requisite: PHI/THE 271. Th. Kozinski)

PHI 303: Modern Philosophy. This course will examine the greatest strengths and weaknesses of philosophy since the Renaissance, examining both where the truth has been further unfolded, and where men have fallen into error. Students will learn to identify the distinguishing characteristics of Modern Philosophy in comparison to Classical and Medieval Philosophy. They will study the main positions and arguments of influential Modern Philosophers, and develop the ability to talk and write about Modern Philosophy in an informed, intelligent, and articulate manner. (3 Credits, Spring. Co-requisite: PHI/THE 271. Th. Kozinski)

PHI/THE 368: Apologetics. This course is designed to foster the basic principles of apologetic discourse, as well as the fundamental skills of public speaking. Rather than focus on all the elements of Catholic theology (covered in other courses), this course teaches students how to argue well for the faith, using reason and revelation. Students will give a series of weekly talks on various subjects pertaining to apologetics, including the beliefs of our separated brethren, as well as clearing up certain misconceptions about our own faith. Clarity of thought, rational discourse, as well as basic rhetorical skills will all be emphasized. (3 Credits, Co-requisites: PHI/THE 271, THE/HIS 310.  Next offered 2008-2009)

PHI 404: Contemporary Philosophy. This course will survey the devlopment of philosophy in the 20th century with emphasis upon those lines of thought that are being developed in the 21st century. Special attention will be given to currents of thought prominent in Catholic philosophical circles, such as Personalism, the Thomistic Revival, and Phenomenology. (3 Credits, Spring. Pre-requisite: PHI 303 or PHI 325: Methaphysics. M. Schintgen)

Literature and the arts... aim to penetrate our true nature, our problems, and our experience as we strive to come to know and to develop ourselves and the world; they endeavour to discuss our situation in history and in the world, to throw light on our distresses and joys, needs and strengths, and to point to a better destiny for mankind. In this way they are capable of enhancing human life as it assumes many forms in time and place. --Second Vatican Council

LAS/LIT 095: Drama Practicum. This course requires extensive hands-on work on a major theatrical production. Students must complete at least 45 hours of work on such aspects of the production as stage management, costume direction, and acting. Competence in the selected area must be demonstrated. (1 Credit. Full Year. Pre-requisite: none. C. Schintgen)

LIT 100: Freshman Writing. This course teaches students to write clear and effective summaries, argumentative essays, and research papers. Course components will include: summarizing; brainstorming and mind-mapping; planning and organizing; writing introductions and conclusions; drafting; revising; writing research papers; and citing sources. (3 credits, Full Year. Pre-requisite: none. Tami Kozinski)

LAS/LIT 105: Drama Practicum. This course requires extensive hands-on work on a major theatrical production. Students must complete at least 45 hours of work on such aspects of the production as stage management, costume direction, and acting. Competence in the selected area must be demonstrated. (C. Schintgen, 1 credit)

LAS/LIT 106: Introduction to Drama. This course involves extensive hands-on work on a major theatrical production, as per LAS/LIT 095, as well as readings, discussions and applications of theoretical approaches to drama, and workshops on dramatic technique. (2 Credits [includes LAS/LIT 095: Drama Practicum], Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LAS/LIT 095: Drama Practicum. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 125: Creative Writing. “None can sense more deeply than you artists, ingenious creators of beauty that you are, something of the pathos with which God, at the dawn of creation, looked upon the work of divine hands.” So begins Pope John Paul II’s illuminating Letter to Artists. In this influential pastoral letter, the Holy Father reminds us of the awesome responsibility Catholic artists—including Catholic authors—have for bringing the Gospel to humanity. He also stresses the vocational aspect of art. This course will be particularly interesting to those students who feel a call to express themselves through the art of creative writing. Classes will be conducted as workshops in which students will examine such topics as genres, style, setting, character development, and the unique responsibility inherent in being a Catholic author. They will hone their skills by analyzing samples of great works of literature. These will be used as models and springboards for their own creative works. Students will be expected to produce a personal portfolio of writings representing their efforts at tackling various literary genres. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite: none. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 201: Survey of Literature. In the first year, students acquire a basic knowledge of "our true nature, our problems, and our experience" from PHI 101: Introduction to Philosophy, which explores these subjects as naturally knowable, and from the Christian Doctrine sequence, which explores these subjects in the light of revelation. The History sequence gives a familiarity with "our situation in history." Thus, having been suitably equipped through the first year of course work, second year students begin penetrating these issues more deeply through the great works of literature. The Survey of Literature will introduce the students to the basic principles of the art of assessing literature while covering authors from St Augustine to Flannery O'Connor, including Dante, Shakespeare, and Defoe. (6 Credits, Full Year. Pre-requisite: second-year standing or permission of the instructor. C. Schintgen)

LIT 251: Catholic Literature. What is "Catholic Literature"? Is it literature written by Catholics? Or literature that supports a Catholic world-view, whether written by Catholics or by non-Catholics? (The latter criterion would disqualify some literature written by Catholics!) This course addresses these questions and others while analyzing the works of some major Catholic writers (e.g., Chesterton, Waugh, Tolkien, O'Brien) and a few non-Catholic writers (e.g., Robert Bolt, Willa Cather). The aim of the course is to equip students with the critical skills with which to read and appreciate literature from the standpoint of faith. (3 Credits, Full Year. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: Lit 201: Survey or Literature. Not offered 207-2008)

LIT 255: Chesterton. This course will explore a representative selection of G.K. Chesterton's poetry and prose (both fiction and non-fiction). Students will have an opportunity to experience the great wit and wisdom of one of Christendom's most prolific writers and master of the paradox.  (3 Credits, Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 301: Canadian Literature. This course looks at some of the seminal literary texts that have shaped Canadian identity, from the early colonial experience (Susanna Moodie) to the 20th century (Archibald Lampman, Stephen Leacock, W.O. Mitchell, Gabrielle Roy). Special attention will be given to Catholic writers in Canada (Morley Callaghan, Michael O'Brien). French texts will be taught in translation. (3 Credits, Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 310: American Literature from the Pilgrims to 1900. Attempts by settlers in America to establish a sense of self both individually and as a society constitute the founding impulse of American literature. By looking at these early texts, and by following subsequent developments as pilgrims increasingly forged an identity separate from that of the mother country, students will gain an understanding of how America was shaped in those early years. Connections will be made to literary trends in Britain, but distinct modifications and departures of American writers will also be appreciated. Authors will include Edwards, Bradstreet, Franklin, Poe, Dickinson, Twain, and Whitman. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survery of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 311: 20th Century American Literature. American responses to modernity and post-modernity have been multi-faceted and inventive. They have frequently involved the development of literary movements, often divided along geographical or ethnic lines, reflecting the cultural diversity of 20th-century America. Students will gain familiarity with these movements and their characteristic features, as well as with the work of individual writers, and special attention will be paid to Catholic authors. Texts will include works by Faulkner, Steinbeck, Hemingway, Parker, Hughes, Ginsberg, and O'Connor. (3 Credits, Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 318: Anglo-Saxon Literature. Anglo-Saxon is the earliest form of our modern English language and for that reason is often referred to as Old English. Its literature deals with timeless themes such as the meaning of life; dealing with grief and loneliness; and the existence of God.  Those who have chosen to revisit Old English have found it extremely influential. The poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, once wrote: “I am learning Anglo-Saxon and it is a vastly superior thing to what we have now.” Similarly, W.H. Auden declared that Anglo-Saxon left him “spellbound.” And J.R.R. Tolkien has dubbed it “a noble idiom.” In the spirit of these great writers and scholars, this course will examine some of the most captivating Anglo-Saxon offerings including Deor, The Dream of the Rood, and Beowulf, among others. Although the course will periodically refer to modern English translations of these works, the aim will be to acquire a sufficient grounding in Old English vocabulary, grammar, and history to read and understand these texts in their original language. Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. (3 Credits, Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 320: Medieval Literature. This course will explore some key English medieval texts – including Middle English lyrics, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Langland’s Piers Plowman, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Everyman, and The Chester Play of Noah. Discussion of these texts will focus on questions of literary merit, style, and genre, but also on the insights they give us into aspects of medieval culture and society. (3 Credits, Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 322: Shakespeare. This course is an in-depth study of six of Shakespeare’s plays. The focus in 2007-2008 is Shakespeare’s histories (I Henry IV, Henry V, and Richard III) and comedies (The Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, and The Merry Wives of Windsor). Various critical methods are brought to bear on these texts so that a range of interpretations may be explored and tested. (3 Credits, Fall. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. C. Schintgen)

LIT 324: 17th Century Literature. Jacobean drama, Metaphysical poetry, and Milton's writings share a tendency to present situations of profound religious and moral import with great emotional force. The memorable imagery as well as dramatic potency of these works will be studied with a view to understanding their religious significance as well as to appreciating their literary style. Political and social developments will also be brought to bear on the texts, which will include writings by Jonson, Marlowe, Donne, Herbert, Marvell, and Milton. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 325: Restoration and 18th Century Literature. Significant developments in the practice of writing literature during this period will be studied, including the restoration of English drama (and the new directions the playwrights took); the birth of the English novel; the importance of satire; and the rise of literary journalism. Authors will include Goldsmith, Defoe, Dryden, Johnson, Pope, Richardson, and Swift. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 326: Romanticism. Sweeping changes to European society as a result of the French Revolution were accompanied by radical transformations in literature, in Britain no less than in France. In poetry, the works of Blake, Coleridge and Wordsworth, followed by the second generation of Romantic poets, represented a significant departure from their Enlightenment predecessors, as did the Gothic novel. The nature of these changes will be examined, and an attempt will be made to understand their implications from the point of view of philosophy and religion. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 327: Victorian Literature. This course focuses on the literature of the Victorian period, which sets the foundation for modern literature in English through seminal developments in the novel (Dickens, George Eliot), and innovation and achievement in poetry (Tennyson, Browning). An abiding concern of the course will be the decay of religion in England during this period and the genius of the Catholic response to it in literature, as exemplified by Newman and Hopkins. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 329: Modern British Literature. This course will concentrate on the literature produced in Britain during the first half of the 20th Century, paying special attention to Symbolism and Imagism in poetry, and Modernism in the novel. Connections will necessarily be made to the two world wars, noting the rise of pessimism and nihilism in writings of the period. Equally, however, the importance of religion and in particular of renewed orthodoxy as a corrective to the general trend will be examined through literary expressions of faith. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 340: Dostoevsky. This course will seek to appreciate what it is that makes Dostoevsky's great oeuvre inexorably Christian, through an exploration of some crucial themes in his works, such as human sinfulness; repentance and forgiveness; divine mercy; suffering; and social justice vs. injustice. Texts to be studied include the major works (The Brothers Karamazov, Crime and Punishment, The Idiot) but also minor works (Notes from the House of the Dead, short stories). (3 Credits. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 102: Survey of Literature. Not offered 2007-2008)

LIT 351: Dante. "Among the many celebrated geniuses of whom the Catholic faith can boast who have left undying fruits in literature and art especially, besides other fields of learning, and to whom civilization and religion are ever in debt, highest stands the name of Dante Alighieri . . . "(Benedict XV). The Divine Comedy stands as perhaps the greatest Catholic literary work ever produced. Richly imaginative, stylistically masterful, and religiously profound, it offers inexhaustible material for study. This course will focus on the work's poetic imagery, its structure, and its relation to its historical context. (3 Credits, Spring. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. C. Schintgen) 

LIT 371: Literary Theory to 1900. This course focuses on seminal texts in traditional literary criticism from Plato and Aristotle through Johnson and Dryden to Coleridge and Matthew Arnold, to name a few. Attempts will be made to understand the philosophical views that shape these literary theories on the one hand, as well as how the theories can be applied practically on the other. The theories will also be placed in their historical and literary-historical context. Pre-requisite: LIT 201. Co-requisite: One other 300 level LIT course. (3 Credits, Spring. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: LIT 201: Survey of Literature. C. Schintgen)

LIT 471: Contemporary Literary Theory. Building on the knowledge students have gained in LIT 371: Literary Theory to 1900, this course will introduce students to more recent challenges to traditional theory and practice. Schools of criticism such as New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism, psychoanalysis, feminism, deconstruction, Marxism, and post-colonialism will be studied, both in terms of their ideological underpinnings and in terms of their practical applications. Attention will be paid to the ways in which these theories may in certain cases complement a Christian perspective and/or how they are inimical to it. In addition, the work of theorists who seek to reinject religious and metaphysical premises into literary theory will be evaluated. Pre-requisite: LIT 371, one other 300 level LIT course and PHI 303; Co-requisite: an additional 300 level LIT course. (3 Credits. Pre-requisite: LIT 371: Literary Theory to 1900, one other 300-level LIT course and PHI 303: Modern Philosophy. Co-requisite: an additional 300-level LIT course. Not offered 2007-2008)

(Last update October 2007)