Philosophy, Anthropology and Religion, Department of

Course Designators: ANT, IGR, PHL, REL

For information, please contact the chairperson, 989-774-3444, 288 Anspach Hall.

https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/liberal-arts-social-sciences/departments/philosophy-anthropology-religion

Philosophy, Anthropology and Religion

Philosophy, Anthropology and Religion are disciplines that study human thought and culture from distinct points of view. All disciplines study ethical and cultural issues and form part of the core of a liberal education. Each not only provides training for graduate study in its respective discipline but also an excellent basis for further professional training in fields which require critical and interpretive skills.

Why Study Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of people, their cultures, customs, languages, and origins. Students with an anthropological perspective gain an evolutionary, comparative, and comprehensive view of their own society and of other societies in our world.

Anthropology at CMU

The department offers a major in Anthropology on the B.A. and B.S. degrees; Anthropology minors apply on most degrees. Students may complete the minor entirely online. Consult the degree section of the Bulletin for information on specific degree requirements.

There are three general objectives for undergraduate students:

To contribute to the student’s understanding of the unity and diversity of human beings through the study of evolution, culture, societal development, and the contemporary cultural patterns of many areas of the world.
To enhance the professional effectiveness of the student entering occupations in which knowledge of human relationships is relevant.
To prepare the student who seeks graduate education in anthropology.

Why Study Philosophy?

Philosophy involves thinking critically about fundamental questions such as What am I? Do I have free will? How should we tell good from bad and right from wrong? Can we be confident that many of our beliefs are true? Philosophers apply systematic, logical, and rigorous methods to addressing these questions, and to evaluating different answers. Thus, the study of philosophy helps students improve their ability to reason clearly, to tell good arguments from bad ones, to navigate and find creative solutions to complex problems, and to use intelligence and logic in situations often ruled by emotions. As a group, philosophy students excel in entrance exams to graduate and professional schools. The thinking skills developed in philosophy classes will give the kind of analytic ability sought by employers in many professions.

Philosophy at CMU

The Philosophy program offers courses that examine fundamental philosophical issues and questions, while strengthening students’ reasoning abilities so they can better evaluate their own beliefs as well as those of others. Philosophy courses can benefit students no matter what their field of study. Many courses are related to other disciplines including: Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Law, Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Religion, Environmental Ethics, Business Ethics, and Ethics in Health Professions.

A philosophy major develops marketable skills in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and clear and persuasive writing. It is also an outstanding pre-law major. A second major or minor in philosophy is an excellent complement to virtually any other major. Courses in philosophy provide a valuable supplement to courses in the humanities and the sciences. Philosophy courses dealing with ethics help prepare students to think clearly and carefully about the moral and ethical dilemmas they will face throughout their lives. Philosophy courses dealing with logic and critical thinking help prepare students to think more carefully and more logically about virtually any topic or problem.

Why Study Religion?

The academic study of religion explores beliefs, sacred stories, rituals, and community structures of the religious traditions across cultures and time. In practical terms, it builds insight into major historical events and contemporary political issues, preparing students for new work environments and for citizenship in our increasingly globalized world. The study of religious beliefs and practices helps students analyze relationships between religion and social issues, examine various histories of meaning-making, and understand how people around the world confront ultimate problems (such as death and evil). Studying religion develops critical writing skills, analytical thinking skills, and effective communication, while also providing an understanding of diverse values and worldviews.

Religion at CMU

CMU’s Religion courses are recommended for those seeking to better understand the culture of the United States and gain wider familiarity with cultures around the world. The Religion area offers courses in Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; in the religious traditions of China, Japan, India, and the U.S.; and in biblical studies, ethics, and the relationship between religion and contemporary society. Most Religion courses fulfill a UP requirement.

A major in religion is recommended for any student seeking an area of concentration within the liberal arts, including those wishing to pursue graduate study in the humanities and social sciences. A minor (or second major) in religion enhances professional careers in sociology, psychology, communications, business, public administration, education, medicine, and more. A Religion degree signals to potential employers and graduate programs an interest in diversity and skills engaging with others in complex environments.

The Faculty

Andrew Blom, Tracy Brown, Rachel Caspari, Laura Cochrane, Hadley Cooney, Gary Fuller, H. Talat Halman, Jared Halter, Matthew Katz, Heather Kendrick, Hope May, Sara Moslener, Kelly Murphy, Guy Newland, Robert Noggle, Joshua Smith, Carmen White, Cathy Willermet (Chair), Laurel Zwissler.

The Programs

Intergroup Relations and Justice Minor

Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Ethics

Undergraduate Certificate in Critical Reasoning

Undergraduate Certificate in LGBTQ+ Studies

Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Forensic Studies (Interdepartmental)

Undergraduate Certificate in Cultural Competency (Interdisciplinary)