Courses

• CAS PH 463: Philosophy of Language
  Critical survey of the main issues in the philosophy of language and the foundations of linguistics, including the ideas of logical form and the universality of languages as well as the basic ideas of generative grammar, possible-worlds semantics, Wittgenstein, and speech-act theories.
• CAS PH 465: Philosophy of Cognitive Science
  Can humans be thought of in analogy with machines? The course examines questions of natural and artificial intelligence in light of traditional theory and of recent research in computer science and artificial intelligence.
• CAS PH 468: Philosophical Problems of Logic and Mathematics
  Selected traditional metaphysical and epistemological problems in the light of modern logic and various studies in the foundations of mathematics, including the nature of the axiomatic method, completeness in logic and mathematics, and the nature of mathematical truth.
• CAS PH 470: Philosophy of Physics
  Philosophical problems concerning the interpretation of physical discoveries. Elementary particles, the anomalies of quantum mechanics, some modern problems of space and time, and the problem of wholes and parts.
• CAS PH 472: Philosophy of Biology
  Conceptual problems in biology; unity or pluralism of science; hierarchy theory; biological explanation; evolutionary theory, teleology and casuality, statistical explanation; the species problem; mind and the brain; and language in animals and humans.
• CAS PH 483: Topics in the Philosophy of Religion
  Focus on a specific topic in the philosophy of religion. Topic for Fall 2010: Problem of Evil. A philosophical and theological analysis of the problem of evil, as formulated in the Bible and other sacred texts, ancient and modern philosophy, literature, and cinema. Also offered as CAS RN 443.
• CAS PH 484: Topics in Speculative Philosophy
  Topic for Fall 2009: TBA.
• CAS PH 485: Topics in Philosophy of Value
  Examines conceptions of the good, based upon the sorts of phenomena that we value, i.e, the sorts of things we deem "good" or "valuable," and our modes of access to these phenomena. The examination draws on similar historical and contemporary treatments.
• CAS PH 486: Topics in Knowledge, Language, and Logic
  Topic for Fall 2009: Conceptual History. Critical examination of the history of a number of central philosophical concepts, including being and its varieties, existence, identity, logic, world, creation, form, function, law of nature, chance, induction, intuition and the so-called principle of plenitude.
• CAS PH 487: Topics in the Philosophy of Science
  Topic for Spring 2010: TBA.
• CAS PH 491: Directed Study
  Individual or small group tutorial instruction and directed research on selected topics.
• CAS PH 492: Directed Study
  Individual or small group tutorial instruction and directed research on selected topics.
• CAS PO 211: Introduction to American Politics
  Undergraduate core course. Study of the national political structure; emphasis on Congress, the executive, administrative agencies, and the judiciary. Relations between formal institutions, parties, and interest groups. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS.
• CAS PO 241: Introduction to Public Policy
  Undergraduate core course. Analysis of several issue areas: civil rights, school desegregation, welfare and social policy, education and urban housing, energy and the environment. Characteristics of policy systems in each issue area are analyzed to identify factors which may affect the content and implementation of public policies. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS.
• CAS PO 251: Introduction to Comparative Politics
  Undergraduate core course. Meets with CAS IR 251. Examines different patterns of political development and contemporary politics in Western Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the former Soviet bloc. Introduces the comparative method in political science and competing theories of political development and political change.
• CAS PO 271: Introduction to International Relations
  (Meets with CAS IR 271.) Undergraduate core course. Study of basic factors in international relations, Western state system, balance of power, nationalism, and imperialism. Primarily for concentrators. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS.
• CAS PO 291: Introduction to Political Theory
  Examines classic and current views on the nature of authority, liberty, and justice. Topics include civil disobedience, freedom of expression, abortion, rights, and affirmative action. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS.
• CAS PO 300: Special Topics in American Politics
  Topics vary. May be taken multiple times for credit providing the topic is different. Possible offerings include American Congress, Voting Behaviors, Separation of Powers, Use of Force, Race and Politics.
• CAS PO 302: Campaigns and Elections Around the World
  Meets with CAS IR 302. Electoral campaigns in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Changes in campaigns over time; role of international political consultants; influence of party systems, electoral systems, campaign finance regulation, vote buying, and mass media; campaign effects on voting behavior and public opinion.
• CAS PO 309: America at War: The Response to 9/11
  Meets with CAS IR 309. Investigates America's wars against terrorism, focusing on Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, from 9/11 to the present. Traces the decisions that led to the wars, the military strategies employed, and the political ramifications of these conflicts in the U.S. and abroad.

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