Philosophy and Religion

Professor John Phillips, Head

The Department of Philosophy and Religion offers a 30-hour undergraduate major (B.A.) with separate concentrations in philosophy, religious studies, and philosophy and religion; and an 18-hour minor with separate concentrations in philosophy and religious studies. Through its curricular and extracurricular programs the department seeks to expose the student to a wide variety of influential philosophical and religious thinkers in both Western and Asian cultures.

The department sponsors a student organization, the Philosophy Club, which schedules a program of speakers throughout the year.

Mission Statement

The Department strives to:

Provide for UTC undergraduates an intellectually responsible understanding of philosophy and religion by way of training in the analysis of the major issues which confront these disciplines.
Help students develop as mature, rational and concerned human beings, with a life-long commitment to learning and thought
Develop students’ abilities to communicate intelligently with other persons, to be sensitive to the past, responsive to the present, and open to the future.
Encourage students to make significant contributions to the larger community, both within the university and the academic disciplines, and in Chattanooga and the society at large.

Learning Outcomes

Provide high-quality course: It continues to be our primary objective to provide a full complement of high-quality courses, including a rigorous Senior Educational Experience, commensurate with an academically sound major and minor in Philosophy and Religion.
Support extra-curricular programs in Judaic Studies, Asian Studies, and the Women’s Studies major on campus.
Develop library holdings: We continue to develop our library holdings in philosophy and religion as funds permit.
Continue efforts to recruit students for our major and minor programs in a way consistent with their own personal and educational goals.
Support faculty scholarship and development: We strive to enable faculty members to develop specific plans to write, publish, and present at conferences in their areas of competence; encourage faculty members to seek opportunities for research and other faculty development activities, especially study away from campus.