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Philosophy and Religious Studies

Academic Programs Â鶹ÊÓƵ the Department Accreditation Next Steps

Earn your Philosophy and Religious Studies Degree at Â鶹ÊÓƵ

The Philosophy and Religious Studies department prepares students to carry out Â鶹ÊÓƵ's goal for all students: learning to live responsibly in an interdependent world. Religious Studies majors experience a comprehensive overview of the religious beliefs, practices, and values of Christianity and Judaism, as well as other religious traditions. Special attention is given to the Catholic tradition, but course offerings are broad enough to benefit students of all traditions. Philosophy majors take an exciting intellectual journey with the greatest minds that have ever lived and receive excellent preparation for a professional career in law, medicine, business, education, government, or further graduate study. The department offers different tracks for both majors and minors. In the Bioethics Certificate Program, students learn how to think through complex ethical issues in medicine and medical research.

Explore Our Philosophy and Religious Studies Programs

Ready to start your journey toward an Philosophy and Religious Studies degree? Discover the path that’s right for you.

Undergraduate Programs

Environmental Studies - Humanities (BA)

Environmental Studies - Justice (BA)

Environmental Studies - Science (BA)

Philosophy (BA)

Religious Studies (BA)

Certificate Programs

Bioethics Certificate
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Â鶹ÊÓƵ the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department

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Liberal Arts Center

The Liberal Arts Center (LAC) contains classrooms utilized by several programs, as well as the Office of Admissions, a variety of other administrative offices, and the NativityMiguel School of Scranton. Bulit in 1923, it is one of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's oldest buildings and was the first facility totally dedicated to the use of college classes. While it retains many of its classic features and architecture, the building has undergone recent physical renovations and enhancements of its learning spaces, including technological upgrades, climate control abilities, and new furniture in each classroom.

The LAC provides classroom space to students in the Social Sciences, English, and Philosophy programs. The iconic Rotunda is at the heart of the Liberal Arts Center. The Admissions Office is located on the first floor. A variety of administrative offices are located on the terrace level and second floor, including the Cashier's Office, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Registrar's Office, Provost's Office, Housing and Residence Life, the Center for Global Engagement, and more.

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    Liberal Arts Center Classrooms

    The Liberal Arts Center provides classroom space for coursework in the Social Sciences, English, Philosophy, and Religious Studies programs. Bulit in 1923, it is one of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's oldest buildings and was the first facility totally dedicated to the use of college classes. While it retains many of its classic features and architecture, including the iconic Rotunda, the building has undergone recent physical renovations and enhancements of its learning spaces, including technological upgrades, climate control abilities, and new furniture in each classroom.

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    Learning Commons

    The Learning Commons changes minds about what a library is, how it works, and what it's supposed to do. By seamlessly navigating the ever-changing learning landscape, The Learning Commons in effect removes previous barriers to knowledge creation. Since it is far more than a repository for information, the facility instantly became a place where people collaborate and create knowledge, using the latest technology and the energy that is borne of intellectual exchange and inspirational spaces.

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    Learning Commons Computer Labs

    Computer labs and technology-rich spaces are available on every floor the Learning Commons. View the  to find out where Computer Labs are located.

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    Meet the Faculty & Staff

    Our faculty members have diverse backgrounds and experiences and are sensitive to your needs and goals. We're eager to help you answer Â鶹ÊÓƵ's call to live responsibly in an interdependent world.

    Dr. Melinda Krokus

    Associate Professor

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    John D Baldino

    Lecturer

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    Carolyn M Bonacci

    Lecturer

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    Sahar Raman Deep

    Lecturer

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    Bryan Dewey

    Lecturer

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    Kevin M Egocheaga

    Lecturer

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    Sr. Nancy M Hawkins

    Associate Professor of Practice

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    Sean M Hutton

    Lecturer

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    Dr. Philip W Jenkins

    Associate Professor

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    Llewelyn B Lewis

    Lecturer

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    William R Rusk

    Lecturer

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    George W Shea

    Lecturer

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    Dr. Aaron Simmons

    Associate Professor

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    Stephen M Skierski II

    Lecturer

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    Douglas Vanston

    Lecturer

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    David Alan White

    Lecturer

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    Michelle L Whitlock

    Lecturer

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    Kathryn Yanik

    Lecturer

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    Clubs

    Socrates Cafe
    Students, staff, faculty and visitors meet monthly in the Learning Commons for lively discussions on wide-ranging topics. Typically, the assembled group proposes topics and then decides democratically which will be the focus of the session's discussions; thereafter the topic is addressed from all angles, with everyone getting their fair say.

    Agape Latte

    Abide: Women's Ministry

    Food Recovery Network

    Students Organized to Uphold Life (SOUL)

    Student Resources

    Commencement Medals

    Czachor Medal for Academic Excellence in Religious Studies
    °Õ³ó±ðÌýCzachor Medal for Academic Excellence in Religious Studies was founded by the Czachor family of Archbald, PA, and was first awarded in 1975. To be eligible, a student must be a graduating senior with a major or minor in Religious Studies. Minors must have completed 15 credits in religious studies.

    Evaluation Criteria

    • Up to four (4) points will be awarded to each student for his/her overall Q.P.A.

    • Up to four (4) points will be awarded to each student for his/her Q.P.A. in religious studies. In order to be eligible, a student must have a minimum Q.P.A. of 3.0 in religious studies.

    • The student with the highest combined number of points will receive the medal.

    • The student with the second highest number of combined points will receive Honorable Mention.

    • If a tie occurs, the following considerations will be weighed in order to determine the winner: 1) total number of religious studies courses completed and 2) service to the department.

    Mary Pace Medal for Excellence in Philosophy
    The Mary Pace Medal was founded by Reverend William Pace in memory of his mother, Mary Pace, to honor a graduating senior who has demonstrated, according to the criteria stated below, an understanding of and appreciation for philosophical inquiry. Students do not need to major or minor in Philosophy in order to qualify for this prestigious award. All graduating seniors are invited to submit papers for consideration in the competition for the Pace Medal.

    To compete, three things must be done. One, complete three courses in philosophy by the end of the Fall semester in the year you are to graduate. Course work counts 10%. Students seeking the Gold Medal must maintain a 3.25 QPA overall as well as in Philosophy.

    Two, write an essay of approximately four to eight pages. Essays count 50%. Use proper format, e.g. essay must be typed, double-spaced, title page with name, local address and phone number, and so on. Essays must be submitted to a faculty member of the philosophy program no later than February 1 of graduating year. A submitted essay may be a formal research paper or an informal creative essay, but it must present an argument supporting the student’s opinion on a significant philosophical subject. And it may be a paper that was submitted for a course and revised for the competition or one especially written for the competition. Essays must meet the objectives of the department as stated in the catalog, i.e., you should write a philosophical essay that is a clear, coherent exposition of a concept, problem or theory, which demonstrates the ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize the matter discussed.

    Three, participate as a finalist. To be eligible for an interview as a finalist, a student’s paper must receive an overall assessment as being above average by a majority of the philosophy faculty. Such participation involves an approximately 20 minute informal student-faculty discussion based on your essay and certain specific questions.

    1. What is philosophy? In the course of your answer be prepared to discuss at least two major areas of philosophy of your choosing (epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, etc.).

    2. What is the value of philosophy to you personally, and what role will philosophy have in your future?

    3. From your course work in philosophy, whom do you consider a great philosopher and why?

    4. What is a significant philosophical position you are convinced is correct? Come ready to explain and defend your conviction.

    5. Informal discussion, which counts 40%, will be conducted in a relaxed atmosphere. You will be notified regarding specific time and place.

    Questions on the competition are available from Dr. Aaron Simmons at asimmons@marywood.edu.

    Religious Studies Resources:

    Theology Library
    Provides a comprehensive treatment of various aspects of theology.

    America Magazine
    A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.

    National Catholic Reporter
    A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.

    US Catholic
    A weekly publication, with selected articles available online.

    Documents of Popes, Bishops, and Councils Â鶹ÊÓƵ Justice and Peace
    Contains a wealth of documents related to Catholic social justice teachings.

    Network: A Catholic Social Justice Lobby
    Provides a voice within the Catholic community calling for peace and economic justice.

    Bread for the World
    Bread for the World seeks justice and the end to hunger.

    United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
    The USCCB is an assembly of Catholic Church bishops who work together to unify, coordinate, promote and carry on the work of the Catholic Church in the U.S.

    Vatican: The Holy See
    Official Web Site of the Vatican.

    The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

    Biblical Archeology Review
    Provides biblical and archeological news and select articles online.

    Catholic News Service
    Major source of Catholic news.

    We offer the following as places to begin a search for material about a philosopher, a philosophical work, ideas, theories, or principles. By no means do the following websites begin to cover the vast number of web sites available in Philosophy.

    General Philosophy Websites:

     provides some excellent introductory material to Philosophy. The site contains a dictionary of philosophical terms, a one-page overview of over thirty philosophers, a section on logic, a guide to the history of Western philosophy, and a timeline for Western philosophers. There are web links virtually everywhere throughout the site, so it is relatively easy to follow through on any specific philosophical quest.

    °Õ³ó±ðÌý contains excellent entries on many philosophers and branches of philosophy.

     contains good overviews of philosophers' ideas.

     defines itself as follows: "The preeminent Internet publisher of literature, reference and verse providing students, researchers and the intellectually curious with unlimited access to books and information on the web, free of charge." Check it out.

    Bioethics:

     offers a general view of the controversy concerning physician-assisted suicide as well as statistics.

    °Õ³ó±ðÌý is the main advocate for global action on HIV and AIDS.

    °Õ³ó±ðÌý provides current statistics and background information on the allocation of transplantable organs in the United States.

    °Õ³ó±ðÌý offers information on and explanation of organ sharing with "quick links" to data and resources.

     contains government information on numerous ethical issues in biomedical science and technology.

     provides, obviously, information on the human genome project.

    Philosophy of Religion:

     gives an account of thirteen principles of Jewish Faith, G-d's attributes, human nature, the Messiah and the three categories of Jews.

     contains a summary of Islamic belief in God, angels, the Koran and the prophets. A brief piece on Muhammed's life, the five pillars of Islam, terrorism and the jihad are also included.

     provides a general introduction to Hinduism followed by a treatment of the Hindu Trinity, puja (daily prayer), the Bhagavad Gita, Hindu classes and castes, the four periods of Hindu life, karma, the major schools about the relationship between humans and Truth.

     recounts the life of the Buddha, the basic tenets of Buddhism, the four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the five precepts, the three jewels of Buddhism, and the various groups of Buddhists.

    Critical Thinking/Logic:

     contains very good general background information on logic in general and formal and informal reasoning in particular; as one might "deduce," this is the logic section from .

     (from "The Atheism Web") contains an introduction to logic and, like the previous site, a formidable list of informal fallacies, also with definition and example; yes, even atheists must be logical.

    Contact the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department

    Location: Immaculata Hall | 1FL

    Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Phone: 570-348-6211 x 2973

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    Friday
    Feb 13
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    Last Day to Resolve Temporary Grades

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