Philosophy

W10 Peaceable Kingdom: Transforming our Relationships with Animals. Though stewardship of the animal kingdom is one of the primary responsibilities accorded to human beings in the Christian creation narrative, the question of how best to respect and to honor the creatures under our care is one that Christians too often neglect to ask. This omission is especially tragic, given the overwhelming evidence of fallenness in the social and commercial practices that presently govern our relationships to animals. The purpose of this course is two-fold: first, to gain insight into the problem through a survey of the philosophical, ethical, environmental, and socio-economic issues surrounding the treatment of animals and the allocation of natural and human resources by contemporary agribusiness; and second, to take the initial steps toward becoming agents of transformation by employing an array of concrete approaches to addressing these problems. In addition to reading current literature and viewing relevant documentary media, students visit a local community farming co-op, participate in workshops with representatives from activist organizations, and enjoy an advance screening of a major new documentary on factory farming by a New York advocacy group (Compassionate Consumers). Evaluation is based on journal assignments and workshop participation. M. Halteman . 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

W11 Facing East: Learning from the Orthodox Tradition. What can Christians—Reformed and others—learn from the theology and practices of the Eastern Orthodox tradition? This is the guiding question of Facing East. In this class, students explore various facets of the Orthodox tradition. In particular students focus on three intertwined features of Orthodoxy: its history, theology, and spiritual practices. With regard to its history, students spend some time investigating the importance of the seven ecumenical councils and the great schism between East and West. With regard to theology, students explore the Orthodox understanding of salvation, atonement, and sin. And with regard to Orthodox spirituality, students investigate the role of monasticism, iconography, the spiritual disciplines, and the divine liturgy. An excellent way to understand Orthodoxy is to be acquainted with its worship. So, in addition to having guest speakers, students will take field trips to local churches to investigate iconography and the shape of Orthodox worship. Evaluation is based on readings, participation and a graded journal. T. Cuneo. 8:30 a.m. to noon.

W12 Moral Expectation in Film . From an early age all people learn that certain types of behavior are morally expected of them. Morality has its expectations, and it is a high priority that people learn what these expectations are. It is also a high priority that a knowledge of these expectations is passed on to each new generation. This course focuses on this rather neglected area of the moral terrain. The phenomenon of moral expectation is studied in its relationship with more familiar concepts like moral duty, moral responsibility, and supererogation. It also is examined in the context of the Christian life. A half dozen motion pictures will be shown illustrating moral expectation. Students are evaluated on a research paper and on several short written assignments. One previous course in philosophy is recommended but not required. G. Mellema. 8:30 a.m. to noon.

IDIS-W22 Theory and Practice of Quilting . R. Goenhout .

IDIS-W25 Death and the Meaning of Life. K. Clark

IDIS-W29 Knitting: Creativity, Community, and Social Support. D. Vander Pol and C. Van Dyke.

IDIS-W35 Humans, Zombies, and Consciousness. K. Corcoran and S. Matheson.

W61 Independent Study at L'Abri Fellowship, Switzerland . L. Hardy. Off campus.