An historical overview of the western philosophical tradition from Socrates to the present day. Considerable discussion will be devoted to the distinct approaches of ancient, medieval, and modern thinkers to the relation between reason and faith. Additionally, there will be extensive attention devoted to the history of logical and ethical reasoning as we evaluate the impact of these ideas on the present day. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged not only to analyze but also interpret these ideas in a respectful yet critical manner.

This course introduces some of the major questions about existence and what it is to be human while providing some of the foundational philosophical responses to these questions. Topics to be discussed include: the relation between perception and knowledge (appearance and reality); the existence and nature of God; human freedom and determinism; the meaning of human existence; the nature of moral judgments; the mind-body problem; artificial intelligence; feminist philosophy; the problem of suffering; and whether humans are capable of selfless motivation.

An analysis of the use of reasoning in ordinary language. Students are introduced to deductive logic by learning how to recognize arguments by identifying some common fallacies and by learning several methods of assessing the quality of arguments. Both traditional and modern methods of determining deductive validity, including a formal theory of inference, are studied. In the process, students will apply logical reasoning to their own ideas and assumptions.

Explores philosophy as a way of life accessible to all, in order to think more truthfully, act more justly, and live more faithfully. This course focuses on critical thinking as an invaluable ethical tool for interpreting current events. Students will learn to analyze and evaluate the claims of contemporary culture and religious faith.

Doctoral students will design and conduct independent research, with the supervision of a committee with relevant substantive and methodological expertise. (dissertation extension)

Doctoral students will conduct independent research, with the supervision of a committee with relevant substantive and methodological expertise.

Doctoral students will design independent research, with the supervision of a committee with relevant substantive and methodological expertise.

Doctoral students will complete an internship (approximately 100 hours) in mentorship with an expert nurse scholar-educator, researcher, policy analyst or leader. In conjunction with a faculty mentor, students will design and complete a project that is individualized to their learning needs and builds the professional skills of a nurse academician.

This seminar deals with theoretical and practical aspects of designing dissertation research through to the successful completion of the dissertation. Topics pertaining to access and recruitment of study participants, data collection, data analysis, and knowledge translation will be addressed. Doctoral students will engage with classmates and faculty on this online seminar once they have completed their comprehensive exams. (Year 3 and 4)

Doctoral students will learn how to provide leadership to nursing education, drawing on higher education and leadership theories to analyze the sociopolitical context of nursing education. Particular attention is given to understanding the trifold role of the nursing professoriate of teaching, research, and service; and the management of learning environments.