About

At UNCW we offer the undergraduate degree in Philosophy. Philosophy provides its students with tools for thinking critically and our majors go on to successful careers in Law, the Tech Industry, and in other creative industries.

Our students typically score well on exams such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Undergraduate Courses

The Philosophy and Religion department offers a number of undergraduate courses fundamental to the UNCW University Studies curriculum.

These courses expose students not only to important areas of the humanities; they also strengthen their ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.

Regular offerings of upper level courses, along with advanced topical seminars, provide departmental majors with a rich, diverse, and up-to-date curriculum with which to complete their undergraduate studies.

The academic study of religion examines the religions of the world, including their histories, symbols, structures, beliefs.

It examines religions not only by way of historical and philosophical approaches, but from literary, social, and phenomenological perspectives as well.

Religious studies seeks an empathetic understanding of religious phenomena, and awareness of the diversity of religious traditions in our world.

Many of our students choose to study abroad to gain a more direct understanding of religious diversity.

Courses in philosophy introduce students to the philosophical tradition and develop their skills of critical thinking and expression.

In our examination of the history of philosophy, attention is given to ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, aesthetics, bioethics, philosophy of science, and social and political philosophy with emphasis on their possible application.

PAR values respectful disagreement and the right to free speech.

We recognize that questions, discussions, debates and disagreements are essential to the educational process. Free speech and academic freedom are also essential to our educational mission.

However, we recognize that the First Amendment is not absolute. There are limits.

Hate speech will not be tolerated in the Department of Philosophy and Religion or Bear Hall. The PAR department is united with others against racism, religious intolerance, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia.

We oppose and will not tolerate any forms of harassment against UNCW colleagues and students in this space.

PAR is a refuge and community for many to share and explore a plethora of ideas and thoughts. We will make sure that this space remains this way.