Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Philosophy

122 Ross Hall, (307) 766-3204
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/philosophy
E-mail: philosophy@uwyo.edu
Department Head: Susanna L. Goodin

Professors:

HARVEY HIX, B.A. Belmont College 1982; M.A. University of Texas, Austin 1985; Ph.D. 1987; Professor of Philosophy and Creative Writing 2013.

JEFFREY A. LOCKWOOD, B.S. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology 1982; Ph.D. Louisiana State University 1985; Professor of Philosophy and Creative Writing 2006.

Associate Professors:

SUSANNA L. GOODIN, B.A. Texas Technical University 1981; M.A. Rice University 1985; Ph.D. 1990; Associate Professor of Philosophy 1998, 1992.

FRANZ-PETER GRIESMAIER, University of Vienna 1986; M.A. University of Colorado 1988; Ph.D. University of Arizona 1997; Associate Professor of Philosophy 2006, 2000.

EDWARD D. SHERLINE, B.A Princeton University 1982; M.A. University of Chicago 1983; Ph.D. University of Illinois-Chicago 1990; Associate Professor of Philosophy 1996, 1989.

Assistant Professor:

BRADLEY RETTLER, B.S. Crown College 2004; M.A. Biola University 2008; Ph.D. University of Notre Dame 2014; Assistant Professor of Philosophy 2018.

Academic Professional Lecturer:

ROBERT S. COLTER, B.A. The University of Puget Sound 1992; M.A. University of Colorado 1995; Ph.D. Northwestern University 2001; Academic Professional Lecturer 2013, 2007.

Professors Emeriti:

James Forrester, Richard L. Howey, James A. Martin

Philosophy starts with those hard questions we all ask at some time or another. Some important questions of meaning and justification can’t be answered by making observations or doing experiments. Philosophy is the effort to deal with these problems through sustained, hard, and critical thinking. Philosophy is good preparation for careers that call for you to use your mind, without prejudice but with rigor.

The Philosophy Department offers an undergraduate major, three undergraduate minors, and a graduate MA.

For details on each of these programs, see the department’s web site.

Graduate Study

The Department of Philosophy offers the master of arts degree under the Plan A or Plan B.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

A writing sample of no more than 3,000 words on any subject in philosophy.

A statement describing specific philosophical interests.

Program Specific Graduate Assistantships

The department offers two to three graduate assistantships yearly on a competitive basis. These assistantships carry a tuition and fee waiver, plus a stipend. For more information, please contact the department.

Religious Studies

122 Ross Hall, (307) 766-3204
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/relstds
Email: relstudies@uwyo.edu
Department Head: Susanna L. Goodin
Program Director: Paul V.M. Flesher

Professor:

PAUL V. M. FLESHER, B.A. University of Rochester 1979; M.Phil. Oxford University 1982; Ph.D. Brown University 1988; Professor of Religious Studies 2012, 1993.

Visiting Assistant Professor:

TAMMY HEISE, B.A. Hendrix College 1998; M.A. Vanderbilt University 2006; Ph.D. Florida State University 2016; Visiting Assistant Professor of Religious Studies 2015.

Senior Academic Professional Lecturer:

SETH WARD, B.A. Yale University 1974; M.A. 1978; M.Phil. 1979; Ph.D. 1984; Senior Academic Professional of Religious Studies 2017, 2003.

Associate Academic Professional Lecturers:

TYLER S. FALL, B.A. Mary Washington College 1999; M.A. University of Oregon 2004; M.F.A. University of Wyoming 2009; Associate Academic Professional Lecturer of Religious Studies 2017, 2012.

MARY L. KELLER, B.A. Williams College 1987; M.A. Syracuse University 1992; Ph.D. 1999; Associate Academic Professioinal of Religious Studies 2017, 2012.

Adjunct Faculty:

ERIN ABRAHAM, B.A. University of Wyoming 2004; M.A. 2007; Ph.D. Saint Louis University 2011; Assistant Academic Professional Lecturer of Honors Program 2011; Adjunct Assistant Academic Professional Lecturer of Religious Studies 2015.

Professor Emerita:

Kristine T. Utterback

Throughout history, religion has played an important role in shaping cultures and societies. Religious beliefs have inspired armies in their wars and leaders in their decisions. Religions have provided the foundation for ethical behavior and in many societies have been the primary source of education. In today’s world, religions remain important, influencing our responses to 9/11, the Arab Spring, the Middle East crisis, and other events in regions around the world. Even in our own secular United States, religions and their beliefs play a major role in our debates over public policy.

The Religious Studies department offers a range of courses in the academic study of religions. These courses seek to acquaint students with religious beliefs and behavior, helping them to understand the ability of religions to define the world in which their adherents live and the power religions have to influence the behavior of their followers. Religious Studies courses cover a broad range of religions, both modern and historical. Some courses focus on understanding a single religion in a limited time period, while others compare aspects of different religions. Yet further courses focus on religious expression, studying how religious beliefs are depicted in literature, film, art and music. Many of these courses are offered by the Religious Studies department, while others can be found in various departments, including anthropology, art, English, history and sociology.

Graduate Study

At present, no program for a graduate degree in religious studies is offered; however, some courses may be counted at the graduate level.