Philosophy and Religion Department
Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp the Philosophy and Religion Program
A Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in philosophy or religion will help students gain a broad understanding of the human condition while developing the ability to bring critical thinking and organizational skills to creative problem solving.
Majoring in philosophy is especially well regarded as preparation for law and medical school while graduates of both concentrations pursue graduate work in a wide variety of humanities, social sciences and other disciplines.
Our faculty members talk with students about their ideas in and out of class, and conversations continue in the department lounge where students often hang out. Students also collaborate, socialize, or study in the Philosophy & Religion Student Room.
As part of our student clubs, students may discuss books, movies, and current issues, and meet and talk with visiting scholars. Students also attend conferences, conduct research and write for The Gadfly, a student publication that uses satire and irony to point out social, political and economic problems.
Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp Our Program
Interested in a Philosophy major? There are two concentrations that share fundamental classes. Each concentration also includes specific classes rooted in Philosophy or Religious Studies. All of us together form the Philosophy & Religion Department.
- Do human beings have free will or is biology destiny?
- Which forms of government best suit human nature?
- Are science and religion really competing belief systems?
- Can babies and animals think?
- What are my moral duties to others?
Questions asked in Philosophy classes don’t admit simple answers, and in philosophy we practice working our way through the complicated responses that are truly helpful.
Philosophy requires us to develop more than our intellects, and our program takes that into account.
In addition to a core curriculum of texts and ideas, the philosophy program is designed to help you reflect on your own thoughts, values, and goals. That is part of why philosophy is not just a great preparation for graduate school or the workplace, it is also great preparation for a life of meaning and purpose.
In addition to the study of philosophical questions, the religion concentration looks at religions in their social and historical contexts. Religion has had a profound effect on virtually every aspect of human life and society including politics, economics, art medicine and more. The religion concentration investigates the intersection of religion with gender, race, government, education, literature, criminal justice, and other domains.
Each of our major concentrations requires 30 hours (10 classes).
PAR majors must also complete World Languages 231-232 or 240 (six hours), 42 hours of liberal studies, and a major or a minor in a second discipline.
Each minor requires 18 hours (6 classes).
Faculty and Staff
Our faculty has a wide range of expertise, experience, interests and connections.
They are writers, researchers, public speakers, administrators, and community leaders.
They are, first and foremost, teachers, and the small size of most philosophy and religion classes makes for exceptional interaction between teacher and student.
dghenderson@wcu.edu
828.227.2939
David Henderson
Associate Professor, Department Head
choyt@wcu.edu
828.227.3972
Christopher Hoyt
Associate Professor
mmjackson@wcu.edu
828.227.3853
Myron Jackson
Assistant Professor
rjones@wcu.edu
828.227.7262
Robert Jones
Adjunct Faculty
jlatourelle@wcu.edu
828.227.3444
Jonathan LaTourelle
Assistant Professor
jlecureux@wcu.edu
828.227.7262
Jason LeCureux
Adjunct Faculty
amckenzie@wcu.edu
828.227.3852
Amy McKenzie
Administrative Support Associate
cmclachlan@wcu.edu
828.227.7262
Carrie McLachlan
Adjunct Faculty
kmershon@wcu.edu
828.227.3940
Katharine Mershon
Assistant Professor
vickery@wcu.edu
828.227.3939
Jeffrey Vickery
Adjunct Faculty
jwhitmire@wcu.edu
828.227.2636
John Whitmire
Full Professor
jmclachla@wcu.edu
James McLachlan
Retired Faculty (Emeritus)
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
The department offers a Student Reading Club; supports participation in conferences and journals to present or publish your research; and hosts a with free food, tea, and coffee -- a time to socialize, study, and talk about what's happening in class. The department also offers a visiting lecturer series and a publication, The Gadfly, for students and the WCU community.
You’ll also work closely with your advisor to set your course schedules and pursue scholarships or study abroad opportunities. Your advisor can meet with you to discuss your academic long-range plan and your next semester plan. Advisors help you take the courses you want to take while you meet graduation requirements.
Why a Philosophy Degree?
A degree in Philosophy and Religion is a stepping stone to success, despite popular misunderstanding. And while you are still a major, take advantage of the many special opportunities available to you!
Info for Alumni
Contact Information
Be in touch with your alma mater department! Email us or stop by the office (226 Stillwell, near Hunter Library), join the (open only for alumni majors and minors) or call us: 828.227.7262.
Give Back
In addition to , PAR alumni can also give of their time. During Advising Day we have invited alumni back to the department to give a talk for current students about what it means to have a philosophy degree. If you are interested in participating in the Alumni Vocational Talks series, please let us know!