To understand the rationalist objections to religion.

To understand and articulate the need for natural theology in a religious community.

To understand and articulate some of the main arguments for the existence of God.

To understand the basics of Thomistic natural theology.

To understand and articulate some of the basic problems and positions in contemporary natural theology.

READING ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATION: First, every student must read the entire Language of God, by Francis S. Collins before the Mid-term exam ("entire" does not include the appendix, which is on ethics). Some of the chapters will be discussed explicitly in class but not all. Some of the other assignments are listed under the topic on the right hand side (not all—this is a partial list). On most of these reading assignments I would like you at least to begin the reading before the class in which that topic is discussed, and then read it carefully after the lecture and discussion in class on it. At times, however, I will specify that you need to read the text carefully before the discussion in class.  Discussions and short presentations will also be included in the class. 

PAPER: Approximately 8-12 pp. long. Suggested topics will be distributed; further instructions on its method will be given in class. An outline of the paper must be submitted by March 31. The paper is due April 16.

OTHER WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: A summary of two of the chapters in Collins (any two you choose) is due on. At times I may ask you to write one or two paragraphs on the reading assignment as preparation for a discussion in class.

EXAM: The final exam will be given at the time scheduled by the university.

GRADES: The grade will be calculated as follows: About 40% for the paper, 40% for the exam: 20% for participation (which will include the other written assignments).