Department of History, Philosophy and Relgion

History

Simpson College history majors will graduate with a critical understanding of the essential features of the Western tradition, a discriminating knowledge of cultures different than their own, and the communication and thinking skills necessary for both a career and full participation as citizens.

Philosophy

Courses in philosophy may be taken by students who seek a deeper and more critical understanding of themselves, their values, and the philosophies competing for their allegiance.

The aim is to develop a deepened awareness of the persistent and ultimate questions that people have asked themselves about their world and to provide some significant answers that have been given to these questions. The department also seeks to help students understand how philosophy aids in studying all other disciplines and in formulating and resolving practical problems in contemporary society and culture.

The department’s final aim is to teach and examine all of philosophy’s main questions and their practical implications concerning what it means to live a good and valuable human life. Studying philosophy benefits students pursuing careers in law, politics, business, journalism, and the humanities. Its focus on developing key skill sets in critical thinking, writing, and reading will allow students with various interests to graduate with the abilities and knowledge employers seek.

Moreover, philosophy has a strong record of preparing students who wish to pursue post-graduate studies. According to data collected by the Law School Admissions Council, philosophy majors do better than any other major on the LSAT except for physics/mathematics majors. According to the Guide to the Graduate Record Exam, Students declaring an intention to go to graduate school in philosophy have the highest mean scores on the Verbal section of the GRE (mean: 589) of any major.

Similarly, according to the Graduate Management Admissions Council, a degree in philosophy better prepares students for the GMAT than a degree in business.

Religion

The Department of Religion at Simpson College facilitates disciplined intellectual inquiry into the religious dimensions of human experience.

Through the academic study of religion, students are encouraged to reflect deeply and engage effectively with the world around them through rigorous investigation of questions of ultimate concern. In keeping with the College’s United Methodist heritage, students are empowered to explore issues of personal integrity, moral responsibility, social justice, and global citizenship by drawing on the diverse resources of Christianity in dialogue with other religious traditions.

Theological seminaries generally expect applicants to have a broad spectrum of general knowledge, which students may acquire through the Engaged Citizenship Curriculum, coupled with nearly any major. However, we recommend at least a few introductory courses in religion. We encourage students interested in ministry to use the many resources available to help them explore their career options, including the Religion department faculty, the Center for Vocation and Integrative Learning, and the Religious Life Community.