Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Liberal Arts Building 4210
Phone: 410-704-2755
Fax: 410-704-4398
Email: philosophy@towson.edu
Programs of the Department
The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies offers a major and minor in Philosophy, and a major and minor in Religious Studies.
Program in Philosophy
The Philosophy Program pays close attention to the history of philosophy. The program also attends to the diverse social and cultural settings out of which philosophy develops, to which it speaks and with which it interacts. Philosophy cultivates and nourishes rigorous thinking; the development and the practice of analytic and dialectical skills are strongly emphasized. The program encourages students to take as great a diversity of courses as possible. It is flexible enough to ensure the incorporation of new interpretations and new schools of philosophy.
The program prepares students for advanced work in philosophy, humanistic studies and various professions. The sound, clear and systematic thinking that philosophy emphasizes also makes philosophical education relevant to other disciplines. Hence, the program is designed to meet not only the needs of the majors and minors but also the needs of other students in TU. Furthermore, philosophy courses foster reflection, a prerequisite for leading a good life.
Program in Religious Studies
Religious studies as an academic endeavor takes as its subject matter two distinct but related objects of investigation. On one hand, it focuses on the varied religious traditions that figure prominently in any adequate account of the development of human culture. On the other hand, it theorizes about the phenomenon of religion itself, abstracting from its concrete manifestations and subjecting it to explanation and evaluation. Both orientations reveal religion to be complex by nature. Any specific religious tradition is impressively multifaceted. Typically, it is the outgrowth of an intricate history and the embodiment of a distinctive program for communal existence. Its vision of the nature of the cosmos and its understanding of the meaning of human life may find expression through ritual, myth, doctrine, art or philosophy. When religion is treated in more general terms, investigation may explore its psychological, sociological, anthropological, artistic, ethical or metaphysical dimensions. These considerations make it apparent that religious studies is well conceived as a multidisciplinary enterprise whose subject matter is best understood through the employment of a variety of approaches.
Courses
PHIL 101 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (3)
Fundamental problems of philosophy and various proposals for the solution of these problems. Core: Arts & Humanities.
PHIL 102 USING INFORMATION EFFECTVELY IN PHILOSOPHY (3)
Information gathering, evaluation and communication. Develops critical thinking and problem solving techniques, communication and team building skills.
PHIL 103 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (3)
Introduction to the history and theory of ethics. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
PHIL 111 INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC (3)
Study of and practice in inductive and deductive reasoning, the composition of argument and demonstration, and the detection of formal and informal fallacies as developed in the Western tradition. Core: Arts & Humanities.
PHIL 201 SOCIAL & POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (3)
A consideration of social and political doctrines from both Western and Non-Western philosophical perspectives. The approach will be both historical and thematic. Themes will include: the individual and the state, the male-female dialectic, and attitudes toward property.
PHIL 204 RACE, CLASS AND GENDER (3)
Social and political philosophy; contemporary American ideas of race, class, and gender, with a focus on their interrelatedness. Core: Diversity & Difference.
PHIL 205 MASTERS OF SUSPICION: MARX, NIETZSCHE, FREUD (3)
The philosophies of Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and their political, social, and cultural implications.
PHIL 212 HONORS: SPECIAL STUDIES IN PHILOSOPHY (3)
Small group discussions and philosophical analysis of selected works not generally available in other electives. May be repeated for credit provided a different topic is covered. Honors College course. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
PHIL 219 INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN PHILOSOPHY (3)
Examination of the nature of Asian thought through a study of English translations of traditional sources of Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese philosophy. Core: Global Perspectives.
PHIL 221 ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHY (3)
The origins of Western philosophical thought will be studied in the works of the presocratics, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Core: Arts & Humanities.
PHIL 230 PHILOSPHY OF LITERATURE (3)
Philosophical analysis of literature. A consideration of philosophical orientations in these works will be undertaken.
PHIL 251 AFRICAN AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY (3)
A philosophical examination of the current issues in African-American thought in such fields as religion, politics, education, economics and aesthetics. An effort will be made to determine the place and the role of the contemporary African-American in history.
PHIL 255 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS (3)
Philosophical views on rights of non-human animals, intervaluation of environment and economics, "deep" vs "shallow" ecological ethics, duties to future generations, and other issues. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
PHIL 260 PHILOSOPHY OF THE PRISON INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX (3)
Introduces the student to the philosophical study of the "Prison Industrial Complex," the vast system of prisons and jails, many of them run by private profit-seeking corporations, that many consider to be a mainstay of the 21st century metropolis. An introductory appreciation of philosophical readings of the phenomenon: the birth of the prison in the 18th and 19th centuries and its rapid late 20th century growth within the U.S. and abroad. Special attention given to the work of feminist, queer and anti racist activists and scholars. In the final section we will discuss critiques and recent calls for change. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.
PHIL 270 PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES (3)
Considers contemporary issues from the uniquely philosophical perspective to stimulate independent reflection. May be repeated for a total of 6 units provided a different topic is covered.
PHIL 290 TOPICS ON PHILOSOPHY OF THE CITY (3)
Philosophical investigation of the city including framing of urban environments and the power to establish and support culture in all its forms, e.g., governance, education, art, mythology, athletics, commerce. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is taken each time. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.
PHIL 301 PHILOSOPHIES OF INDIA (3)
Examination of major ideas in the Vedic, Epic, Classical darsana, and modern periods. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
PHIL 302 PHILOSOPHIES OF CHINA & JAPAN (3)
Examination of some major philosophical systems through selected writings in translation. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
PHIL 309 NIETZSCHE (3)
Nietzsche's critical philosophy and its excoriation of Platonism, metaphysics, Western morality, and religion, as well as his positive philosophy, primarily his epistemology. Topics may include the revaluation of values, perspectivism, naturalism asceticism, time and the self. Prerequisite: one course in PHIL.
PHIL 312 PLATO AND HIS PREDECESSORS (3)
Greek philosophy from the Milesians to Plato. Topics include epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy.
PHIL 313 ARISTOTLE AND HIS SUCCESSORS (3)
Ancient Greek Philosophy from Aristotle to late Hellenistic Philosophy (356 BCE to end 2nd Century CE). Includes Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Skepticism. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy or permission of instructor.
PHIL 315 MIND AND CONSCIOUSNESS (3)
A survey of issues in the contemporary philosophical investigation of mind, examining such topics as dualism, physicalism, mind/brain identity theory, functionalism, epiphenomenalism, eliminative materialism, representationalism, qualia, intentionality, panpsychism, distributed cognition and group minds, the "hard problem" of consciousness, and the phenomenology of perception. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy.
PHIL 319 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & VALUES (3)
Impact of modern science on various philosophical issues: science and religion, mind and computers, time travel, Einstein's relativity, human freedom, the ethical limits of technology. Prerequisites: one course in philosophy and two courses in science, or consent of instructor.
PHIL 320 PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE (3)
Concepts, method and nature of science, including induction and theory confirmation, probability, explanation, natural laws, space and time, and the objectivity of science. Prerequisite: one course in either philosophy or science.
PHIL 321 PHILOSOPHY OF LAW (3)
An examination of the nature and theories of law, the relationship between law and morality, the nature of legal obligation, and the notion of justice. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy or consent of the instructor.
PHIL 325 TWENTIETH CENTURY PHILOSOPHY (3)
A survey with varying emphasis on a number of such contemporary philosophical positions as pragmatism, phenomenology, logical positivism, the analysts, neo-Aristotelianism, the philosophers of science, and the existentialists. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy.
PHIL 326 AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY (3)
The history of the main currents of American philosophical thought as exemplified in such writers as Edwards, Emerson, Pierce, James, Royce, Dewey, and Whitehead. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy.
PHIL 327 AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY (3)
Examination of major ideas and issues in African Systems of Thought. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
PHIL 328 EARLY MODERN PHILOSOPHY (3)
The history of philosophy from the mid-17th through the late 18th century, examining such topics as: rationalist and empiricist epistemology; skepticism and knowledge of the external world; scientifically informed metaphysics; metaphysical arguments concerning God, the soul, and personal identity; classical political theories. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy.
PHIL 329 LATE MODERN PHILOSOPHY (3)
The history of philosophy from the late 18th through the late 19th century, examining such topics as post-Kantian metaphysics and epistemology; the foundations of ethics and political theory; the philosophy of history; the nature and significance of human reason; dialectical method. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy.
PHIL 330 PHILOSOPHY AND FILM (3)
A reflection on philosophical topics combining films and texts.
PHIL 332 FEMINIST PHILOSOPHY (3)
Contemporary methods and problems, including redefinition of traditional areas of philosophy and creation of new issues for investigation. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
PHIL 333 ANALYTIC PHILOSOPHY (3)
The story of philosophy in the English-speaking world from the 1880s through the end of the 20th century, addressing such topics and figures as: logical positivism; the linguistic turn; the rejection and rehabilitation of metaphysics; Frege; Russell; Carnap; Wittgenstein; Anscomb; Quine; Kripke. Prerequisite: one course in Philosophy.
PHIL 339 THEORIES OF KNOWLEDGE (3)
A historical and systematic approach to the truth value and elements of the forms of human knowledge. The theories of major philosophers will be studied. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy.
PHIL 340 PLATO'S ETHICS (3)
Analysis of Plato’s dialogues aimed at understanding justice and human goodness in both ancient and modern contexts. Prerequisites: a TSEM 102 course, or a course that satisfies the Ways of Knowing Core. Core: Ethical Issues/Perspectives.
PHIL 341 ETHICS (3)
Analysis of readings from the principle classical and contemporary ethical sources; study of the basic moral concepts as found in these sources; applications to contemporary moral concerns. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy.
PHIL 342 WHAT MAKES US MORAL (3)
Evolutionary explanations of the origin of moral behavior in humans. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
PHIL 343 AESTHETICS (3)
An analytical and historical examination of concepts of the nature of art, beauty, aesthetic value, aesthetic perception, and of the modes of existence of artifacts. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy.
PHIL 353 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (3)
Exposition of various approaches to the philosophy of religion with an analysis of the major issues on which they differ and agree. Not open to students who successfully completed PHIL 451. Prerequisites: two courses in philosophy or religion.
PHIL 361 BIOMEDICAL ETHICS (3)
A search for guidelines in such moral problems as abortion, the care of the dying, organ transplants, informed consent in therapy and experimentation, adequate health care and its just distribution, control of human behavior by drugs, surgery, etc., test-tube reproduction, population control, genetic engineering and counseling. Prerequisites: One lower-level course in PHIL or consent of instructor. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
PHIL 371 BUSINESS ETHICS (3)
Philosophical examination of ethical issues in business. Topics include normative ethics of behavior, employment, distributive justice, and honesty in business. Prerequisites: one lower-level course in philosophy, ENGL 102 or ENGL 190, or consent of instructor. Core: Ethical Issues and Perspectives.
PHIL 380 PHILOSOPHICAL TOPICS (3)
Courses offered under this title will be of variable content. Topics of traditional philosophical interest or of philosophical problems in other areas of knowledge or of contemporary interest will be offered. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: one lower-level course in philosophy.
PHIL 413 PHENOMENOLOGY (3)
An examination of phenomenology as both a philosophical method and a philosophical position. Themes to be considered include consciousness, the body, time, and the experience of others. Primary course readings in the works of Husseri, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty. Prerequisite: two courses in philosophy.
PHIL 417 EXISTENTIALISM (3)
Some of the major existentialist philosophers will be studied, e.g., Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, Beauvoir. The philosophical themes of transcendence, the absurd, estrangement, and anxiety will be considered. Prerequisite: two courses in philosophy.
PHIL 427 KANT (3)
Study of Kant's most important writings. Prerequisite: two courses in philosophy.
PHIL 440 PHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMS (3)
The study of a major philosophical system or position, classical or modern, and of its important proponents. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: two courses in philosophy.
PHIL 460 WRITNG SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES (3)
Concentrates on a specific issue or thinker within the philosophical tradition and on developing the skills necessary to do quality written work in the discipline. Possible topics include: Plato, Aristotle, Hegel, Concepts of Space & Time, Dimensions of Freedom. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent and two courses in philosophy. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.
PHIL 470 PHILOSOPHICAL PROBLEMS (3)
A consideration of one of the perennial interests of philosophy. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: two courses in philosophy.
PHIL 495 RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN PHILOSOPHY (3)
Directed readings and research leading to a thesis paper under one or more members of the department. Prerequisites: senior majors in philosophy or senior non-major, submission in advance of an outline of proposed research; permission of proposed director and department chair. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered, but only one attempt will count towards the major requirements.
PHIL 497 PHILOSOPHY INTERNSHIP (3-6)
Supervised experience in work settings using the analytic, organizational, comprehension, and communication skills and content knowledge available through the study of philosophy. Positions may be in government agencies, public or private foundations, industry, journalism, law firms, among others. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. No credit toward the Philosophy major. Prerequisite: approval of the philosophy internship coordinator. Graded S/U.
PHIL 498 HONORS THESIS RESEARCH (3)
Directed readings and research completed under the close supervision of a faculty advisor, leading to a major thesis paper. Prerequisites: completion of 75 units overall, including 18 units of Philosophy (PHIL) courses and minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA; and consent of department.
RLST 103 EXPLORING BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY (3)
The nature of archaeological evidence, its context, recovery, reconstruction, and interpretation. Includes application of archaeological evidence in problem solving and the archaeology of Israel. Core: Arts & Humanities.
RLST 105 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF RELIGION (3)
Study of world religious traditions informed by comparative, historical and phenomenological methodologies. Not open to students who have successfully completed PHIL 105. Core: Global Perspectives.
RLST 201 INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW BIBLE (3)
Overview of the history, literature, culture of the Hebrew Bible; survey of various biblical books and modern, critical interpretation of biblical literature. Core: Arts & Humanities.
RLST 202 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIANITY (3)
Survey of the Christian religious tradition from its origins to contemporary times highlighting doctrines, practices, texts, values, institutional structures and community forms and emphasizing cultural context and diversity. Core: Arts & Humanities.
RLST 203 INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM (3)
Survey of the Islamic religious tradition from its origins to the present examining basic concepts, ritual practices, and religious institutions; emphasizing diversity of socio-cultural forms and interpretations. Core: Global Perspectives.
RLST 204 CHRISTIANITIES IN AMERICA (3)
A survey of American Christian history from the fifteenth century through the present day. Prerequisite: one RLST course or consent of the instructor. Core: United States as a Nation.
RLST 205 WOMEN IN WORLD RELIGIONS (3)
Role of women, both human and divine, in the major Asian and Western religions. Not open to students who successfully completed PHIL 205. Core: Diversity & Difference.
RLST 206 JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM (3)
History, scriptures, doctrines, practices and interactions of three monotheistic religions. Not open to students who have successfully completed PHIL 206. Core: Diversity & Difference.
RLST 207 INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM (3)
Survey of dominant forms of Buddhism in Asia during its classical period and subsequent spread to the West and encounter with modernity. Core: Global Perspectives.
RLST 208 INTRODUCTION TO HINDUISM (3)
Dominant forms of Hinduism during its "classical" South Asian period, and its continuation into the contemporary era as a modern world religion. Core: Global Perspectives.
RLST 209 RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS OF ASIA (3)
Survey of principal religious traditions of Asia, subsequent global spread, and encounter with modernity. Core: Diversity & Difference.
RLST 210 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM (3)
Overview of Jewish identity, history, intellectual traditions, community, philosophy, mysticism, holidays, life-cycle events, rituals, and prayer. Core: Diversity & Difference.
RLST 211 INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH THOUGHT (3)
Religious and historical developments of Jewish thought; prominent Jewish philosophers and mystics who shaped its eclectic character. Core: Arts & Humanities.
RLST 225 AMERICAN JEWISH HUMOR (3)
American Jewish history and culture. Film, television, and literature study. Focus on the changing place of Jews in American society. Core: United States as a Nation.
RLST 270 TOPICS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (3)
Introduction to diverse topics in the study of religion. May be repeated for a maximum of six units provided a different topic is covered.
RLST 305 FAITH PERSPECTIVES IN MEDICAL ETHICS (3)
Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Christian, and Jewish perspectives on issues in medical ethics including the role of the doctor, abortion, cloning, pre gender selection, mental health, and euthanasia. Prerequisite: One course in a natural science, religious studies, philosophy, or consent of the instructor. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
RLST 307 BUDDHISM IN TIBET (3)
Overview of the form of Buddhism that developed in Tibet and subsequently spread to the West and other areas of the world during the modern era. Prerequisite: one RLST course or consent of the instructor.
RLST 308 BUDDHIST SAINTS AND THEIR STORIES (3)
Cross-cultural survey of Buddhist saints and the beliefs, practices, and literary traditions associated therewith. Prerequisite: One prior RLST course or consent of instructor.
RLST 310 JEWISH LAW AND ETHICS (3)
Response of Jewish law and ethics to medical ethics, war, citizenship, environment, family, sexual ethics, government, contemporary state of Israel, women's issues, and Jewish/Gentile relationships in a multi-denominational approach. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
RLST 313 ISLAMIC ETHICS (3)
Historical, theoretical, and practical approaches to ethics in Islam. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
RLST 320 AMERICAN RELIGIONS (3)
Survey of the religious diversity of the United States. Focus on both world religions as practiced in the U.S., and religions originating in the U.S. Core: The United States as a Nation.
RLST 325 JEWISH GRAPHIC NOVELS (3)
Graphic novels by and/or about Jews. Topics include migration and immigration, Israel/Palestine, the Holocaust, and gender. Analysis of the relationship between words and images. Core: Arts & Humanities.
RLST 331 EXPLORING GENESIS (3)
Theological, textual, and sociological analysis of Genesis aimed to develop new perspectives on the text and on Israelite civilization. Prerequisite: One course in Religious Studies or consent of the instructor.
RLST 335 PROPHETS AND PROPHECY IN ANCIENT ISRAEL (3)
Examination of phenomenon and history of Israelite prophecy in the Hebrew Bible in light of prophecy in the ancient Near East. Prerequisite: one course in Religious Studies or Philosophy at the 100 or 200 level.
RLST 354 RELIGION AND SCIENCE (3)
Exploration of alternative conceptions of the relation of religion and science; consideration of specific instances, both historic and contemporary, of their engagement and/or encounter. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: one course in RLST or PHIL, and ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent; or consent of instructor. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.
RLST 355 INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT (3)
Major themes of the biblical literature, and of its religious, philosophical, and cultural implications. Not open to students who successfully completed PHIL 355. Prerequisite: One lower-level course in philosophy, religion, or history.
RLST 357 SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE RELIGION (3)
Study of a number of the world's major religious traditions emphasizing specific philosophical and psychological problems encountered therein. Not open to students who successfully completed PHIL 357. Prerequisite: One course in philosophy, religion, or history.
RLST 363 SUFISM: ISLAMIC MYSTICISM (3)
Survey of the origins and development of Islamic mysticism, including its scriptural sources, mystical practices and rituals, Sufi orders, Sufi saints, and Sufism's influence on Islamic material culture and literature. Prerequisite: one course in Religious Studies of Philosophy or consent of the instructor.
RLST 367 ISLAM IN THE MODERN AGE (3)
An examination of modern and contemporary Islamic movements of reform, renewal, and revolution. Topics include the status of women, religious pluralism, human rights, forms of governance, and warfare. Prerequisite: One course in RLST or PHIL, or consent of the instructor.
RLST 370 ADVANCED TOPICS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (3)
Examination of diverse topics in the study of religion. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 units provided a different topic is covered.
RLST 411 THE AMERICAN JEWISH EXPERIENCE (3)
American Jewish history and culture. Focus on migration, community, texts, and media. Primarily focused on the United States, with some inclusion of Mexico and Canada. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.
RLST 415 GLOBAL JEWISH LITERATURE (3)
Analysis of Jewish literature from around the world. Special focus on Asia, Africa, and South America. Focus on issues of diaspora, globalization, anti-Semitism, and race. Prerequisite: at least one RLST course, or permission of the instructor.
RLST 425 RACE, GENDER, SEXUALITY, AND JUDAISM (3)
Critical issues in contemporary Judaism. Reading deeply into primary and secondary sources concerned with Jewish identity and community.
RLST 470 SEMINAR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (3)
Critical study at an advanced level of a topic or theme of general intrest in the discipline of Religios Studies. May be repeated if a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: two courses in Religious Studies.
RLST 497 RELIGIOUS STUDIES INTERNSHIP (3-6)
Supervised experience in work settings using the analytic, organizational, comprehension, and communication skills and content knowledge available through the study of religion. Positions may be in government agencies, public or private foundations, industry, journalism, law firms, among others. Minimum semester-length internship hours: 30. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: consent of the department; completion of 18 units toward the Religious Studies (RLST) major and 75 units overall, with a 3.0 GPA in Religious Studies courses and a 2.5 CGPA; and approval of the Religious Studies internship coordinator and overseeing faculty member.
RLST 498 HONORS THESIS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (3)
Religious Studies major option to write a thesis for departmental honors. Honors College course. Prerequisites: RLST major, consent of department.
Faculty
Professors: Anne Ashbaugh, Suk Gabriel Choi, John Murungi, Stephen Scales
Associate Professors: Emily Bailey, Deborah Barer, Kristen Hine, Timothy Jankowiak, Emily Parker, Makmiller Pedroso, Robert Tappan (Chairperson)
Assistant Professors: Brian Hillman, Gilad Sharvit, Nick Tebben
Lecturers: Jake Bartholomew, Steven Quach, Patrick Roney