Current Projects & Programs within Philosophy

Several of our faculty members direct and oversee different programs within Furman University, ranging from various interdisciplinary minors to the Intergroup Dialogue Program.

Minors

Dr. Carmela Epright and T.J. Banisaukas direct the Medicine, Health and Culture Minor. Students within this minor may take certain courses in biology, history, health science, english, politics, psychology, or others in order to fulfill the requirements of this minor. Dr. David Gondolfo oversees the Poverty Study Minor. Within the minor’s program of study, students will study poverty globally and nationally, even taking part in an 8-10 week long, full-time internship after the completion of the class Introduction to Poverty Studies. During the internship, students complete assigned readings, journal about their experiences, partake in an online discussion forum, and write a reflection paper at the conclusion of their internship. Contact one of the members of the Oversight Committee for more information regarding the minor.

The Medicine Program

Dr. Kristy Maher and Dr. Epright preside over The Medicine Program, which combines academics with field work at a local hospital. In the medicine class, participating students will have the opportunity to observe the NICU, pain management, social work, palliative care, internal medicine, and other areas of the hospital.

The program consists of two 4-credit hour courses which are SOC 234 – Medical Sociology and PHL 302 – Clinical Medical Ethics. Additionally, students must participate in one 2-credit hour course IDS 301 – Field Work in Medicine. Due to the distinct nature of the program, students have to sign a learning contract.

Intergroup Dialogue Program

Dr. Erik Anderson coordinates the Intergroup Dialogue Program, which aims to encourage engagement and conversation among individuals of different social identities. Students learn about their own social identities and how they exist within structural, cultural, and institutional confines. Participants also learn to critically analyze contemporary issues that straddle political and social identities. For those interested in exploring our IDS 101 course, reach out to Dr. Erik Anderson.