Topic 1: Philosophical Aspects of Nursing. Introduction to the analysis of nursing language: defining terms, detecting logical fallacies, analyzing meanings, and recognizing descriptive and normative aspects of judgments.

Topic 2: Historical Development of Nursing. In-depth study of the history of nursing, with emphasis on influences on the profession and changes that have occurred within it. Review of the association of nursing with related disciplines, its emergence into institutions of higher learning, organizational structure and hierarchy, changes in educational focus resulting from the preparation of educational leaders, and related topics.

Topic 3: Philosophy of Nursing Theory. Advanced seminar in the application of philosophical aspects of nursing theory. Additional prerequisite: Nursing 380L.

Topic 4: Philosophical and Theoretical Bases of Nursing Science. Philosophical principles and theories that contribute to the ongoing evolution of nursing science. Explores the historical development of nursing as a professional discipline in the context of philosophy and science. Additional prerequisite: Graduate standing and Nursing 397L (Topic 4: Critical Review of the Literature).