A major in philosophy cultivates the development of analytical skills and clarity of thought that are invaluable, not only in pursing a college degree, but later in developing a rewarding career and a meaningful life. Training in philosophy is highly regarded in professional fields such as law, medicine, information sciences, business, artificial intelligence and government.
Requirements
Core Requirements
PDF Checklist: Major Requirements effective 2006- spring 2012
PDF Checklist: Major Requirements starting Fall 2012
- Five core courses, three (3) credits each, are required for completion of the major. - 15 credits total
- PHL 235 - Symbolic Logic 3 credits (PHL 110 - Logical Thinking 3 credits, prior to Fall 2012)
- PHL 221 - History of Western Philosophy: Ancient 3 credits
- PHL 222 - History of Western Philosophy: Modern 3 credits
- PHL 371 - History of Contemporary 3 credits
- PHL 409 - Seminar 3 credits
- Moral, Social or Political Philosophy Area Concentration
Select one 300-level course, three (3) credits, from the following list:- PHL 300 - Special Topics in Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 312 - Metaethics 3 credits
- PHL 315 - Ethics II 3 credits
- PHL 316 - Political Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 317 - Ethics and Health Care Professionals 3 credits
- PHL 318 - Bioethics and the Law 3 credits
- PHL 326 - Philosophy of Law 3 credits
- PHL 327 - History of Moral Philosophy 3 credits
- History of Philosophy Area Concentration
Select one 300-level course, three (3) credits, from the following list:- PHL 300 - Special Topics in Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 327 - History of Moral Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 333 - Plato 3 credits
- PHL 334 - Aristotle 3 credits
- PHL 335 - Hellenistic Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 336 - Medieval Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 359 - Heidegger and Contemporary Continental Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 360 - Objectivity, Historicity, and Interpretation 3 credits
- Metaphysics and Epistemology Area Concentration
Select one 300-level course, three (3) credits, from the following list:- PHL 300 - Special Topics in Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 301 - Theory of Knowledge 3 credits
- PHL 303 - Metaphysics 3 credits
- PHL 304 - Philosophy of Mind 3 credits
- PHL 305 - Theories of Truth 3 credits
- PHL 311 - Philosophy of Language 3 credits
- PHL 312 - Metaethics 3 credits
- PHL 320 - Philosophy of Science 3 credits
- Critical Philosophy Area Concentration
Select one 200 or 300-level, three (3) credit, course from the following list:- PHL 200 - Special Topics in Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 237 - Islamic Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 238 - Existentialism & Phenomenology 3 credits
- PHL 242 - Revolution, Resistance, and Liberation 3 credits
- PHL 243 - Introduction to Asian Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 244 - Selfhood and Personal Identity 3 credits
- PHL 245 - Special Topic: Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 250 - Philosophy and Feminism 3 credits
- PHL 300 - Special Topics in Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 325 - Philosophy of Religion 3 credits
- PHL 361 - Contemporary Continental Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 359 - Heidegger and Contemporary Continental Philosophy 3 credits
- PHL 360 - Objectivity, Historicity, and Interpretation 3 credits
- PHL 370 - Latin American Philosophy 3 credits
- Philosophy Electives
Two philosophy courses, three (3) credits each, in any area at any level. - 6 credits total
Total Credits: 33
PDF Checklist: Distribution and General Education Checklist
General Education Departmental Requirements (through Spring 2012)
Students majoring in Philosophy will meet their departmentally-determined General Education requirements as follows:
- Area E: Satisfied by coursework required of all philosophy majors
- Area I, Tier II: Satisfied by a 200 or 300-level course carrying a W designation. Students are required to submit a sample paper from this course, demonstrating advanced word-processing skills and web-based research, to the Chair of the Philosophy Department during the semester preceding graduation.
- Area W, Tier II: Satisfied by a 300-level philosophy course that carries a W designation.
- Area O: Satisfied by a course from the approved list of O designated courses.
