Majoring or Minoring in Philosophy
 

Majors

The philosophy major consists of a minimum of nine approved course credit units in philosophy, including Introduction to Symbolic Logic (Philosophy 110), Ancient Philosophy (Phil 220), Modern Philosophy (Phil 225), Contemporary Philosophy (Phil 230), and three courses numbered 300 or above, one of which is the senior seminar. Introduction to Philosophy (Phil 105) may count toward the major if not taken after any philosophy course numbered 200 or above.  Students wishing to pursue graduate work in philosophy should consider completing eleven credits in philosophy in consultation with members of the philosophy faculty.

A combined major in religious studies and philosophy is available for students whose personal or professional interests include both disciplines.  The major in religious studies and philosophy consists of 10 approved course credit units, to be chosen from offerings in both fields according to the interests of the student and in consultation with both faculty in both departments.

Minors

The minor in philosophy consists of five course credit units in philosophy with at least three courses numbered 200 or above.  

The minor in ethics provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in thoughtful decision-making about complex moral problems.  It offers students a solid foundation in ethical theories and approaches, exposes students to a range of practical moral problems, and equips students with the skills necessary for thinking carefully and critically for themselves.  The knowledge and skills gained are useful not only in one’s personal life but in fields as diverse as law, medicine, business, public policy, education, and basic research in the natural and social sciences.

The ethics minor consists of five course credit units in philosophy, normally taken from the following list:   205, 207, 209, 213, 302, 307, 314, and 105 (if not taken after any of the other courses in this list).  Approved topics courses may also count, but students should consult the instructor to determine whether a course is appropriate before enrolling in it.

The minor in the Western intellectual tradition introduces students to the Great Books and great works of art that are the foundation of a traditional liberal arts education.  It explores the cultural history of Europe through coordinated study in such fields as history, philosophy, literature, art history, music history, religious studies, and political theory.  Major works produced before the year 1800 are emphasized.  Students majoring in philosophy are encouraged to consider this as a possible minor.

The minor consists of a minimum of six course credit units in at least three disciplines:  History 133 or an approved substitute, Philosophy 220 or 225, or an approved substitute, and four additional approved courses, of which at least one must be at the 300 level or higher.  Students majoring in philosophy will need to substitute another course for Philosophy 220 or 225. 

Competence in a European language other than English is highly recommended, but not required.   A January term, semester, or year abroad in Europe is also highly recommended, but not required.

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