The philosophy major develops skills in careful reading, critical thinking, and clear, effective writing which enable the student to engage in the activity of philosophy. This program introduces students to the discipline, acquaints them with the world’s major philosophic figures and the problems with which they wrestled, and encourages majors to pursue their own avenues of philosophic inquiry. Each student’s program culminates with a senior thesis which demonstrates the student’s ability to analyze and critically evaluate an important philosophical issue.
Degree Requirements
Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in philosophy must satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210. In addition, philosophy majors must successfully complete the 12 courses listed below and a sufficient number of electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives toward a minor or second major.
PHIL 103 Logic
PHIL 200 Ethics
PHIL 251 Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 253 Modern Philosophy
PHIL 310 Special Studies in Philosophy
PHIL 333 Theory of Knowledge
PHIL 366 Metaphysics
PHIL 480 Senior Seminar I
PHIL 481 Senior Seminar II
and three Philosophy electives
PHIL 103 Logic
PHIL 200 Ethics
PHIL 251 Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 253 Modern Philosophy
PHIL 333 or 366 Theory of Knowledge or Metaphysics
and one Philosophy elective