2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Requirements for a Major in Philosophy
In an era when many majors are inflated because of the influence of careerism, specialization, and external accrediting agencies, the credit-hour requirements for the philosophy major remain modest at only 30. This is because we take seriously the value of electives in the student's college program, the value of exploring and discovering one's real interests. The number of required hours in philosophy is also modest because we wish to encourage students to discover the importance of relating philosophy to other fields through double majors, minors, and clusters of elective courses indicating developed proficiencies.
The previous information emphasizes the importance of the advising relationship. In order to facilitate this relationship, the philosophy major requires a study plan through which the student's work can be consciously developed and articulated. A first draft of the study plan must be completed with the advisor by the beginning of the junior year, revised each successive semester, and completed in the Capstone course.
Degree Requirements
The philosophy B.A. requires third-semester proficiency in a foreign language (201). We strongly encourage completing the fourth semester of the language (202) as well.
Major Course Requirements
Students majoring in philosophy must complete a minimum of 30 hours in the department.
The following course is required for all philosophy majors:
Choose four of the following courses:
- PHI 311 - Origins of Western Thought: Ancient Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 312 - Divine Revelation meets Greek Rationality: Medieval Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 313 - Reason, Experience, Morality at the Dawn of Modernity: Early Modern Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 314 - Capitalism, Secularism, Nationalism: 19th Century Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 315 - Philosophy Now: Contemporary Great Philosophers (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses:
- PHI 210 - Eastern Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 240 - Middle Eastern Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 400 - Wisdom of the East: Advanced Topics in Asian Philosophy (3 credits)
The following Capstone course is required for all philosophy majors:
Elective Courses
Students may choose electives from any other courses in the philosophy program course listings. At least one elective must be chosen from PHI 400, PHI 420, PHI 430, PHI 440, PHI 450, PHI 460, or PHI 470. Courses numbered PHI 311, PHI 312, PHI 313, PHI 314, PHI 315, and PHI 380 may be repeated for credit when their content varies.
Suggested Order of Coursework
Year One
- PHI 103 - Logic (3 credits)
- PHI 101 - Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits) OR PHI 102 - Ethics (3 credits) OR PHI 220 - Aesthetics (3 credits)
- Beginning language course (101 and 102) for students seeking a B.A. degree.
Years Two Through Four
- Additional required PHI courses
- PHI electives
- Intermediate language course (201) for students seeking a B.A. degree; fourth semester language (202) is recommended.
Final Year