Philosophy Department

Undergraduate Curriculum

Several sections of the introductory course are offered. All use a topical approach to the problems of philosophy. A large number of middle-level courses are offered to meet the needs of students who wish to take courses that might be particularly relevant to their own field of concentration. Many philosophy courses are particularly suited to the needs of students with interdisciplinary concentrations. The department also offers specialized and intensive courses of a historical, methodological, and systematic character for those students who wish to major in philosophy. A major may serve as a preparation for graduate study, or, as is more usually the case, as a sound foundation for a liberal education. Many majors go into professions such as law, where training in philosophical analysis is particularly advantageous.

Requirements for Major

A student whose aim is to use a major in philosophy as a basis for a liberal education may take the minimum major requirement of 30 hours in the department. Those who wish to prepare for graduate study in philosophy or in a related discipline will normally take more than this required minimum. A program for each major will be developed through consultation with a member of the philosophy faculty acting as a major advisor. Each program of major must fulfill the following requirements:

 

  1. At least two courses in the history of philosophy, one selected from 324 (Chinese), 331 (Greek), or 332 (Medieval), and another selected from either 352 (17th and 18th Century) or 353 (Kant and his Successors);
  2. At least one course in contemporary philosophy, selected from 313 (Science), 321 (Existentialism), 322 (American), 336 (Contemporary Analytic), 401 (Theory of Knowledge), 405 (Phenomenology), 406 (Philosophy of Language) or 413 (Philosophy of Mind);
  3. A logic course, either 210 (Introduction to Critical Thinking) or 301 (Symbolic Logic). 301 (Symbolic Logic) is especially recommended for those students who contemplate graduate study in philosophy;
  4. At least two 400-level seminars (exclusive of 441, 442, 495 and 496);
  5. Successful completion of the departmental writing requirement, which consists of a grade of C- or better in two 400-level courses.

Majors are strongly encouraged to complete requirements 1), 2) and 3) before the end of the junior year.

Requirements for Minor

A minor in philosophy is also offered. A student who wishes to complete a minor in philosophy must complete the minimum minor requirement of 21 hours in philosophy. Each minor program must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. At least one course in the history of philosophy selected from among Philosophy 324, 331, 332, 333, 352 and 353;
  2. At least one course in contemporary philosophy selected from among Philosophy 313, 321, 322, 336, 401, 405, 406 and 413;
  3. At least one course at the 400 level;
  4. Declaration of intention to minor filed with either the chair or secretary of the department.

 

 

Computer Proficiency Requirement

In order to pass the Major Computing Proficiency Requirement in philosophy, majors must pass two 400-level seminar courses with a grade of C- or better, and each student must produce at least one paper for each of these courses by word processor and certify that the paper was produced by the student in that manner.