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PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy (B.A.)
Minor in Philosophy

Philosophy (B.A.)

The study of philosophy promotes rational and critical thinking and provides a sense of our intellectual traditions from the ancient, medieval, and modern periods.

The Philosophy major aims to develop a critical and articulated understanding of basic beliefs and value judgments. Students of Philosophy become acquainted with the intellectual foundation of much of Western culture and find opportunity to compare it to the tenets of other cultures. They also learn to analyze problems through a variety of methods.

Philosophy majors become qualified for careers in which a liberal arts degree is desirable. It is the recommended undergraduate major for students intending to pursue advanced studies in Philosophy, Religion, or Theology, or in many areas of professional study, such as law. Internships in a variety of human service agencies or congressional offices add to the practical dimension of the study.

The achievement of senior students is measured through a comprehensive examination, the requirements of the senior seminar, and an internship evaluation.

Suggested degree plan

Year One

Fall

  • PH 101 Logic or PH 300 Modern Logic §
  • EN 101 Composition I*
  • ECO/POL/PSY/SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences*
  • Health elective*
  • Mathematics elective*
  • SEM 101 Freshman Seminar

Spring

  • EN 102 Composition II*
  • Information Systems elective
  • Science elective*
  • Humanities elective*
  • Social Sciences elective*

Year Two

Fall

  • PH 203 The Philosophers of the West I §
  • PH 210 General Ethics I §
  • Humanities elective*
  • Social Sciences elective*
  • Elective*

Spring

  • PH 204 The Philosophers of the West II §
  • Humanities elective*
  • 3 electives

Year Three

Fall

  • PH 345 Philosophy of Religion §
  • Philosophy elective §**
  • Writing elective*
  • Social Sciences 300/400-level elective*
  • Elective*

Spring

  • PH 301 Ethics and Public Policy, PH 305 Business Ethics, or PH 310 General Ethics II §
  • Philosophy elective §**
  • Humanities elective*
  • 2 electives

Year Four

Fall

  • PH 400 Internship §
  • PH 301 Ethics and Public Policy, PH 305 Business Ethics, or PH 310 General Ethics II §
  • Humanities elective*
  • Elective*

Spring

  • PH 422 Senior Seminar §
  • Philosophy elective §**
  • Humanities elective*
  • 2 electives*

§ Requirement for the major
*See Liberal Arts Core requirements for details.
**Philosophy electives: PH 300 Modern Logic, PH 315 Metaphysics and Epistemology, PH 325 Ancient Philosophy, PH 326 Medieval Philosophy, PH 327 Modern Philosophy, PH 328 Contemporary Philosophy, PH 355 Existentialism, PH 405 Philosophy of Law, PH 410 American Philosophy

Minor in Philosophy

Minor Requirements