The Major & Minor Programs in Philosophy

Introduction

The major program in philosophy is designed to provide a broad exposure to all of the major areas of philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic, as well as a strong grounding in the history of the western philosophical tradition. The program emphasizes the close reading and critical evaluation of classic texts from ancient times to the present, and students can expect to develop sophisticated analytic and expository skills that will enable them to engage in original, critical reflection on their own. To this end, the major program involves a combination of required and elective coursework as well as the opportunity to develop and pursue individual interests under faculty supervision. In addition to its regular course offerings, the department also sponsors a variety of activities, e.g. the annual Selfridge Lecture, the Philosophy Forum, the Faculty Seminar, and the Philosophy Club, all of which are designed to complement the course offerings and to promote a university-wide philosophical community.

The major program provides excellent preparation for graduate study in philosophy as well as a solid foundation for any career that places a premium upon clear, careful thinking, and rigorous conceptual and expository skills.

The Minor Program

The minor in philosophy consists of a minimum of 16 credits, at least 4 credits of which must be at the 200-level or above. Independent studies may be taken to satisfy the minor requirements. At least two courses taken for the minor must be taught by a member of the Philosophy Department. Minor programs are planned in conjunction with the departmental advisor who will help the student plan a program compatible with his or her interests. Minor programs may be, but do not have to be, focused in a particular area such as ethics or the history of philosophy or philosophy of mind.

The Major Program

The major program consists of a minimum of 38 credits in philosophy. Of these, 6 credits must come from the senior thesis sequence (Phil 390-91), and at least 12 of the remaining 32 credits from courses at the 200-level or above. Independent studies may be taken to satisfy the major requirements. Each major must also satisfy the following distribution requirements.

Ethics

1 course from PHIL 8, 105, 116, 205, 206

Logic

1 course from PHIL 114, 115, 303

History of Philosophy

2 courses from PHIL 131, 132, 133, 135, 139, 231, 232, 233, 235, 237, 239

Majors planning to pursue graduate study in philosophy are strongly encouraged to include the following specific courses.

  • PHIL 105 Ethics
  • PHIL 114 Symbolic Logic
  • PHIL 131 Ancient Philosophy
  • PHIL 135 Modern Philosophy

Writing-Intensive Requirement

All Philosophy majors are required to fulfill their junior writing-intensive requirement by taking a WI-designated philosophy course.

Senior Thesis

The Senior Thesis (PHIL 390-1) is a year-long, independent project during which philosophy majors, with the consent and under the guidance of a faculty sponsor, investigate a topic of special interest to them. The topic may be historical or non-historical, pure or applied, interdisciplinary or disciplinary; the only constraint is that the topic must be approved by the faculty advisor. During the fall (PHIL 390), the student’s energies will be devoted to refining the topic under investigation, working through the bulk of the essential literature, and producing a paper roughly 20 pages in length. During the spring semester (PHIL 391), the student will investigate the same topic more intensively, expanding, revising, and refining the fall paper into a substantial senior thesis roughly 50 pages in length.

Honors

Departmental honors in Philosophy are awarded to those graduating seniors who satisfy the following two criteria: (a) at the time of graduation, their overall GPA is 3.25 or higher and their GPA in philosophy is 3.5 or higher, and (b) their senior thesis is judged by the consensus of the philosophy faculty to be well-researched, well-argued, well-organized, and well-written and to exhibit original thinking. Note: Only senior theses receiving a grade of A from the thesis advisor will be considered by the department for honors.