Philosophy

The Major

Philosophy majors take a minimum of 10 courses designed to acquaint them broadly and deeply with the history of Western philosophy, the branches and methods of philosophy, and a good variety of topics and contemporary problems.

The following courses are required:

  • PHIL 155 Ancient Greek Philosophy

  • PHIL 250 Rationalism and Empiricism

  • PHIL 350 Kant

  • PHIL 450 19th-Century Continental Philosophy

  • PHIL 480 Seminar

  • PHIL 488 Senior Capstone Experience I: Comprehensive Exam/Independent Study

  • PHIL 488 Senior Capstone Experience II: Thesis/Independent Study

  • One elective Philosophy course: Any Philosophy course, elementary or advanced, in addition to those already required for the Major.

  • Two upper-level elective Philosophy courses numbered above 300, excluding those already required for the Major.

THE CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY REQUIREMENT

This is a content requirement, not a course requirement. Students are required to take one course that focuses on contemporary philosophy. Most of our seminars and many other courses meet this requirement. The Department decides each semester which specific courses fulfill this requirement.

THE ETHICS REQUIREMENT

This is also a content requirement, not a course requirement. Students are required to take one course that focuses on ethics. Many of our seminars and many other courses meet this requirement. The Department decides each semester which specific courses fulfill this requirement.