Guidelines for a Major in Philosophy
A minimum of 30 credits, of which 21 must be at the 300 level or above, including the three “core courses,” Seminar in Philosophy (PHIL 425), and a capstone project consisting of a paper of at least 5,000 words, approved by their advisor. This paper can be written either in conjunction with any upper-level course (PHIL 300 or above) taught by a full-time faculty-member in any of the final four semesters, or, for students wishing to pursue independent project, as PHIL 395 with an agreeing sponsor. The COM 4 requirement will be fulfilled by a presentation of the capstone project. The core courses, which are required for both major programs as well as the minor program, are the following History survey courses, plus one of the survey Value courses:
History Classical Philosophy, PHIL 310, 3 credits
Modern Philosophy, PHIL 315, 3 credits
Value Theory, one of either:
Ethical Theories, PHIL 330, 3 credits,
Contemporary Social Philosophy, Phil 340, 3 credits, or,
Feminist Philosophy, Phil 385, 3 credits
Guidelines for Major in Applied Philosophy
A minimum of 42 credits, including 18 from a field of concentration outside philosophy (the particular courses to be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor), and 24 from within philosophy, of which 18 must be at the 300 level or above, including the three core courses, senior thesis and colloquium (PHIL 498), and one 3-credit course, numbered 300 or above and approved by the advisor, on the philosophy of the field from which the 18 non-philosophy credits are taken (this requirement may be met by a directed study if no regular course is appropriate).
Guidelines for a Minor in Philosophy
A minimum of 18 credits, of which 12 must be at the 300 level or above, including the three core courses. Note: students may petition the department of philosophy to accept one appropriate course from another discipline as an elective in the major or the minor.
