Major Requirements

The philosophy major emphasizes critical analysis, problem solving and the formulation and evaluation of arguments in oral and written contexts. Philosophy students learn to think logically and critically. The major also introduces students to a range of traditional philosophical issues and provides an opportunity to read carefully the works of some of the greatest thinkers in history.

One course in metaphysics and epistemology from the following:

• PHIL 371 Epistemology
• PHIL 372 Philosophy of Science
• PHIL 373 Metaphysics
• PHIL 394 Philosophy of Biology
• PHIL 395 Philosophy of Physics
• PHIL 445 Philosophy of Language
• PHIL 470 Philosophy of Mind
• PHIL 472 Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Science

At least 6 credits at the 400 level and an additional 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level.

Prerequisites for all philosophy courses must be satisfied with no less than the grade of "C".

Minor Requirements

The philosophy minor emphasizes critical analysis, problem solving and the formulation and evaluation of arguments in oral and written contexts. Philosophy students learn to think logically and critically. The major also introduces students to a range of traditional philosophical issues and provides an opportunity to read carefully the works of some of the greatest thinkers in history.

• PHIL 248 Scientific Reasoning
• PHIL 346 Deductive Systems

• PHIL 150 Contemporary Moral Issues
• PHIL 152 Introduction to Moral Theory
• PHIL 350 Ethical Theory
• PHIL 355 Political Philosophy
• PHIL 356 Philosophy of Law
• PHIL 358 Bioethics
• PHIL 452 Advanced Topics in Ethics
• PHIL 454 Animals and the Environment: Moral Theory and its Application

• PHIL 321 History of Ancient Philosophy
• PHIL 322 History of Modern Philosophy

Students may select two other courses from any area of philosophy.

At least four of the six courses required for the Minor must be 300 or 400 level classes.

Prerequisites for all philosophy courses must be satisfied with no less than the grade of "C".

Honors Program

The Honors Program in Philosophy allows philosophy majors to receive the B.A. degree with Honors in Philosophy. Students applying for admission to the program must have completed at least 45 credits of university work and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. Applicants must also have completed at least four upper level philosophy classes (classes numbered 300 or above) with a grade point average in those courses of 3.5 or above. Transfer students must have completed four advanced courses in philosophy and must provide evidence that their performance in philosophy classes is comparable to that of non-transfer students eligible for admission to the Honors Program.

Students interested in applying for admission to the Honors Program should contact the department chair no later than the second semester of their junior year. The admission of seniors into the Honors Program is possible but unusual and requires an extremely heavy load in the senior year.

To graduate with the B.A. with Honors in Philosophy students must complete 14 courses (42 credits) in philosophy each with a grade of "C" or better. Of these courses at least eight (24 credits) must be at the 300 or 400 level; of these eight courses (24 credits) at least two (6 credits) must be at the 400 level.

Honors courses: in consultation with his or her Honors advisor each candidate for Honors shall designate two upper-level courses to be Honors courses in which additional work shall be required. The student and the Honors class instructor shall prepare a contract indicating requirements to meet for the receipt of Honors credit. Those conditions being met the department will notify the Honors College and the student's transcript will show the successful completion of the Honors course. The Honors candidate will also take PHIL 405: Honors Independent Study in Philosophy, normally in the first semester of the senior year. This course is devoted to the Honors Project, normally an Honors paper, prepared in consultation with the student's honors advisor and submitted for the approval of the department. The Honors Project must be completed by the end of the eleventh week of class in the candidate's final semester, PHIL 405 may be repeated with permission of the department for credit.

Applicants satisfying the course requirements, having an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above and a grade point average of 3.5 or above in Philosophy and submitting an Honors Project found to be acceptable by the departmental faculty shall be recommended for the Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors in Philosophy.