Philosophy Major, B.A.
The philosophy major introduces students to the major figures and important issues in the world’s philosophical traditions.
The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies recognizes that the fields of philosophy and religious studies, although distinct, nonetheless share many concerns and approaches, and often address the same issues. Consequently, departmental faculty strongly recommend that students with philosophy majors and minors also take religion courses.
Requirements for the Major
The major requires a minimum of 30 credits in philosophy at the 200 level or above, as well as a minimum of 15 credits at the 300 level or above, including the following philosophy courses:
Required:
Ethics: Take at least two of the following:
Non-Western Philosophy: Take at least one of the following:
Western Philosophical Tradition Take at least three of the following
| PLRL 205 | Classical Religion & Philosophy | 3.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Great Figures in Western Political Thought | 3.0 |
| PHIL 307 | History of Philosophy: The Ancient World to the Renaissance | 3.0 |
| PHIL 308 | History of Philosophy: The Early Modern Era to the 20th Century | 3.0 |
| PHIL 360 | Topics in Ancient Greek Philosophy | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.0 |
Two additional electives in philosophy (PHIL or PL) or from the courses listed below:
| REL 304 | Islam | 3.0 |
| REL 342 | From Abolitionism to Human Rights | 3.0 |
| PSCI 304 | Philanthropy and Civic Life | 3.0 |
| PSCI 332 | Ancient Medieval Political Thought | 3.0 |
| PSCI 333 | Modern Political Thought | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6.0 |
Department faculty urge students who wish to pursue graduate study in philosophy to take more than the minimum number of hours required to complete a major.