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Goals and Requirements for Majors and Minors

Goals for Majors and Minors

In successfully completing a major in philosophy, a student will:

• develop a competence in principles of correct reasoning. Taking either Introduction to Logic or Critical Thinking is recommended;
• exhibit competence in understanding at least two major historical periods in Western philosophy;
• exhibit competence in understanding major motifs in non- Western philosophy;
• develop a competence in at least two fields of philosophy, such as aesthetics, philosophy of law, philosophy of science, social and political philosophy, bioethics, environmental ethics, and philosophy of religion; and
• demonstrate ability to examine philosophical arguments by the writing of analytic and creative research essays and reflection papers.

Requirements for Majors and Minors

The philosophy major is available as a bachelor of arts degree only.

For a major: 40 credits in the department, including at least two courses in the history of philosophy series and two in topics. Complete either an independent study or a thesis project in the senior year.

For a minor: 20 credits in the department, including at least one course in the history of philosophy series and one in topics.