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Philosophy Major (PHIL)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Required: 122 semester hours, to include at least 36 hours at or above the 300 course level

Available Concentrations and AOS Codes:
Philosophy, U189
Philosophy Prelaw, U190

The Philosophy Major is recommended for students wishing a basic education in the liberal arts, students preparing for a career in law or government, and students contemplating graduate study in philosophy or a related discipline. Students who would like to major in philosophy but whose interests or career goals require substantial work in another field are encouraged to consider the option of a second major.

The Prelaw concentration provides a strong preparation for law school through courses in logic, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of law. These courses cover a broad range of skills and knowledge that are of fundamental importance in the field of law.

Requirements

I General Education Core Requirements (GEC)

See complete GEC requirements and approved course listings for all categories.

Core Category

S.H.

Students may select courses for:

 

Literature (GLT)

3

Fine Arts (GFA)

3

Philosophical, Religious, Ethical Principles (GPR)

3

Mathematics (GMT)

3

Natural Sciences (GNS)
one must be a laboratory course; each must have a different departmental prefix

6–7

Reasoning and Discourse (GRD)
ENG 101 or FMS 115 or RCO 101, and PHI 310

6

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)

6

 

 

Department specifies courses for:

 

One additional GLT course (student may select)

3

Historical Perspectives on Western Culture (GHP)
required: PHI 251

3

 

II General Education Marker Requirements

See details and courses. It is possible to meet all GE Marker Requirements while completing the GE Core requirements or courses required by the major/ concentration.

Students may select courses for:

Global/Global Non-Western Perspectives (GL/GN)
four (4) courses carrying GL/GN markers, at least one of which must carry the GN marker

One Speaking Intensive (SI) Course
In addition to this SI Marker requirement, students must also complete a second SI course within the major. All programs have identified at least one course among their major requirements that is taught as Speaking Intensive.

One Writing Intensive (WI) Course
In addition to this WI Marker requirement, students must also complete a second WI course within the major. All programs have identified at least one course among their major requirements that is taught as Writing Intensive.

 

III College of Arts and Sciences Additional Requirements (CAR)

See requirements and approved courses.

Category

S.H.

Historical Perspectives on Western Culture
one GMO course: PHI 252

3

Natural Sciences
any GLS or GPS course

3–4

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)
any additional GSB course with a different departmental prefix

3

Foreign Language (GFL)
intermediate-level proficiency in one language, demonstrated by placement test, or completion of course work through course number 204

0–12

Writing Intensive Courses (WI)
a total of four WI courses

 

 

IV Major Requirements

Minimum of 27 semester hours in philosophy courses, including at least 24 hours above the 100 level and at least 18 hours above the 200 level.

  1. PHI 310*
  2. PHI 251* and 252*
  3. PHI 494

*PHI 310 satisfies 3 s.h. of GRD; PHI 251 satisfies GHP and CAR GPM; PHI 252 satisfies CAR GMO.

Prelaw Concentration

In addition to the major requirements, the Prelaw concentration requires the following:

  1. PHI 115, and
  2. either PHI 319 or 325 or 555, and
  3. either PHI 119 or 121 or 220 or 321, and
  4. either PHI 331 or 545, and
  5. PHI 335

Note that if a student uses a 100-level course to satisfy (c) of the Prelaw Concentration requirements, the minimum number of hours in Philosophy needed to complete the Prelaw Concentration increases from 27 to 30 hours.

V Related Area Requirements

Related courses to be determined by department advisor where necessary.

VI Electives

Electives sufficient to complete the 122 semester hours required for degree.