Dec 12, 2024  
Undergraduate Bulletin 2024-2025 
    
Undergraduate Bulletin 2024-2025

Philosophy, B.A.


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Kate McCarthy-Gilmore, Ph.D., Associate Dean

General Education 36-39 credits
Major 31 credits
General Elective 51-54 credits

The philosophy major has a built-in flexibility which allows students to: double major and connect as closely as possible an interest in philosophy with a major interest in another area, and develop a more personal course of study in philosophy, tailored to a student’s individual interests.

The minor in philosophy  is an ideal choice if a student does not have the time to pursue a major in philosophy, but nevertheless is interested in exploring life’s ultimate questions, if only in a preliminary way.

Student Learning Outcomes - Philosophy

  1. Understand the principles of critical thinking
  2. Understand the major philosophers and philosophical issues in the history of philosophy
  3. Understand the key elements of epistemology and the philosophy of being
  4. Understand the principle philosophical approaches to the human person and their respective responses to fundamental human concerns.
  5. Understand the key ethical theories and their application to ethical dilemmas on the personal, social, and professional levels.
  6. Understand the distinctively Catholic elements within Western philosophy.
  7. Be able to engage in critical reflection on the work of particular philosophers and on philosophical texts.
  8. Be able to synthesize the work of various philosophers and various texts.
  9. Be able to engage in cogent argumentation in support of a position.

General Education Requirements


   

Requirements for the major in Philosophy (B.A.):


A one-hour oral comprehensive exam and a public portfolio paper defense (see the Philosophy Program Director for oral examination study guide and further details regarding the portfolio review) are required for Program completion; these are integrated into the Senior Capstone. Philosophy majors must successfully complete (with a grade of C or above) courses within the following categories:

Select two from:


(taking L.PHI 110  or L.PHI 150  first is strongly recommended)

Select one from:


What should be done to prepare for graduate school or teaching philosophy?


When seeking a solid preparation for advanced study in philosophy at the graduate level, as background for a particular profession or vocation, or as preparation for teaching philosophy, it is strongly recommended that (in addition to fulfilling the one-hour oral comprehensive exam and portfolio review requirements) the following courses be used to fulfill philosophy major requirements.

One course from the applied ethics group


Minor and Courses List


  

 

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