COURSE CURRICULUM

The three-year Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) in Philosophy at Cape Breton University is designed to develop strong critical thinking, logical reasoning, and ethical analysis skills within a flexible interdisciplinary framework. In the first year, students take introductory philosophy courses along with core community studies and general arts electives, focusing on foundational areas such as logic, ethics, and basic philosophical ideas while building skills in reading, writing, and argument analysis. The second year introduces more structured study of major philosophical traditions, including ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy, as well as core areas such as epistemology, metaphysics, political philosophy, and applied ethics, helping students understand how philosophical thought develops across time and cultures. The third year focuses on advanced and specialized courses where students engage with deeper philosophical debates, thematic topics, and seminar-style learning, often including areas such as moral philosophy, philosophy of mind, social and political thought, and contemporary ethical issues. Across all three years, students are trained to evaluate arguments, construct logical reasoning, and communicate complex ideas effectively. The BACS structure also allows electives from community studies and other disciplines, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers or further study in law, education, public policy, business, writing, and other fields requiring strong analytical and reasoning skills.