COURSE CURRICULUM

The Philosophy program at the University of Victoria is structured to build strong analytical, logical, and critical thinking skills across four years of study. In Year 1, students complete 3 units of Philosophy courses at any level along with 12 units of electives, allowing flexibility to explore other disciplines. In Year 2, students strengthen their reasoning abilities by completing 3 units from logic-focused courses such as critical thinking or formal logic, alongside another 12 units of electives. In Years 3 and 4, the program becomes more specialized, requiring students to engage with major figures and traditions in philosophy. Students must study classical philosophers like Plato or Aristotle, as well as key modern thinkers such as the Rationalists, Empiricists, or Kant. Additional requirements include selecting from historical philosophy options, core areas like metaphysics, philosophy of language or mind, and epistemology or philosophy of science. Students also explore ethical theory through courses in moral philosophy, meta-ethics, or justice. To deepen their expertise, they must complete 6 units of upper-level Philosophy courses, excluding specific restricted courses, along with 15 units of electives, ensuring both depth and academic flexibility.