COURSE CURRICULUM

The philosophy major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of philosophical ideas and critical thinking skills. To fulfill the requirements, students must complete a minimum of 32 credits, with at least 20 credits coming from upper-division courses, ensuring that learners engage deeply with advanced philosophical concepts. A key component of the major is the Philosophy Capstone course, PHIL 450, which offers 2 to 4 credits and serves as a culminating experience where students integrate and apply their knowledge from previous courses. This capstone encourages critical reflection and synthesis of the philosophical theories and issues studied throughout the program.In addition to the capstone, students are required to complete four to five upper-division philosophy courses, totaling between 16 and 18 credits. These courses allow students to explore a variety of topics in greater depth, including ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and other specialized areas. The focus on upper-division courses helps students develop the ability to engage with complex texts, construct rigorous arguments, and think critically about philosophical problems.Alongside these upper-division courses, students must also take three additional philosophy courses, which can be either lower or upper division, adding up to 12 credits. This requirement provides a solid foundation in philosophy and introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods of the discipline. The combination of lower-division and upper-division courses ensures that students build their knowledge progressively and are well-prepared for advanced study and critical analysis.Overall, the philosophy major emphasizes not only the acquisition of philosophical knowledge but also the development of individual critical thinking, moral reasoning, and intellectual growth. It encourages students to engage with ethical questions and apply philosophical perspectives to their personal interests and real-world issues, making it a versatile and enriching field of study.