COURSE CURRICULUM

The Ethics, Politics, and Law concentration in Philosophy requires students to complete a total of 42 units, combining lower division courses, upper division core courses, and concentration-specific electives. The program begins with lower division courses in Philosophical Methods and Deductive Logic I, which provide students with essential skills in logical reasoning, argument analysis, and the systematic evaluation of philosophical ideas. These foundational courses prepare students to approach ethical, political, and legal issues with analytical rigor and clarity.Upper division core courses, totaling 19 units, deepen students’ understanding of the history of philosophy and key philosophical concepts. Courses such as History of Ethics, History of Ancient Philosophy, and History of Modern Philosophy offer insight into the development of philosophical thought across different eras. Knowledge and Understanding, Metaphysics, and Ethical Theory further explore questions about reality, knowledge, and morality, while the Senior Seminar in Philosophy encourages students to apply their skills through advanced research, analysis, and discussion.Within the Ethics, Politics, and Law concentration, students complete 18 units of specialized coursework. Core electives include Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Law, which introduce students to fundamental theories of governance, justice, and legal reasoning. Students also select a seminar from the 190 or 192 series, allowing them to study focused topics in ethics, politics, or law. Additional electives, drawn from the approved departmental list, provide opportunities to explore areas such as bioethics, professional and public service ethics, rationality, philosophy of medicine, and social and political philosophy. Students may also engage in Philosophy Internships, selected topics courses, or specialized seminars to gain practical experience and further refine their analytical and decision-making skills.Overall, the concentration equips students with a strong foundation in ethical reasoning, legal principles, and political theory. By emphasizing clear communication, rigorous analysis, and practical decision-making, it prepares graduates for careers in law, public policy, government, and other fields where thoughtful ethical and legal judgment is essential.