2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
2009-2010 University Catalog

Philosophy, BA


Banner Code:  LA-BA-PHIL

The degree program in philosophy covers the major issues and areas in philosophy and serves the needs of students who wish to pursue graduate studies in philosophy or emphasize philosophy while acquiring a broad liberal arts education. Students can use this major as preparation for such professions as law or government service, or complement other interests by taking a double major in philosophy and a related field of study.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Philosophy .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


In addition to satisfying university general education  requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences  , students pursuing this degree must complete at least 33 credits in philosophy earning a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course. At least 21 credits must be at the 300 level or above, including at least 6 credits at the 400 level or above. The credits must be distributed among area requirements as indicated below. No course may be used to fulfill more than one requirement.

When the subject matter is appropriate and with the prior written approval of the undergraduate director, PHIL 391, 392, 421, 425, or 426 may be used to fulfill the requirements in the analytic tradition, the continental tradition, or the ethics and social and political philosophy.

The following philosophy courses fulfill the general education synthesis requirement: PHIL 309, 343, 377, and 378.

One course (3 credits) in logic:


Two courses (6 credits) in history of philosophy:


One course (3 credits) in the analytic tradition chosen from:


Five elective courses (15 credits) in philosophy


  • Chosen from any PHIL courses including those listed above that are not used to meet the specific requirement

▲ Concentration in Philosophy and Law (PHLW)


The concentration in philosophy and law offers philosophy majors the opportunity to focus their study of philosophy in a way that prepares them for the study of the law. In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for a BA degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, students pursuing this concentration must successfully complete 33 credits, earning a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course, with at least 6 credits at the 400 level or above.

In addition to the specific courses listed below, other relevant courses may be applied to the requirements for this concentration with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.

Five courses (15 credits) from four of the area categories above


  • logic (3 credits)
  • history of philosophy (6 credits)
  • the analytic tradition (3 credits)
  • the continental tradition (3 credits)

One required course (3 credits) in philosophy and law:


At least three additional elective courses in philosophy (9 credits)


Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. All senior seminars in philosophy are writing intensive. Philosophy majors should consult the undergraduate coordinator for other courses that can be taken to fulfill this requirement.