In every major area of study there are questions about values or methodology that philosophy can explore. So, philosophy can deepen your understanding of your major field of study. In addition, philosophy trains a person to think rigorously about fundamental questions—to express ideas clearly and logically—to understand and evaluate conflicting points of view—to reason in a careful way. These intellectual skills are useful in almost any career. And of course, like every minor, philosophy is an area of knowledge that has its own intrinsic value.

For further information, please contact the Philosophy Undergraduate Program Director Dr. Kristen Irwin.

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Minor Requirements
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the ethics group:		3
PHIL 181	Ethics
PHIL 182	Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 283	Business Ethics
PHIL 284	Health Care Ethics
PHIL 285	Contemporary Ethical Issues
PHIL 286	Ethics and Education
PHIL 287	Environmental Ethics
PHIL 288	Culture and Civilization
PHIL 289	Philosophy and Gender
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the epistemology group:		3
PHIL 130	Philosophy & Persons
PHIL 271	Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 272	Metaphysics
PHIL 273	Philosophy of Science
PHIL 274	Logic
PHIL 275	Theory of Knowledge
PHIL 276	Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 277	Aesthetics
PHIL 279	Judgment and Decision-Making
Two elective philosophy courses at any level (e.g., another core course from either Tier 1 or Tier 2, or a 300-level course)		6
Two elective philosophy courses at the 300-level		6
Total Hours		18

You can design a program to fit your own needs. If you plan a law career, for example, you would likely want to emphasize areas like reasoning, evidence and political theory. Academic counselors can help you design a program. What follows are some suggested sequences for students preparing for careers in law, business, medicine, or religion. Of course, the general requirements stated above must be incorporated in these suggested sequences.

Suggested Sequence of Courses

The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework.  An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for study.  Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.

Suggested Minor Sequence in Pre-Law

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the ethics group:		3
PHIL 181	Ethics
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the epistemology group:		3
PHIL 274	Logic
Select two PHIL Elective Courses at any level, with the following being recommendations:		6
PHIL 182	Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 275	Theory of Knowledge
or PHIL 330	Theory of Knowledge
Select two PHIL 300-level Elective Courses, with the following being recommendations:		6
PHIL 323	Philosophy of Law
PHIL 326	Political Philosophy
or PHIL 327	Topics in Political Philosophy
PHIL 375	Philosophy of Marxism
Total Hours		18

Suggested Minor Sequence in Pre-Business

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the ethics group:		3
PHIL 181	Ethics
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the epistemology group:		3
PHIL 274	Logic
Select two PHIL Elective Courses at any level, with the following being recommendations:		6
PHIL 182	Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 275	Theory of Knowledge
or PHIL 330	Theory of Knowledge
PHIL 285	Contemporary Ethical Issues
Select two PHIL 300-level Elective Courses, with the following being recommendations:		6
PHIL 321	Ethics and Society
PHIL 326	Political Philosophy
or PHIL 327	Topics in Political Philosophy
PHIL 323	Philosophy of Law
PHIL 375	Philosophy of Marxism
Total Hours		18

Suggested Minor Sequence in Pre-Health

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the ethics group:		3
PHIL 181	Ethics
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the epistemology group:		3
PHIL 273	Philosophy of Science
or PHIL 381	Philosophy of Science
Select two PHIL Elective Courses at any level, with the following being recommendations:		6
PHIL 182	Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 284	Health Care Ethics
Select two PHIL 300-level Elective Courses, with the following being recommendations:		6
PHIL 321	Ethics and Society
PHIL 369	Philosophy of Medicine
Total Hours		18

Suggested Minor Sequence in Religion

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Select one lower-level philosophy course from the ethics group:		3
PHIL 181	Ethics
Select one lower-level course from the epistemology group:		3
PHIL 271	Philosophy of Religion
Select two PHIL Elective Courses at any level, with the following being receommendations:		6
PHIL 305	Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 340	Philosophy of St Thomas Aquinas
Select two PHIL 300-level Elective Courses, with the following being recommendations:		6
PHIL 310	Issues in Philosophy of Human Nature
PHIL 312	Problems in the Philosophy of God
PHIL 380	Topics in Philosophy of Religion
Total Hours		18

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Minor in Philosophy students will be able to:

• Analyze major texts in the history of philosophy.
• Articulate major philosophical problems and their solutions, such as questions concerning truth and knowledge, reality, moral values, and justice.
• Distinguish and explain different philosophical methodologies or approaches.
• Explain and apply ethical frameworks.
• Evaluate or construct arguments.