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Philosophy Major

A major in philosophy requires nine courses in philosophy, ten if the philosophy major is a candidate for honors. Normally no more than three of these courses may be at the 200 level and only one of the total number of courses may be an independent study.

Two of the courses must be in the history of philosophy. Students often choose one course in ancient or mediaeval philosophy (PHIL 300, 301, or 303) and one in modern philosophy (PHIL 302, 304). Students should plan to be done with one or both of their history courses by the end of their Junior Year.

At least one 400-level seminar in philosophy is also required of all majors. The Proseminar (PHIL 480) is required of students who plan to write an honors thesis, but does not count as a seminar for these purposes.

Logic I (PHIL 225), though not strictly required of all majors, is nevertheless strongly recommended – especially for students contemplating graduate work in philosophy.

A minor in philosophy consists of five courses in philosophy. The structure of the minor can be designed in consultation with a student's adviser in philosophy, or it can have a basic structure of an introductory course (PHIL 201, 213, 226), a course in the history of philosophy (PHIL 300, 301, 302, 303, 304), a 400 level seminar, and two electives.

Honors in Philosophy

All candidates for honors in philosophy must achieve a GPA of 3.4 in courses included in the major by the end of the senior year. Students who can expect to be at those levels when their courses are finished may submit proposals and pursue projects, but they will not receive honors without the required GPA.

Candidates for honors are required to take the Proseminar in Independent Writing and Research (PHIL 480) in the Fall of their Senior Year. At the end of the Proseminar, the faculty director, in consultation with other members of the department, will recommend certain students to rework their Proseminar paper into an honors thesis.

Although the Proseminar is required of all honors candidates, it is by no means restricted to them; majors who would like the experience of doing guided independent work in a collaborative environment are encouraged to enroll.