Course Planning

Philosophy Major - Planning

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical plan for this  11 course major. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

1 course at the 100 or 200 level
Sophomore

Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 285)

Early Modern Phil. (PHIL 302)

Any 1 philosophy courses, but consider:

  • either Crit. Reasoning (PHIL 205) or Logic (Phil 245)
  • one required ethics course
Junior

Late Modern Phil. (PHIL 306)     

Any 300 level course

Any 2 philosophy courses, including, if not previously completed:

  • either Crit. Reasoning (PHIL 205) or Logic (Phil 245)
  • one required ethics course
Senior

Capstone course, one of the following:

  • Senior Seminar (PHIL 487) or
  • Senior Thesis (PHIL 497) -  if approved by Philosophy Department to do a significant undergraduate research project.

Any 2-3 philosophy courses at the 300- or 400- level necessary to complete the major.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year. The following is a typical plan to complete this 11 course major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

-
Sophomore

Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 285)           

Early Modern Phil. (PHIL 302)

Any 2 philosophy courses, but consider:

  • Either Crit. Reasoning (PHIL 205) or Logic (Phil 245)
  • one required ethics course
Junior

Late Modern Phil.  (PHIL 306)      

Any 300 level course

Any 2 philosophy courses, including, if not previously completed:

  • either Crit. Reasoning (PHIL 205) or Logic (Phil 245)
  • one required ethics course
Senior

Capstone course, one of the following:

  • Senior Seminar (PHIL 487) or
  • Senior Thesis (PHIL 497) -  if approved by Philosophy Department to do a significant undergraduate research project.

Any 2-3 philosophy courses at the 300- or 400- level necessary to complete the major.

Planning Recommendations:

The degree path for Philosophy is quite flexible. Please work closed with your advisor in choosing courses.

  • It is recommended to take Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 285), Early Modern Phil. (PHIL 302) and Late Modern Phil. (PHIL 306) in sequence if possible.
  • Generally, the logic and ethics courses should be taken before your senior year.

Capstone Planning:

There are two choices for the capstone: Senior Seminar (PHIL 487) or Senior Thesis (PHIL 497).  Please discuss your options with your major advisor during your junior year.