We try to provide a variety of ways for interested students to sample the subject. All courses in the 100’s are appropriate first courses in philosophy. Students with interests in a particular area can also begin with a course in the 200’s, though the work there may be slightly more advanced. Philosophy 449 and 489 are normally taken by majors during their senior year.

The link to “Course Descriptions” at the left will lead you to catalog descriptions for courses. Descriptions for courses as they are offered in a given semester are also available, both for all courses offered in Fall 2008 and for the specific past offerings of topics courses.

Requirements for the Major: Nine course credits (of which up to one credit may be from Political Science 330, 335, or 350), including:

• The History of Ancient and Early Modern Philosophy (Philosophy 140 and Philosophy 242)

• Logic (Philosophy 270)

• Work in ethics, social, or political philosophy (at least one credit from among Philosophy 110, Philosophy 213, Philosophy 219, Philosophy 319, or Political Science 330, 335, or 350)

• 20th Century Philosophy in the Continental and Analytic Traditions (Philosophy 345 and Philosophy 346, each one-half credit.)

• Senior seminar (Philosophy 449)

• Senior research (Philosophy 489, one-half credit.)

Requirements for the Minor: Five course credits (of which up to one credit may be from Political Science 330, 335, or 350), including:

• The History of Ancient and Early Modern Philosophy (Philosophy 140 and Philosophy 242)

• Work in ethics, social, or political philosophy (at least one credit from among Philosophy 110, Philosophy 213, Philosophy 219, Philosophy 319, or Political Science 330, 335, or 350)

• At least one credit from courses in philosophy with a number of 300 or above.

Comprehensive Examinations: Students write for two days, three hours each day. The department has usually invited majors to submit a list of six books from a number of periods in the history of philosophy to serve as the basis for the questions on the first day. Second day questions usually explore broad philosophical issues, with students free to draw on any material in answering them. The department’s goal is to give students the chance to tie their major together, reflect on this part of their education, and demonstrate their strengths in the field.