Students
Note: See the sidebar to the left for further information.
Major
A major in Philosophy consists of ten courses. Five of these are required: Philosophy 210, 213, 220, 244, and 498. The remaining five courses are electives, with the following restrictions: (a) no more than one of these electives can be numbered below 200, and (b) at least two of these electives must be numbered above 300. Majors should aim to take Philosophy 210, 213, 220, and 244 as soon as possible.
The Department’s program heavily emphasizes critical thinking, logically-correct reasoning, and clear, concise writing. The writing requirement in the Philosophy major is met by completion of the normal courses required to complete the major.
Minor
A minor in Philosophy requires six Philosophy courses, which must include (a) both Philosophy 220 and 244, (b) either Philosophy 210 or 213, and (c) three other Philosophy electives that are approved by the chairperson or designee. Minors should aim to take Philosophy 220, 244, and either 210 or 213 as soon as possible.
Off-campus Study
The philosophy department encourages students to consider international and off-campus studies. Philosophy majors ought to consult their adviser about integrating the off-campus experience with the major requirements and selecting programs with suitable offerings in philosophy.
Majors in the Department of Philosophy have studied abroad or off-campus in the following programs in recent years: Oxford University; Cambridge University; King’s College, London; Lancaster University; Advanced Studies in England, Bath; University of Edinburgh, Scotland; Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; Syracuse in Madrid; School for International Training in Granada; IES in Barcelona; Sweet Briar College Junior Year in Spain Program, Seville; Syracuse in Florence; University of Heidelberg; F&M Travel Course, Tohoku Gakuin University, Sendai, Japan; School for International Training in Kenya; School for Field Studies, British West Indies; SEA Semester, Woods Hole, Massachusetts; American University Washington Semester; Venture Consortium Urban Education Semester.
The Office of International & Off-campus Study helps students explore a variety of programs and complete applications, and provides guidance throughout the process.
