Philosophy, Minor
Expected Student Outcomes
- Students will be able to recognize, analyze, and logically evaluate arguments encountered in sources ranging from philosophical and academic texts to the popular media.
- Students will be able to construct and present clear, well-reasoned defenses of theses both verbally and in writing.
- Students will be able to recognize and assess the relevance of philosophical ideas and methods in the historical interplay of philosophy and culture.
- Students will be able to apply philosophical methods to conduct ethical, metaphysical, and epistemological analyses.
Outcomes Assessment Activities
The coordinator of the Philosophy Program maintains a portfolio for each student with a declared minor in philosophy. Portfolios include a student’s major papers written for the History of Philosophy courses, transcripts, and other pertinent information. Student portfolios, in conjunction with indirect measures such as the results from the annual survey of minors, form the basis for evaluating expected outcomes.
General Requirements
Students who wish to minor in philosophy must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of approved philosophy courses with grades of C or better.
Specific Requirements for the Philosophy Minor
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Philosophy Courses | ||
| PHIL 102 | PHILOSOPHICAL LITERATURE | 3 |
| PHIL 201 | CLASSICS IN ETHICS | 3 |
| PHIL 204 | CRITICAL REASONING (approved course in philosophical ethics) | 3 |
| or PHIL 205 | DEDUCTIVE LOGIC | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
| 1 | Students are required to take an additional nine credits of PHIL courses at the 200 level or above. The program offers courses focused in the ancients, modern philosophy, western and non-western religious studies, and political philosophy. Please consult with the Philosophy Program Coordinator to ensure that specific courses count toward the elective requirement. |