Philosophy and Religion

Kevin Brien, Chair
Wiliam Smith Hall 115, ext. 7772

Freshman-Sophomore Courses

Required: PHL 100, Introduction to Philosophy, is the normal prerequisite for all philosophy courses at the 200 level or above. Courses at the 100 level have no prerequisite.

Major Requirements and Recommendations

Required: Ten courses in the department including PHL 100, either PHL 225 or PHL 235, plus PHL 313, 314, and PHL 435. Of the five remaining elective courses, at least one must be a 400-level seminar. PHL 000, a non-credit Methods Seminar graded Pass/Fail, is also required.

Recomended: PHL 108, Logic, is very strongly recommended for philosophy majors, especially those planning to pursue graduate study.

Minor Requirements: A minor in philosophy consists of six courses, as follows: PHL 100, PHL 313, PHL 314, and three elective courses beyond the introductory level chosen in consultation with the Department Chair. Logic is recommended but not required for students minoring in philosophy.

A minor in religion consists of six courses, as follows: PHL 313, 314, History of Philosophy, plus four more courses in religion, or courses having significant religious content. Courses in religion may be counted among the elective courses for the philosophy major.

Senior Capstone Experience: The Senior Capstone Experience for philosophy majors will take the form of a senior thesis, and students will be given four credits for successful completion. Each senior philosophy major will work in close association with a faculty mentor from the Department of Philosophy and Religion. This association between student and mentor will be an intensive one spanning the whole course of development of the thesis, from the initial formulation of a thesis proposal to final completion.