Philosophy, B.A.

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Philosophy teaches how to notice and think carefully about the ideas and assumptions basic to understandings of life and our place in the universe. It is essential preparation for any pursuit, professional or personal. The Philosophy program combines disciplinary strength with personal attention, dedicated faculty, innovative curriculum and flexibility. Philosophy majors gain a strong foundation in the history of Philosophy and in systematic areas like logic and ethics.

Besides being excellent preparation for further study in graduate or law school, a Philosophy major provides a sound foundation for critical thinking for a variety of professions including management, teaching, counseling, journalism, editing, library work, nonprofit administration, advocacy and even medicine.

Students can pursue courses and topics to connect to their specific interests. Many students double-major in Philosophy and Psychology; others have combined Philosophy with Drama, Biology, English and Women’s Studies. As part of their program, Philosophy students have opportunities to develop classroom leadership skills as well as attend and present at professional conferences.

Program outcomes

The student will:

Be familiar with key figures and developments in the history of Western and non-Western Philosophy
Possess the ability to read, interpret and articulate philosophical explanation and expression
Understand the relation between Philosophy and other important domains of human inquiry, culture and life

Degree requirements (30 credits)

Required courses (6 credits)

PHIL 120 - Discovering Philosophy 3 Credits
PHIL 499 - Coordinating Seminar 3 Credits

Electives

Students may complete their major requirements by selecting courses from departmental offerings or the Hartford Area Consortium.

Wherever feasible, students are encouraged to take these courses sequentially in order to follow the development of certain currents of thought clearly, and to follow the way that later philosophers build on their predecessors.

Recommended courses

1. Philosophical methodologies (3 credits)

PHIL 110 - Thinking Nimbly: Logic and Creative Problem-Solving 3 Credits

2. History of Philosophy (6 credits)

PHIL 240 - Existentialism 3 Credits
PHIL 244 - American Philosophers 3 Credits

3. Philosophical issues and concerns (15 credits)

Any of these courses may be used to fulfill the remainder of the credits for the major:

PHIL 200 - Philosophy Goes to the Movies 3 Credits
PHIL 225 - Philosophy of the Human Person 3 Credits
PHIL 236 - Ethical Decision-Making 3 Credits
PHIL 333 - Political Philosophy 3 Credits
PHIL 340 - Contemporary Ethical Problems 3 Credits
PHIL 345 - Environmental Ethics 3 Credits
PHIL 350 - Women Philosophers 3 Credits
PHIL 360 - Philosophies of Beauty and Art 3 Credits

4. Other concentrations

Law: Students interested in law should take PHIL 110 - Thinking Nimbly: Logic and Creative Problem-Solving or PHIL 230 - Special Topics in Philosophy (Logic for the LSAT), PHIL 333 - Political Philosophy , and PHIL 340 - Contemporary Ethical Problems .

Double majors: Should take courses that complement their other major. For example, a major in Philosophy and Psychology should take PHIL 225 - Philosophy of the Human Person and a major in Philosophy and Women’s Studies should take PHIL 350 - Women Philosophers .

Teacher licensure

Philosophy majors seeking teaching licensure should speak to the teacher licensure officer about specific course selection requirements.

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