Undergraduate Study in the Sage School

Majoring in Philosophy

Students expecting to major in philosophy should begin their study of it in their freshman or sophomore year. Admission to the major is granted by the director of undergraduate studies of the department on the basis of a student�s work during the first two years. Normally the student must have completed two philosophy courses with grades of B or better. Students wishing to become philosophy majors should apply at the Department of Philosophy office, 218 Goldwin Smith Hall.

Academic Advising

Students admitted to the major select or are assigned a faculty member as their academic advisor. The advisor can help students plan an appropriate curruculum in the major, select courses outside the major, and ensure that they are meeting College and Department degree requirements.

Requirements for the major

A minimum of eight philosophy courses, taken for a letter grade, including:

• at least one course on ancient philosophy (PHIL 2200, or a course with a large component on Plato or Aristotle)
• at least one course on classical modern metaphysics and epistemology from Descartes through Kant (e.g., PHIL 2220 or a course on the empiricists, the rationalists, or Kant)
• a minimum of six philosophy courses numbered 2000 or above
• a minimum of three philosophy courses numbered 3000 or above
• at least 8 credits of course work in related (non-philosophy) subjects approved by the student's major advisor

The eight courses satisfying the major may NOT include:

• more than one section of a first-year writing seminar (PHIL 1110, 1111, 1112)
• courses numbered 1900�1999
• PHIL 4900 or 4901

A course in formal logic (e.g., PHIL 2310), while not required, is especially recommended for majors or prospective majors.

Majors in philosophy may choose to pursue honors in their senior year.