Philosophy, BA
Students receive a solid foundation for graduate study in philosophy and for training in any field that demands developed analytical and critical skills such as law, health care, journalism, or business. The Philosophy major stresses the history of philosophy and its practical applications. It also respects the diversity of students’ interests and goals by allowing them the flexibility to tailor their own program by selecting courses that interest them and that complement their minor and programs such as those in Psychology, Education, Women’s and Gender Studies, American Studies or Communication Arts.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Program | ||
| Understanding College (FS) | 1 | |
| Writing and Presentation (WRI1 & OC1) | 6 | |
| Mathematics (QR1) | 3-4 | |
| Information Literacy, Media, and Research (ITML) | 3 | |
| Creative Voices across Cultures (HCE) | 6 | |
| Science at Work (NPW) | 6-10 | |
| Ethics, Reality and Logic (PEM) | 6 | |
Take a 1000 Level PHI course 1 | ||
| Individual and Societies (SEH) | 6 | |
| Our World, Past and Present (WHG) | 6 | |
| Personal Wellness (FH) | 2-3 | |
| Religion and Culutre (RS) | 3 | |
| Philosophy Major | ||
| Select two foreign language courses in sequence | 6 | |
| Select two History HIS courses | 6 | |
| PHI-2431 | Ancient Greek Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI-2441 | Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI-3318 | 19th-Century Philosophy | 3 |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Existentialism | ||
| Twentieth-Century Philosophy | ||
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Authority and Law | ||
| The Good Life | ||
| Political Philosophy | ||
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Theory of Being | ||
| Philosophical Theology | ||
| Medieval Philosophy | ||
| Select four 2000 or higher level PHI courses | 12 | |
| Liberal Arts 2 | 6 | |
| General electives | 24 | |
| Total Hours | 120-126 | |
- 1
It is strongly recommended that PHI courses be taken in sequence: 1000-level, then 2000-level, then 3000-level or 4000-level. Thus, students are encouraged to take a 2000-level PHI course before taking a 3000 or 4000-level PHI course. PHI 4995, however, requires on 2000-level PHI course and Chairperson's approval.
- 2
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete 3/4 of their degree credits (i.e. minimum 90 credits) from courses in the Liberal Arts category. For specific academic subjects, see here.
Philosophy majors will be given an oral comprehensive examination in their last semester before graduation. Two weeks prior to the examination, the student will submit to the department, in writing, a list of all Philosophy courses taken at St. Francis College, along with a designation of particular areas, courses, or philosophers that the student would like examination questions to emphasize. However, students must also expect to be questioned on their philosophic education as a whole. Full-time professors, as well as any adjunct professor or lecturer who wishes, will take part in administering this examination.
In keeping with our mission at St. Francis College, the courses you take courses across the liberal arts ensure that you are well-rounded, able to engage in meaningful thought and conversation both within and outside of your area of expertise, and building a foundation for future success by deepening and broadening your knowledge. Building on First Year Foundations and augmenting your major field of study, the combination of courses in the Bodies of Knowledge prepares you to meet the challenges the world presents to you with intelligence, clarity, and empathy. They will equip you to solve complex problems, contribute to your community, and improve the world you inhabit.
Institutional Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate sensitivity to creative expression
- Communicate ideas and information through written, oral, visual and digital media
- Employ critical and analytical skills
- Value diverse perspectives of the human experience
- Implement information, technology and media literacy
- Demonstrate quantitative literacy
Foundation Courses- First Year College (13-14 credits)
St. Francis College’s mission, emphasizing Franciscan education, highlights access and opportunities for all students. In your first year at SFC, you will combine key skill development with courses in the liberal arts and in your areas of interest. Each of these courses and categories is essential to your success in college and beyond. Our First Year Foundations program ensures that all students will be equitably prepared to excel and achieve their goals.
Bodies of Knowledge (35 credits)
At St. Francis College, our Franciscan mission states that we “educate the whole person for a full, relational life.” This means that we strive, by making certain you take courses across the liberal arts, to ensure that you are well-rounded, able to engage in meaningful thought and conversation both within and outside of your area of expertise, and create success by deepening and broadening your knowledge. Building on First Year Foundations and augmenting your major field of study, the combination of courses in the Bodies of Knowledge prepare you to meet the challenges the world presents to you with intelligence, clarity, and empathy. They will equip you to solve complex problems, contribute to your community, and improve the world you inhabit.