Philosophy explores logical explanations of reality, knowledge and morality. This minor will provide you with a basic understanding of the history of Western philosophy, complementing majors in religion, literature, the arts, history and science.
Highlights
- The philosophy minor introduces you to logic, critical thinking and philosophical ethics.
- Texts from both ancient and modern philosophers are explored, and optional courses discuss theology and ethics, the philosophy of history and religion and the history of political theory, among other topics.
Career opportunities
The study of philosophy develops the ability to think logically and ethically; this ability can be useful in any professional environment, but is especially valuable in careers in ministry, data management, business development and nonprofit leadership.
Course listing
General Education Prerequisites
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 100 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
Required Courses* (Minimum 15 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 103 | Logic and Critical Thinking | 3 |
Select one of the following
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 331 | Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 333 | Medieval Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 335 | Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 393 | Twentieth Century Western Thought | 3 |
| PHIL 450 | History of Political Theory and Ideas | 3 |
Electives
Select 9 units of the following
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 365 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| LIT 426 | English Literature: C.S. Lewis | 3 |
| PHIL 110 | Introduction to Philosophical Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 286 | Topics in Philosophy** | 3 |
| PHIL 330 | Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric | 3 |
| PHIL 331 | Ancient Philosophy*** | 3 |
| PHIL 333 | Medieval Philosophy*** | 3 |
| PHIL 335 | Modern Philosophy*** | 3 |
| PHIL 340 | Eastern Philosophy | 3 |
| HIST 360 | Greece: Drama and Paideia in the Polis | 4 |
| PHIL 370 | Bioethics | 3 |
| PHIL 393 | Twentieth Century Western Thought*** | 3 |
| PHIL 405 | Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
| PHIL 430 | American Wilderness Literature and Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 450 | History of Political Theory and Ideas | 3 |
| PHIL 455 | Philosophy of Language | 3 |
| PHIL 460 | Philosophy of History | 3 |
*An upper-division course from another program may count toward the philosophy minor if the course is pertinent to the philosophy minor and approved by the philosophy program director.
**Multiple iterations of PHIL 286 or PHIL 486 can be taken, when the topic designation of each course is distinct from other iterations student has completed
***PHIL 331, PHIL 333, PHIL 335 and PHIL 393 can be taken in either area, but cannot overlap to satisfy both requirements.
Program director
