PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Philosophy explores some of the most fundamental and perennial questions such as: How should we act? What is truth? What is beauty? What can we know? Are we free? In this program students examine attempts to answer these and other basic questions by considering the contributions of some of history's most inventive and critical minds.

Spanning much of the period of recorded culture, courses in this program offer students a well-rounded understanding of philosophy's central debates. The program focuses on the history of philosophical ideas and develops students' critical argumentation skills. It also provides students with the chance to examine the practical applications of philosophical theories and methods.

By studying the great ideas of the past and present, along with their applications to the real world, students in this unique program acquire the analytical skills that will help prepare them for exciting careers in the future.

The core goals of the program are to:

• Develop students' analytical reasoning skills;
• Develop students' understanding of the broad intellectual contours and social relevance of our shared philosophical heritage
• Develop oral and written and communication skill
• Develop a sophisticated understanding of how philosophical theories and methods are applicable to contemporary political and social issues

Career Opportunities

The critical thinking, oral and written communication skills, and analytical reasoning competencies that students of philosophy amass during their studies make them ideal candidates for a variety of positions in a diverse range of fields. They go on to pursue opportunities with employers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors that value critical analysis and problem-solving skills. They can also choose to further their studies by pursuing a Master of Arts in Philosophy, a two-year program that offers a thesis stream and a major research paper stream. Popular choices for further studies among philosophy graduates include law school and teachers college.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

The discipline of Philosophy draws on the theories, methods, and practices of a broad range of humanities and social sciences. Therefore, the Philosophy program builds on a common first-year platform shared with other programs in the Faculty of Arts, with specialization in Philosophy occurring in years two through four of the degree.

Semesters One and Two:
In the first year, which is shared with the BA programs in Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, History, Politics and Governance, Psychology, and Sociology, students take their first two university-level Philosophy courses from a number of choices that explore the subject across a range of themes, time periods, and geographical contexts. Students also acquire skills and knowledge in two foundational courses, Academic Writing and Research, and Critical Thinking, and they choose electives from a broad range of areas.

Semesters Three through Six:
In second year, students take their third foundational course, Research Design and Qualitative Methods, and some of the required courses in Philosophy: Introduction to Modern Philosophy; Ancient and Modern Ethics; and senior seminar which will provide them with a good foundation in the Analytic and Continental traditions of philosophical thought. In addition, students will choose from a wide variety of Philosophy electives as well as electives from outside the discipline.

Semesters Seven and Eight:

In the last year of the program, as students consider the opportunities they will pursue after graduation, they solidify their philosophical expertise and sharpen their professional competence by taking a senior seminar in Metaphilosophy and a senior seminar in the social applications and relevance of philosophy. Other Philosophy and non-Philosophy electives are also taken to complete the 40 courses of the degree (of which 20 are in Philosophy).

Transferability Guidelines

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in any of Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, History, Philosophy, Politics and Governance, Psychology or Sociology may transfer from their current program and plan to any one of the other eight plans for the Fall term of their second year of studies. Applications are available through the Program Office and must be submitted by February 2nd. Transfer applications are considered on a competitive basis subject to program capacity, and therefore, program choice cannot be guaranteed.

In order to transfer to Philosophy from any of Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, Politics and Governance, Psychology, or Sociology, students must: (1) have a CLEAR Academic Standing at the end of the Winter term of their second semester of studies; and (2) have successfully completed one of PHL 101, PHL 201, PHL 333, or PHL 366. It is strongly recommended that students complete two of PHL 101, PHL 201, PHL 333, and PHL 366 in first year.

Liberal Studies

Students must take two lower level liberal studies courses and four upper level liberal studies courses to graduate.