The Philosophy Major’s Handbook 2015-­‐2016 Think Hard. Live Well. Table of Contents
1. What is Philosophy and Why Study It ............................................................................................................. 3
2. Major and Minor Programs ............................................................................................................................... 5
3. Should I Choose the 24-16 Integrated Major, or the Regular 32-hour Major? ............................................ 6
4. 24 – 16 Course Requirements............................................................................................................................. 7
5. Philosophy Cluster Requirements for the 24 – 16 Major ............................................................................. 17
6. Two-Year Course Rotation ............................................................................................................................... 18
7. Philosophy Course List..................................................................................................................................... 19
8. Philosophy Course Descriptions ..................................................................................................................... 20
9. Advising ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
10. Philosophical Writing ..................................................................................................................................... 25
11. Citation Guidelines for Philosophy Majors ................................................................................................. 26
12. Philosophy Resources on the Web ................................................................................................................ 28
13. Statement on Academic Honesty .................................................................................................................. 29
14. Independent Study Policy .............................................................................................................................. 31
15. Departmental Honors in Philosophy ........................................................................................................... 32
16. Special Events .................................................................................................................................................. 33
17. Philosophy Club .............................................................................................................................................. 34
18. Phi Sigma Tau .................................................................................................................................................. 35
17. Career Planning & Internships ...................................................................................................................... 36
18. Graduate School Advice and Planning ........................................................................................................ 38
19. Letters of Recommendation ........................................................................................................................... 41
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What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is disciplined reflection on some of life’s most interesting and important
questions—questions that arise across the whole range of human experience, particularly those
about the nature of world, human nature, and the conditions of human flourishing. Does God
exist, and if so, what is God like? Are there objective moral principles binding on all persons?
How can humans attain true happiness? What do the demands of justice require of me? To
what extent, if any, are humans free? When, if ever, is it morally permissible to take a human
life? Philosophy’s questions are often life-orienting questions, the answers to which shape our
self-understanding, and sometimes direct our life’s plans and purposes. While philosophical
study may not resolve all of life’s deepest questions, it will assuredly better enable you to
understand and appreciate their complexity.
Philosophical questions are pursued in the distinctive sub-fields of philosophy:
Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, Political
Philosophy, and Philosophy of Art, among others. These subject areas of philosophy, by their
very subject matter, require that students think cross-disciplinarily. If, for example, one studies
the philosophy of art, the theory and practice of actual artists will constitute part of the content
of any such course. To ask about the conditions for knowledge requires that one look at
historical, scientific, interpersonal, and other forms of knowledge as they are pursued in
various fields of inquiry.
Philosophy is characterized not just by the questions and concerns it addresses, but also
by the distinctive methodologies it employs to gain insight and understanding about them.
Philosophical method often places special emphasis on:
1) The History of Philosophy: studying the contributions of historically significant
philosophers.
2) Language: careful attention to the clear and precise use of language and an interpretive
sensitivity to the meanings of texts.
3) Logic: facility with the formal structure of arguments and inference patterns, with an eye to
frequently encountered lapses in logic.
4) Argument Analysis and Construction: the ability to evaluate the merits of arguments and
assumptions encountered in texts and everyday discourse, along with the ability to construct
arguments that support our preferred judgments about philosophical issues.
5) Implications and Consequences: tracing out the implications and consequences of various
philosophical positions for beliefs and actions. This requires, in our College’s context, that
students cultivate a comprehensive understanding of how various philosophical positions
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affect and are affected by one’s Christian commitments. This sort of integrative thinking is
constitutive of worldview development.
Why Study Philosophy?
Philosophy deepens and refines a questioning and critical cast of mind that helps us to
understand and evaluate complex and controversial ideas and perspectives. In particular,
philosophical study fosters skills in critical thinking, argument analysis and construction, the
ability to think independently, creatively, and to form reasonable judgments about the issues
one encounters. It helps us to articulate and defend our preferred ways of thinking orally and
in writing, as well as to develop an integrative vision that enables us to appreciate the ways in
which philosophical concerns touch upon our personal and professional lives, other academic
disciplines, and broader social concerns. These abilities are crucial transferable skills that can
contribute to success in a variety of career and life contexts. In short, philosophy provides
foundations for thinking across the academic disciplines and hones thinking skills that are
applicable in nearly in nearly all walks of life.
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Major and Minor Programs
Course requirements
Cluster Requirements
Regular
Major
101 — Introduction to Philosophy
(4 hrs.)
At least one course is required from each
of the following clusters:
(32)
243 — Introduction to Logic
(2 hrs.)
!
311/312 — History of Philosophy
(8 hrs.)
400 level seminars (including one 4–
hour Capstone course)
(8 hrs.)
!
Electives (6 hrs.)
Other 300-level or 400-level courses (4
hrs.)
Total Semester Hours (32 hours)
Integrative
Major
101 — Introduction to Philosophy
(4 hrs.)
(24–16)
243 — Introduction to Logic (2 hrs.)
!
311/312 — History of Philosophy
(8 hrs.)
One 4–hour Capstone course (494) (4
hrs.)
Bridge course in supporting field
(2-4 hrs.)
Values
"
215, 216, 241, 251, 317, 318, 319,
328, 494-3, 494-4
"
Approved 347,447 and 455
courses
Rationality
"
244, 281, 315, 331, 341, 494-1, 4942, 494-4
"
Approved 347,447 and 455
courses
Religion
"
226, 241, 261, 315, 331, 341, 494-1,
494-2, 494-4
"
Approved 347,447 and 455
courses
Some courses fit under several clusters.
Choose which cluster the course will
fulfill.
*Course offerings may change
periodically. Check the latest
“24-16 Course Requirements” form.
Electives (2-4 hrs.)
Total Semester Hours (24 hrs.)
Minor
(20)
101 — Introduction to Philosophy
(4 hrs.)
12 of the 20 hours should be upper
division courses.
243 — Introduction to Logic (2 hrs.)
311/312 — History of Philosophy
(8 hrs.)
Electives (6 hrs.)
Total Semester Hours (20 hrs.)
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Should I Choose the Integrated (24-16) or the 32 hour Major?
Philosophical questions arise across the whole range of human experience. Our encounters with
nature, our appreciation of art, the structure of our society’s laws, our puzzlement over another’s selfdestructive lifestyle: all of these and more prompt us to raise philosophical questions. Does science alone
tell us the truth about the world? How do we discriminate art from non-art? What is the just society?
How should we understand the nature of pride and anger and other vices, and how do they undermine
human flourishing? Addressing these philosophical questions, however, often requires that we study the
ways science, art, sociology, psychology, or some other discipline can inform our queries. Here, in brief,
is the rationale for the integrated philosophy major.
If you are trying to choose between the regular and integrated philosophy major, you already have
a deep interest in philosophy. But your interests may also range beyond philosophy, to psychology, or
theology, communications, or some other academic discipline, and you’re reluctant to drop either major
area of interest. If so, the integrated philosophy major may be ideal for you. The integrated major is
designed to encourage philosophical study in conjunction with some other area of academic
concentration. Students take 24 designated hours in philosophy and 16 designated hours in some
companion discipline. Students opting for the integrative philosophy major also enjoy taking “bridge
courses” that bring philosophy into fruitful conversation with the companion discipline. For example,
students pursuing an integrated major with, say, English Literature, could take ENGL 434 (Modern
Literary Theory) in addition to PHIL 447, Philosophical Hermeneutics, thereby building “a bridge”
between the disciplines. Many students elect to take more than 16 hours in the companion discipline—an
economical route to a double major.
If your appetite for philosophy simply can’t be slaked by 24 hours, or if you desire to pursue
graduate study in philosophy or some other discipline for which more philosophical training may be
beneficial—seminary, law, for instance—then you should enroll in the 32-hour philosophy major. Either
way, both the integrated as well as the 32-hour major are sufficient for “Philosophy Major” to appear on
your college transcript. Finally, you are at liberty to change your mind. If you declare an integrated
major, you can always switch to a 32-hour major, or vice-versa.
Please feel free to consult with any members of the philosophy department. We’d be happy to
explore both the integrated and the 32-hour major to determine which is best for your career at Wheaton
College.
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Philosophy Integrated Major Course Requirements*
PHILOSOPHY CORE CURRICULUM:
PHIL 101, 243, 311-12, plus 494’s Phil Capstone=18 hrs
16
+
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Ancient Languages
Required:
Required:
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (4 hours from the following)
LING 321 Introduction to Linguistic Science
And 14 Hours From: Greek (Classical or Koine) or
Latin LITERATURE courses
GREK 331, 332, 333 Advanced Classical Reading
GREK 334, 335, 336 Advanced Koine Reading
PHIL 347 Topics in Philosophy (with approval)
PHIL 447 Advanced Topics in Philosophy (with
GREK 494 Senior Capstone
approval)
PHIL 455 Historical Seminar, Ancient or Medieval
LATN 333 Advanced Latin Readings
3)
LATN 495 (Independent Study: On Latin Philosophical Texts)
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 hours
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
Anthropology
Required:
Required:
ANTH 376 Culture Theory
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours from the following)
And 12 Hours From:
HNGR 112 Third World Issues
ANTH 324 Anthropology of Global Christianity
ANTH 353 Biculturalism
PHIL 251 Global Justice
PHIL 331 Science and Christian Belief
ANTH 354 Culture of the Modern World
PHIL 341 Nature of Persons
ANTH 362 Globalization
3)
CAPSTONE: 494
ANTH 494 Senior Capstone
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
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+
24
Art
Required:
Required:
1)
16 Hours From:
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
ART 302 The Understanding of Art
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
ART 325 Cinema
ART 329 Community Art
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
ART 345 Archeology of the Classical World
ART 351 History of Art & Architecture II (Modern & Contemporary)
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or more hours from the following)
PHIL 216 Philosophy of the Arts
PHIL 447 Aesthetic Theory
ART 352 Medieval & Byzantine Art
ART 353 Renaissance Art
ART 354 Non-Western Art
PHIL 495 Independent Study
3)
ART 381 New Media Art & Criticism
CAPSTONE: 494
ART 382 Art & Technology
ART 471 Studies in Art History
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
ART 493 Mentoring Seminar (with approval)
ART 494 Seminar
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
_______________
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
Biblical & Theological Studies
Required:
Required:
BITH 372 Historical Theology
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 hours from the following)
BITH 374 Systematic Theology
And 8 Hours From:
BITH 325 Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics
BITH 375 Theological Ethics
BITH 381 Spiritual Classics
BITH 385 Doctrine of the Triune God
PHIL 315 Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 331 Science & Christian Belief
PHIL 347 Philosophical Theology
PHIL 447 Philosophical Hermeneutics
PHIL 455: Historical Seminar (with approval)
BITH 386 Theological Method
BITH 388 Christology
BITH 392 Doctrine of Scripture
BITH 393 Theological Anthropology
BITH 394 Postmodern Theologies
3)
CAPSTONE RECOMMENDED:
PHIL 494-2 METAPHYSICS OR
PHIL 494-4 CHRISTIANITY & POSTMODERNITY
BITH 395 Christian Ethics
BITH 396 Roman Catholic Theology
BITH 398 Eastern Orthodox Theology
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
BITH 431 O.T. Criticism
BITH 438 Wisdom Literature
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
_______________
1. Rationality
BITH 452 N.T. Criticism
2. Religion
3. Values
BITH 483 Theology of Augustine
BITH 484 Theology of Thomas Aquinas
BITH 489 Advanced Topics in Christian Thought
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
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+
24
Biology
Required:
Required:
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours from the following)
BIOL 241 or BIOL 242 (Organization of Life: Genetics and Cell
Biology, or Diversity of Life: An Introduction of Zoology and Botany)
BIOL 243 Processes of Life: Ecology and Evolution
And 8 hours from:
BIOL 303 Contemporary Issues in Biology
PHIL 317 Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 331 Science and Christian Belief
BIOL 314 Issues in Environmental Science
BIOL 315 Special Topics in Biology for Gen. Ed.
3)
BIOL 319 Environmental Ethics
BIOL 358 Techniques in Recombinant DNA
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 hours
_______________
BIOL 362 Cell and Developmental Biology
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
BIOL 374 Bioinformatics
BIOL 381 Public Health and Nutrition in Developing Areas
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
BIOL 494 The Integrated Biologist
Business and Economics
Required:
Required:
16 Hours From:
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours from the following)
ECON 211 Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 212 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 325 Intermediate Macroeconomics
ECON 326 Intermediate Microeconomics
PHIL 318 Philosophy of Law
PHIL 328 Business Ethics
B/EC 342 Principles of Management
ECON 346 Public Finance
PHIL 331 Science and Christian Belief
ECON 347 Urban Economics
PHIL 495 Independent Study
ECON 348 Economics of Competition
3)
B/EC 352 Business Law
CAPSTONE RECOMMENDED:
PHIL 494-3 Ethical Theory
ECON 351 Energy Economics
Electives: 2 hours
ECON 361 Evolution of the Global Economy
______________
ECON 362 Wealth and Poverty of Nations
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
ECON 364 Health Economics
ECON 365 Economic Growth & Development
ECON 366 International Economics
ECON 371 Small-Scale Enterprise & Economic Development
ECON 376 Game Theory
ECON 378 The Economics of Labor & Poverty
B/EC 494 Seminar
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
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+
24
Christian Formation & Ministry
Required:
Required:
16 Hours From:
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (4 hours from the following)
CE 221 Christian Spiritual Practices
CE 322 Human Development and Ministry
CE 341 Spiritual Theology: Knowing and Experiencing God
CE 342 Classics of Christian Devotion: Hungering for God
PHIL 341 Nature of Persons
PHIL 447 Virtue Ethics
CE 343 Ancient Art of Lectio Divina
CE 351 Intercultural Studies I: AAE-Theory
3)
CE 421 History and Philosophy of Christian Education
CAPSTONE recommended:
PHIL 494-3 Ethical Theory
CE 422 Curriculum and Instruction
Electives: 2 hours
CE 423 Discipleship
_______________
CE 459 Advanced Study in Christian Education
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
Communications
Required:
Required:
COMM 302 Rhetorical Theory
1)
And 12 Hours From:
COMM 252 Argumentation and Debate
COMM 253 Messages, Influence, & Culture
COMM 301 Communication Theory
2)
COMM 312 Communication Criticism
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours from the following)
PHIL 216 Philosophy of the Arts
COMM 341 Media, Religion & Culture
PHIL 447 Philosophical Hermeneutics
PHIL 494-4 Christianity and Postmodernity
COMM 363 Persuasion
COMM 376 Church and Theater
3)
COMM 424 Special Topics in Communication (with approval)
COMM 454 Special Topics in Rhetoric & Culture (with approval)
CAPSTONE RECOMMENDED:
PHIL 494-3 Ethical Theory
PHIL 494-4 Christianity & Postmodernity
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
Recommended:
Supporting performance course
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
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16
+
24
Computer Science
Required:
Required:
CSCI 375 Artificial Intelligence (2)
CSCI 494 Social Ethical Issues in Computing (4)
1)
And 10 Hours From:
CSCI 231 Introduction to Computer Science Concepts
CSCI 365 Programming Language Concepts
CSCI 394 Seminar
CSCI 445 Analysis of Algorithms
CSCI 455 Operating Systems
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours)
PHIL 331 Science and Christian Belief
3)
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
Recommended:
PSYC 351 Cognition & Perception
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
English: Literature
Required:
Required:
ENGL 434 Modern Literary Theory or
1)
ENGL 435 History of Literary Criticism
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
And 12 Hours From:
ENGL 331 Medieval Literature
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
ENGL 336 The English Renaissance
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
ENGL 337 Seventeenth-Century Eng. Lit.
2)
ENGL 338 Restoration & Eighteenth –Century Literature
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours from the following)
ENGL 341 Am. Lit. from Beginning through Romanticism
PHIL 216 Philosophy of the Arts
PHIL 347 Topics in Philosophy (with approval)
ENGL 342 Am. Lit.: Realism and Modernism
PHIL 447 Philosophical Hermeneutics
ENGL 343 Am. Lit. Modernism and Beyond
3)
ENGL 355 The Romantic Period
PHIL 455 Historical Seminar (with approval)
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
ENGL 361 Victorian Lit.
ENGL 364 Modern British Lit
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
ENGL 365 British Lit. after 1939
ENGL 371 Modern European Lit.
ENGL 373 Literature of the Bible
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
ENGL 375 Women Writers
ENGL 378 Studies in Literary Genre
ENGL 379 African-Am. Lit.
ENGL 381 or 391 Am. Authors: Beginnings through Romanticism
ENGL 38 or, 392 Am. Authors: Realism to Modernism
ENGL 383 or 393 Am. Authors after 1945
ENGL 384 Shakespeare
ENGL 385 or 386 Selected Authors
ENGL 431 Christianity and Fantasy
ENGL 433 Varied Literary Topics
ENGL 485 or 486 Studies in Wade Center/Special Coll. Authors
ENGL 494 Senior Seminar
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+
24
Foreign Language (MODERN)
Required:
Required:
16 Hours From:
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 to 4 hours from the following)
French:
FREN 334 Culture & Communications
FREN 335 French Civilization & Culture
FREN 346 Masterpieces of French Literature to 1800
PHIL 216 Philosophy of the Arts
FREN 347 Masterpieces of French Literature 1800 to Present
PHIL 347 Topics in Philosophy (with approval)
PHIL 447 Philosophical Hermeneutics, or
FREN 439 Topics in French Language & Literature
Advanced Topics in Philosophy (with approval)
PHIL 495 Independent Study
FREN 489 Topics in France
FREN 494 Senior Seminar
3)
German:
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
_______________
GERM 341 Contemporary German Culture and Mores
GERM 351 & 353 Topics in German Literature and Culture
GERM 437 Topics in German Language & Literature
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
GERM 489 Special Topics
GERM 492-1 & 494-1 Agents of Change
GERM 492-2 & 494-2 From Doubt to Hope
Spanish:
SPAN 334 Spanish Civilization & Culture
SPAN 335 Spanish American Culture & Civilization
SPAN 336 Survey of Spanish Literature
SPAN 337 Survey of Spanish American Literature
SPAN 439 Topics in Spanish Language & Hispanic Literature
&Culture
SPAN 489 Topics in Hispanic Culture
SPAN 494 Senior Seminar
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
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+
24
Global Justice**
Supplemental courses:
Required:
16 Hours From:
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 to 4 hours from the following)
PACS ### Introduction to Peace & Conflict Studies (4)
ANTH 353 Biculturalism
BITH 375
Theological Ethics (2)
BITH 384
Political Theology (2)
PSCI 343
Political Ethics (4)
PSCI 341
Topics in Political Theory (2)
PHIL 215 Contemporary Moral Problems
COMM 367 Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution (2)
IR 359
Forgiveness and Political Reconciliation (2)
PACS 494 Senior Capstone: Peace, Reconciliation and Justice (2)
ECON 347 Urban Economics (2)
3)
PHIL 241 Suffering
PHIL 251 Global Justice (recommended)
PHIL 494-3 Ethical Theory
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
_______________
ECON 378 The Economics of Labor and Poverty (4)
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
ECON 362 Wealth and Poverty of Nations (4)
1. Rationality
ECON 365 Economic Growth & Development
2. Religion
3. Values
ENVR 319 Environmental Ethics (4)
GEOL 305 Natural Disasters (2)
GEOL 381 Global Warming (2)
COMM 223 Communication and Diversity (2)
COMM 367 Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution (2)
PSCI 263
Politics and Public Policy (4)
PSCI 355
Race and the Politics of Welfare (2)
PSCI/URBN/IR 385
Urban Politics (2)
PSYC 241 Social Psychology (4)
SOCI 337
Racial and Ethnic Relations (4)
SOCI 341
Social and Political Movements (4)
SOCI 347
Gender and Society (4)
SOCI 355
Social Class and Inequality (4)
SOC 385
Social Change
URBN/PSCI/IR 362
Global Cities & the World (4)
IR 357
Third World Politics and Development (4)
IR 359
Forgiveness and Political Reconciliation (2)
IR 378
U.S. Foreign Policy (4)
HNGR 494 HNGR Capstone Integration Seminar
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
** This integrated major is intended to work smoothly with either the Human Needs and Global Justice (HNGR) certificate
program or the new Peace and Conflict Studies certificate program. Completion of either certificate program is not, however,
a requirement for completing the Philosophy & Global Justice integrated major. Students in this major will still complete all
normal application processes and independent requirements for the certificate program(s) of their choice. See the Certificate
Program(s) for current requirements.
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+
24
History
Required:
Required:
HIST 494 Christianity and Historical Study
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours from the following)
And 14 hours from:
Upper Division courses: HIST 305-491 (except HIST 324)
Recommended:
HIST 295 Introduction to Historical Inquiry
PHIL 455 Historical Seminars
3)
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
International Relations
Required:
Required:
1)
IR 376 Ethics & Foreign Policy
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
AND 14 HOURS FROM:
IR 353 Comparative Public Policy
IR 357 Third World Politics and Development
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
IR 359 Forgiveness and Political Reconciliation
2)
IR 372 International Law
IR 378 U.S. Foreign Policy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
BRIDGE: (4 hours from the following)
PHIL 251 Global Justice
PHIL 318 Philosophy of Law
PHIL 319 Political Philosophy
IR 379 International Political Economy
IR 382 Global Warming Politics
3)
IR 385 Politics of Humanitarian Intervention
CAPSTONE RECOMMENDED:
PHIL 494-3 Ethical Theory
Electives: 2 hours
_______________
IR 412 Islam and Politics
IR 415 Nationalism & Ethnic Conflict
IR 494 Senior Seminar
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
PSCI 348 American Political Thought
PSCI 381 Constitutional Law
1. Rationality
PSCI 383 Religion and American Politics
2. Religion
3. Values
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
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+
24
Mathematics
Required:
MATH 494-1 History and Foundations of Mathematics
Required:
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours)
And 12 Hours From:
MATH 232 Calculus II
MATH 245 Linear Algebra
MATH 331 Vector Calculus
MATH 333 Differential Equations
MATH 341 Modern Algebra
MATH 343 Discrete Mathematics
PHIL 331 Science & Christian Belief
3)
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
MATH 351 Analysis I
_______________
MATH 352 Complex Analysis
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
MATH 362 Geometry
1. Rationality
MATH 363 Probability and Statistics I
MATH 364 Mathematical Modeling
2. Religion
3. Values
MATH 451 Analysis II
MATH 485 Advanced Topics in Mathematics
Physics
Required:
Required:
PHYS 301 Origins of Modern Science
PHYS 302 Ideas of Modern Science
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
And 12 Hours From:
PHYS 231 Introductory Physics I
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHYS 232 Introductory Physics II
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
PHYS 233 Introduction to Special Relativity
PHYS 234 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 315 Topics in Physical Science
PHYS 333 Thermal Physics and Fluids
PHYS 341 Analytical Mechanics
PHYS 342 Electromagnetic Theory
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours)
PHIL 331 Science and Christian Belief
3)
CAPSTONE: 494
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
PHYS 344 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 359 Thermodynamics
PHYS 361 Solid State Physics & Nanotechnology
PHYS 362 Plasma Physics
PHYS 366 Particle Physics and Cosmology
PHYS 367 Introduction to Stellar & Galactic
Astrophysics
PHYS 494 Seminar
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
Revised 5/26/15
15
+
16
24
Politics
Required:
Required:
PSCI 345 Classical and Medieval Political Thought
PSCI 346 Renaissance and Modern Political Philosophy
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (4 hours from the following)
And 8 Hours From:
PSCI 145 Political Philosophy
PSCI 341 Topics in Political Theory
PHIL 215 Contemporary Moral Problems
PHIL 251 Global Justice
PHIL 318 Philosophy of Law
PHIL 341 Nature of Persons
PHIL 455 Historical Seminar (with approval)
PSCI 343 Political Ethics
PSCI 348 American Political Thought
PSCI 349 Christian Political Thought
PSCI 381 Constitutional Law
3)
PSCI 383 Religion and American Politics
CAPSTONE RECOMMENDED:
PHIL 494-3 Ethical Theory
PSCI 385 Urban Politics
PSCI 387 Law and Religion
Electives: 2 hours
PSCI 494 Seminar
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
Psychology
Required:
Required:
PSYC 481-3 Psychology of Religion (2 hrs.)
PSYC 481-5 History of Psychology (2 hrs.)
PSYC 494 Personality Psychology (4 hrs.)
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
And 8 Hours From:
PSYC 241 Social Psychology
PSYC 317 Developmental Psychology
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours from the following)
PHIL 331 Science and Christian Belief
PHIL 341 Nature of Persons
PSYC 343 Sensation and Perception
PSYC 348 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 351 Cognition
PHIL 496 Internship
3)
PSYC 361 Behavioral Neuroscience
CAPSTONE: 494
PSYC 431 Psychology of Human Sexuality
PSYC 481-1 Theories and Methods of Integration
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
PSYC 481-2 Advanced Topics in Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 481-6 Historical and Cultural Psychology
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
_______________
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
16
Revised 5/26/15
16
+
24
Sociology
Required:
Required:
SOC 376 Sociological Theory
1)
CORE CURRICULUM (14 HOURS)
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy
2)
BRIDGE: (2 or 4 hours from the following)
3)
PHIL 251 Global Justice
PHIL 318 Philosophy of Law
PHIL 319 Political Philosophy
PHIL 331 Science and Christian Belief
PHIL 341 Nature of Persons
PHIL 347 Feminist Philosophy
CAPSTONE RECOMMENDED:
And 12 Hours From:
SOC 251 Culture, Media, & Society
SOC 321 Sociology of Economic Life
SOC 337 Racial and Ethnic Relations
SOC 341 Social & Political Movements
SOC 347 Gender & Society
SOC 355 Social Class & Inequality
SOC 356 Family
SOC 364 Urban Sociology
SOC 366 Sociology of Religion
PHIL 494-4Christianity & Postmodernity
SOC 367 Crime and Delinquency
SOC 373 Sociology of Education
Electives: 2 or 4 hours
SOC 385 Social Change
_______________
Cluster Requirements:
One Course must fall into each of these 3 categories:
SOC 494 Senior Capstone
1. Rationality
2. Religion
3. Values
*Any substitutions to these requirements must be approved by the department chair before taking an alternative class.
17
Revised 5/26/15
Philosophy Cluster Requirements
Rationality
At least one course is required from each of the following clusters
Religion
226
241
Asian Philosophy
Suffering
244
Symbolic Logic
261
Apologetics
281
315
Philosophy & Postmodernity
Philosophy of Religion
315
Philosophy of Religion
330
331
341
Science and Belief
Science and Christian Belief
Nature of Persons
330
331
341
Science and Belief
Science and Christian Belief
Nature of Persons
Values
215
216
Contemporary Moral Problems
Philosophy of the Arts
241
251
Suffering
Global Justice
317
318
319
328
380
Biomedical Ethics
Philosophy of Law
Political Philosophy
Business Ethics
War & Moral Experience
347 TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY
Feminist Philosophy
Philosophical Theology
Feminist Philosophy
Islamic Philosophy
Islamic Philosophy
Augustine’s Confessions
Religious Experience
Augustine’s Confessions
Emotions
Love & Friendship
Death & the Meaning of Life
447 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY
Phenomenology
Philosophical Hermeneutics
Phenomenology
Aesthetic Theory
Virtues & Vices
Philosophical Hermeneutics
455 HISTORICAL SEMINARS
SUITABLE HISTORICAL SEMINARS MAY SATISFY MULTIPLE CLUSTER REQUIREMENTS. (PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.)
Ancient Seminar: Plato,
Aristotle
Ancient Seminar: Plato, Aristotle
Historical Seminar: Kierkegaard
Medieval Seminar: Augustine,
Aquinas, others
Medieval Seminar: Augustine,
Aquinas, others
19th Century Continental or
Contemporary Philosophy Seminar
(Philosophical focus varies)
Historical Seminar: Kierkegaard
Early Continental
Modern Seminar: Hume, Locke,
Kant
19th Century Continental or
Contemporary Philosophy
Seminar (Philosophical focus
varies)
Early Continental
Edith Stein
494 CAPSTONES
-1
-2
Epistemology
Metaphysics
-1
-2
Epistemology
Metaphysics
-4
Christianity & Postmodernity
-4
Christianity & Postmodernity
4
18
-3
-4
-
Ethical Theory
Christianity & Postmodernity
Revised 11/5/2014
Two-Year Course Rotation
Semester Fall 2014
200 Level Courses
PHIL 216 Philosophy of the Arts – Benson (2)
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic – O’Connor (2)
PHIL 244 Symbolic Logic – O’Connor (2)
PHIL 281 Augustine’s Confessions – Talbot (4)
Semester Spring 2015
200 Level Courses
PHIL 215 Contemporary Moral Problems –
Fletcher (4)
PHIL 226 Asian Philosophy– Fletcher (2)
PHIL 281 Philosophy & Postmodernity (2) –
Benson (4)
300 Level Courses
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy – Borden (4)
PHIL 315 Philosophy of Religion – J. Wood (4)
PHIL 317 Biomedical Ethics – Fletcher (2)
PHIL 318 Philosophy of Law – Fletcher (2)
PHIL 331 Science & Christian Belief – O’Connor (2)
PHIL 345 Ancient & Medieval Political Thought–
McGraw (4)
300 Level Courses
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy – Borden (4)
PHIL 328 Business Ethics – Fletcher (2)
PHIL 341 Nature of Persons – Talbot (4)
PHIL 347 Emotions – Williams (2)
PHIL 347 Feminist Philosophy – Benson (2)
PHIL 347 Religious Experience – Williams (2)
400 Level Courses
PHIL 447 Phenomenology – Borden (4)
PHIL 447 Hermeneutics – Benson (2)
PHIL 494-2 Metaphysics – O’Connor (4)
400 Level Courses
PHIL 447 Virtues & Vices – J. Wood (2)
PHIL 494-3 Ethical Theory – Fletcher (4)
PHIL 494-4 Christianity & Postmodernity –
Benson (4)
Semester Fall 2015
200 Level Course
PHIL 216 Philosophy of the Arts – Benson (2)
PHIL 241 Suffering – Talbot (4)
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic – O’Connor (2)
PHIL 251 Global Justice – Fletcher (4)
Semester Spring 2016
200 Level Courses
PHIL 215 Contemporary Moral Problems –
Fletcher (4)
PHIL 226 Asian Philosophy– Fletcher (2)
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic – O’Connor (2)
PHIL 244 Symbolic Logic – O’Connor (2)
PHIL 281 Philosophy & Postmodernity – Benson (2)
300 Level Courses
PHIL 311 History of Philosophy –A. Wood (4)
PHIL 317 Biomedical Ethics – Fletcher (2)
PHIL 318 Philosophy of Law – Fletcher (2)
PHIL 347 Islamic Philosophy – A. Wood (4)
PHIL 347 Philosophical Theology – J. Wood (4)
PHIL 347 Feminist Philosophy – Benson (2)
300 Level Courses
PHIL 312 History of Philosophy – Borden (4)
PHIL 315 Philosophy of Religion – J. Wood (4)
PHIL 328 Business Ethics – Fletcher (2)
PHIL 341 Nature of Persons – Talbot (4)
PHIL 455 Modern Seminar: Early Continental –
Benson (2)
400 Level Courses
PHIL 455 Contemporary Seminar: Wittgenstein –
O’Connor (2)
PHIL 494-1 Epistemology – J. Wood (4)
PHIL 494-2 Metaphysics – O’Connor (4)
400 Level Courses
PHIL 494-3 Ethical Theory – Fletcher (4)
PHIL 494-4 Christianity & Postmodernity –
Benson (4)
19
Revised 11/5/2014
20
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PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy Courses – List
PHIL 215 Contemporary Moral Problems
PHIL 216 Philosophy of the Arts
PHIL 226 Asian Philosophy
PHIL 241 Suffering
PHIL 243 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 244 Symbolic Logic
PHIL 251 Global Justice
PHIL 261 Apologetics
PHIL 281 Philosophy & Postmodernity
PHIL 311, 312 History of Philosophy
PHIL 315 Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 317 Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 318 Philosophy of Law
PHIL 319 Political Philosophy
PHIL 328 Business Ethics
PHIL 331 Science and Christian Belief
PHIL 341 Nature of Persons
PHIL 347 Topics in Philosophy: Augustine’s Confessions, Feminist Philosophy, Philosophical
Theology
PHIL 447 Advanced Topics in Philosophy: Phenomenology, Philosophical Hermeneutics, Analytic
Philosophy, Virtue Ethics
PHIL 455 Historical Seminars: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, 19th Cent. Continental or Contemporary
Philosophy Seminar, Edith Stein
PHIL 494-1: Epistemology
PHIL 494-2: Metaphysics
PHIL 494-3: Ethical Theory
PHIL 494-4: Christianity and Postmodernity
21
Revised 11/5/2014
Philosophy Course Descriptions
PHIL 215 - Contemporary Moral Problems. Explores contemporary moral questions, including: What makes
an action right? How do we know when a course of action is right or wrong? Is it ever morally permissible to
lie, or steal, or kill? What rights do people have? Is it unjust to treat persons differently on the basis of their sex
or race? Are there ethical objections to certain sorts of sexual behavior? What answers can be given to questions
surrounding capital punishment, AIDS, drugs, euthanasia, abortion, the needy, and the environment? These are
a few of the pressing moral questions faced by reflective people considering the nature of human life in society.
In this course we will address such questions from the perspective of moral philosophy, or ethics.
PHIL 216 - Philosophy of the Arts. Examines philosophical issues in the arts, such as the nature of creativity,
the categories of "art" versus "non-art" and "high" versus "low" art, the responsibility of the artist to the
community, the role of art in society, and the relationships between art and religion.
PHIL 226 - Asian Philosophy. Philosophical traditions in the East have developed simultaneously with those in
the West, albeit until recently with little demonstrable influence on one another. Philosophical systems arising
within Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism represent fascinating alternatives to those associated with the
Hellenic, Roman, and Christian worlds. In this course we will study the philosophies of the East, paying close
attention to their roots in the corresponding religious systems of Asia and their ongoing relationship to those
traditions. We will view them in the comparative light of both Western philosophical thought and the HebrewChristian religious tradition. Can be taken to meet the Diversity requirement.
PHIL 241 - Suffering. “If God were good, He would wish to make His creatures perfectly happy, and if God
were almighty He would be able to do what He wished. But the creatures are not happy. Therefore God lacks
either goodness, or power, or both.” That, C. S. Lewis writes, “is the problem of pain, in its simplest form.”
This course addresses that problem, using Lewis’ Problem of Pain as our stepping off point and then enriching
our theological and philosophical horizons through readings from, e.g., Rudolph Otto, J. L. Mackie, Alvin
Plantinga, Roderick Chisholm, William Rowe, and Marilyn McCord Adams. Prerequisite: PHIL 101.
PHIL 243 - Introduction to Logic. This course teaches students to identify, analyze, and assess the sorts of
arguments one encounters in philosophical texts and in everyday life, such as op-ed pieces, policy papers, and
political writing. The course places special emphasis on constructing and refining arguments in order to draw
appropriate conclusions in support of one’s own beliefs. Classical syllogistic arguments and other formal
argument structures receive attention as do the common fallacies of reasoning. This is an excellent course to
enhance your critical thinking and writing abilities.
PHIL 244 - Symbolic Logic. This sequel to PHIL 243 focuses on the form or structure of valid deductive
arguments, and the simple and compound sentences that form them. It analyzes the rules of deductive
inference, replacement rules, and how to translate ordinary English sentences into their symbolic equivalent.
Proving the validity or invalidity of arguments in Sentential Logic, Predicate Logic, and Quantified Predicate
Logic comprises a major portion of the course. Like math courses, this class has problems and proofs that
students will work through in class and as homework.
PHIL 251 – Global Justice. People around the world suffer hunger, oppression, from poor health, and many
other causes. Is this merely misfortune or is it injustice? We will consider the main issues of global justice, such
as whether one can speak of justice in a global context rather
than simply within societies, the role of international human rights, the proper response to global economic
inequalities, the morality of international conflict, and international environmental justice.
PHIL 261 - Apologetics. In Christian history, apologetics arose as the attempt to honor the biblical injunction that
believers should always to be prepared “to make a defense”—that is, an apologia—“to anyone who asks [us] for
a reason for the hope” that we Christians have (1 Pet. 3:15). This course takes up this task, employing
philosophical methods and insights to reflect on what the goals of apologetics should be and how they can be
effectively pursued in today’s intellectual environment. Readings will be biblical, historical (e.g., Augustine,
Kant, Kierkegaard, Newman), and contemporary (e.g., C. S. Lewis, P.F. Strawson, Charles Taylor, and William
Wainwright). Prerequisite: PHIL 101.
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PHIL 281 – Philosophy & Postmodernity.
People often think there is something called “postmodernism.” There isn’t. Instead, there are various
postmodern thinkers, some of whom turn out to be people with a deep Christian faith. In this course, we will
read some of the (in)famous figures, such as Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault. But we will also read the
Jewish thinker Emmanuel Levinas and Jean-Luc Marion and Jean-Louis Chrétien, who are deeply Christian in
their thinking and have radically changed the philosophical landscape.
PHIL 311 - History of Philosophy: Ancient & Medieval.
Ancient and medieval philosophers often worked to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for that which they had
inherited and out of which they built, while also being creative thinkers in their own rights. This course looks at
a few of the major thinkers and texts from the nearly 2000 year period stretching from the beginnings of Western
philosophy in 585 BC to the opening years of the European Renaissance. It traces common problems and themes
that receive ongoing attention throughout this period, such as: the problem of the one and the many, the cosmos
nature, the existence of God, the relationship between faith and reason, the problem of universals, the nature of
the soul, and others. Prerequisite: PHIL 101
PHIL 312 - History of Philosophy: Modern & Contemporary. This course, like PHIL 311, is dedicated to an
overview of Western philosophy, and in this semester we look at modern and contemporary philosophy,
beginning with the Renaissance rejection of scholasticism, moving through 17th and 18th century rationalists and
empiricists, the Kantian synthesis, 19th century responses to Kant, and several major 20th century schools,
including phenomenology, logical positivism, analytic philosophy, and pragmatism.
PHIL 315 - Philosophy of Religion. Is there a God, and if so, what is he like? Can God’s existence be establish
by philosophical argument? These are among Western philosophy’s oldest questions. The philosophy of religion
course explores philosophical concerns arising out of theism in general and Christian theism in particular.
Topics include: the reasonableness of belief in God, God's nature, the problem of suffering, the problem of
divine foreknowledge and human freedom, religious experience, religious pluralism, and more. Course
readings touch mainly on contemporary authors, though many historically important figures are also discussed.
PHIL 318 - Philosophy of Law. What is law? What separates law from mere orders backed by threats? Ought
judges to "make" law, or only to interpret it? Is punishment justified, and if so, for what purpose? When should
people be held responsible for their actions? What rights should defendants have? What goals of justice should
the law serve? Are ordinary moral obligations suspended for the lawyer in performance of his or her duties?
These are a few of the questions arising out of the attempt to understand the nature and role of law and legal
systems in society.
PHIL/Biology 317x. - Biomedical Ethics. An interdisciplinary consideration of ethical issues in the biological
and health sciences with an emphasis on those related to medicine, including issues in biotechnology, such as
genetic engineering, end of life issues, abortion, human experimentation, and the role of race and gender in
medical treatment and research. Taught jointly with the Biology Department. Can be taken to meet the Diversity
requirement.
PHIL/Business Economics 328 - Business Ethics. Corporations and the economy in the US and elsewhere are
reeling from the effects of an unprecedented series of moral scandals. What ethical guidelines must be put in
place to reestablish confidence in the integrity of business? Some of the questions are: it ethical to pay bribes in
foreign countries, or to go along with their treatment of people when those ways are seen as unjust in our
society? What are the ethical obligations of truth telling in the context of business negotiations or advertising?
What rights do employees have, and how can businesses best respect these rights? What is the proper place of
capitalistic institutions in a just society? What is 'fair treatment’ for women and minorities in business? In this
course we will have a brief survey of basic ethical concepts and general moral theory, and then discuss a variety
of ethical issues that arise in the areas of business and work. The general orientation will be towards an
integration of the theoretical with the practical. Taught jointly with the Business Economics Department.
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PHIL 331 – Science and Christian Belief. This course looks at the nature of scientific reasoning, and how
philosophers of science answer questions of knowledge and reality, with specific interest in the post-positivist,
post-modern critiques of scientific presumption to knowledge. Special attention is devoted to the sometimestroubled relationship between science and Christian belief, as these arise from contemporary accounts of the
origin of the cosmos and evolutionary theory. This is an excellent course for science majors and philosophy
double majors, though it does not presume any specific knowledge or even competency in the sciences.
PHIL 341 - Nature of Persons. Starting with P.F. Strawson’s seminal work on the reactive attitudes, this course
explores what it means to be a created person by working through various interpretations and crucial questions
concerning our reactive attitudes (e.g., Is distinctively human life possible without these attitudes? Should we
quench our retributive attitudes?), which prompts us to follow Harry Frankfurt in posing questions about the
structure of created personhood, and then leads us to conclude the course with questions from Charles Taylor
and Richard Rorty about the world of persons. Additional readings from, e.g., Gary Watson, Nietzsche, Rawls,
Dennett, and Camus.
PHIL 347 - Feminist Philosophy. Feminism is one of the significant theoretical movements of the 20th century.
There are, however, many different kinds of feminism, and the movement is by no means univocal in its
understanding of women, women’s experience, or women’s oppression. This course looks both at the
fundamental theoretical questions regarding our understanding of human nature raised by feminism and at a
number of different forms of feminist theory.
PHIL 447 - Phenomenology. In 1900 and 1901 Edmund Husserl published his two-volume Logical
Investigations, (arguably) launching phenomenology, one the most significant philosophical movements of the
20th century. All of the major strains in continental philosophy have either been deeply influenced by or grew
directly out of phenomenology – including existentialism, structuralism, post-structuralism and
postmodernism, critical theory, and contemporary hermeneutics and linguistics. In this course, we look at the
basic claims of the phenomenological method, examples of phenomenological analyses, and the history and
development of the phenomenological movement.
PHIL 447 - Virtue Theory. Virtues are acquired habits of excellent functioning in areas of human life that are
difficult and important. Aristotle and his followers think that human happiness is possible only by those
possessing virtues such as courage, justice, prudence, temperance, and others. The apostle Peter enjoins
Christians to “make every effort to add to your faith virtue.” What are virtues? How do we acquire them? What
are the seven deadly vices, and why are they unanimously believed to undermine human happiness? This class
explores teachings ancient, medieval, and modern to explore the habits of mind, will, and appetite that are
essential for human flourishing.
PHIL 455 - Ancient Philosophy. Ancient philosophy provides the principles in which the entire Western
intellectual tradition is rooted. This course provides an in-depth study of the thought of Socrates, Plato, and
Aristotle – the foundational thinkers of Western philosophy. It will also consider some of the primary influences
on each of these figures as well as their impact on later Hellenistic philosophy. Topics include central issues in
metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy.
PHIL 455 - Medieval Philosophy. In no other period of history are philosophy and the Christian intellectual
tradition so deeply intertwined and systematically developed. This course offers a selective survey of Western
philosophical thought from the fourth to the fourteenth century focusing in particular on three foundational
figures: Augustine, Anselm & Aquinas. Topics include the problem of universals, the theory of knowledge and
truth, the nature of free choice and practical reasoning, ethical theory, and philosophical theology Some
attention will be given to the development of ideas across the period and the influence of non-Western
traditions on the West.
PHIL 494-1 – Epistemology. Surely, among the most distinctive features of humans are their cognitive powers
and the knowledge they make possible: historical, empirical, apriori, interpersonal, moral, and religious
knowledge, among others. Epistemology, or the theory of knowledge, explores knowledge and related
intellectual goods such as understanding, rationality, and experiential acquaintance. It investigates human
intellectual powers, the extent of their reach, and whether these powers must follow a particular method or be
trained to certain intellectual habits to be employed to greatest effect. Typical questions asked by
24
Revised 11/5/2014
epistemologists include: What are the nature and limits of human knowledge? What conditions must we satisfy
in order to know or to have justified belief? What intellectual virtues characterize excellent intellectual agents?
Do the arguments of skeptics show that we don’t have knowledge or justified belief? While this course focuses
on more contemporary discussions, we will also discuss the epistemologies of many historically significant
philosophers.
PHIL 494-2 - Contemporary Metaphysics. This course takes a careful look at a number of pressing (and
enduring) philosophical issues. We begin with the methodological question of realism and truth: can we in fact
discern the hidden nature of reality? If so, how? We then look at various proposals as to the nature of persons,
including questions of mind and body, free will and determinism, and personal identity. In addition to a fairly
comprehensive survey of such topics as these, we will spend some weeks near the end of the semester looking at
a book-length treatment by a contemporary philosopher focusing in one or the other of these areas.
PHIL 494-3 - Ethical Theory. The nature of ethical theory is a vigorously contested issue in philosophy today,
and one that has very significant practical implications for society. What is the status of the moral principles of
the Hebrew-Christian moral tradition? Can they be defended and argued on the basis of reason and common
human experience, or are they only "house rules" for those particular communities that have religious
allegiances? Can we still talk today of a "common morality," accessible in principle to all people in society, that
can be the basis of law and policy? Should ethical reflection be conducted in terms of action guiding precepts or
ideals of moral character? Are questions of right and wrong capable of being decided on rational grounds?
How, if at all, can rival moral judgments be established as true over competitors? How are moral principles to
be applied in concrete situations? Such questions are but a few of those that arise in moral philosophy,
questions that have occupied a great part of the energies of the West's leading philosophers since Socrates. This
course is an advanced undergraduate seminar course in ethical theory. It is designed to satisfy the Capstone
requirement for the Philosophy major, bringing into operation the philosophical understanding and skills
developed over your college years.
PHIL 494-4 - Christianity and Postmodernity. An assessment of the postmodern critique of traditional Western
metaphysical, epistemological, and religious claims in the light of the Christian faith. Includes thinkers such as
Chrétien, Derrida, Heidegger, Henry, Husserl, Levinas, and Marion.
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Advising
Advising begins before you step foot on Wheaton’s campus in your interactions with the Director of
Freshman Advising, and continues until you have your exit interview with your major advisor. As soon as you
officially declare Philosophy as a major, you are assigned an advisor within the department. Your advisor is
responsible for helping to guide your course of studies throughout your Wheaton Career.
Advisors do more than simply sign registration forms. In fact they will not sign them without taking
time to ask how you are doing academically, spiritually, and otherwise. Your advisor can help you with course
selection, thinking about careers, graduate studies, or with general life matters.
As soon as you are accepted into the major and assigned to an advisor, we ask that you meet with your
advisor for an initial interview. In addition to getting acquainted, your advisor will try to get a sense of your
overall academic course through Wheaton, whether, say, you have a double-major, an integrated major, a
specific career goal, and so forth. At this meeting you will also be asked to complete a brief survey about your
academic strengths and weakness.
Important Advice on Advising:
•
Do take the initiative to meet with your advisor. If at all possible, sign up to meet with your advisor at
least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. Sign-up sheets are posted just as you enter the main door
to the department. If you cannot attend a scheduled appointment, please notify your advisor or the office
coordinator.
•
Arrange for an initial meeting with your advisor just as soon as you can after officially declaring a major.
•
Even if you are a double major and have two advisors, we nevertheless request that you meet with your
philosophy advisor during registration week.
•
You will have an important exit interview with your major advisor toward the end of you last semester.
This will be an important time for you and your advisor to discuss your overall experience in the
department and at the college.
•
We ask that all students visit the Career Counseling Center (on the second floor of the Student Services
Building) periodically throughout your time at Wheaton. Overwhelmingly, philosophy majors do not go
on to study philosophy at the graduate level, but pursue careers in other areas. You need to be focused
and intentional about exploring how your training in philosophy and your vocational calling postWheaton come together.
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•
Philosophical Writing
Excellent writing, regardless of discipline, is characterized by proper mechanics and grammar, evident
organization, and a style that is clear, clean, precise, and suitable for the target audience. (The Philosophy
Department has adopted the Kate L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers as
its required style manual.) Good writers are also aware of conventions specific to particular disciplines and
types of assignments. What makes for a piece of good creative non-fiction, or a good social science presentation,
probably won’t satisfy the demands of good philosophical writing.
Philosophical writing prizes clarity and economy of expression. Its theses are typically forwarded
through arguments that display (among other desiderata):
•
•
•
•
Analytical rigor: Clearly separated themes and concepts
Depth: (avoids passing glances and summaries of information)
Evident use of criticism, counterexamples, and a consideration of possible objections to one’s own ideas.
Explanations, where necessary, of key concepts and ideas, with suitable examples and illustrations
The requirements for good philosophical writing may also differ as one is writing an exegetical,
historical, comparison and contrast, or an argumentative essay. The following resources can help you to explore
in more depth matters that receive only brief mention here:
1. Guidelines to Writing a Philosophy Paper: http://www.jimpryor.net/teaching/guidelines/writing.html
2. Tips On Writing a Philosophy Paper: http://www.public.asu.edu/~dportmor/tips.pdf
3. Writing the Philosophy Paper:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/materials/student/humanities/philosophy.shtml
4. Writing Papers for Philosophy Classes:
http://www.williams.edu/philosophy/fourth_layer/faculty_pages/jcruz/moraltutor/index.html
5. Harvard’s Guide to Philosophy Writing:
http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic235750.files/Philosophical_Writing.pdf
6. The Philosophy Student Writer’s Manual, ed. Graybosch, et. al, Writing Philosophy Papers, by Zachary Seech,
Philosophical Writing, by A. P. Martinich
Wheaton College Policy on Inclusive Language:
For academic discourse, spoken and written, the faculty expects students to use gender inclusive language for
human beings.
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Citation Guidelines for Philosophy Majors
In all courses in the philosophy department, we require that students use The Chicago Manual of Style. You are
welcome to consult this rather weighty tome, but you will find the following text much easier to use (and quite
inexpensive to purchase): Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations:
Chicago Style for Students and Researchers, 7 ed., rev. Wayne C. Booth et al. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press,
2007).
th
Below are several of the most common kinds of citations. There is a different form for footnotes and endnotes and another
form for bibliographic citations; it is important not to confuse or conflate the two.
BOOKS:
One author
Note form:
Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (New York: Penguin, 2006), 99–100.
Bibliographic form:
Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. New York: Penguin, 2006.
Two or more authors
Note form:
Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns, The War: An Intimate History, 1941–1945 (New York: Knopf, 2007), 52.
Bibliographic form:
Ward, Geoffrey C., and Ken Burns. The War: An Intimate History, 1941–1945. New York: Knopf, 2007.
Editor, translator, or compiler in addition to author
Note form:
Gabriel García Márquez, Love in the Time of Cholera, trans. Edith Grossman (London: Cape, 1988) 242–55.
Bibliographic form:
García Márquez, Gabriel. Love in the Time of Cholera. Translated by Edith Grossman. London: Cape, 1988.
Chapter or other part of a book
Note form:
John D. Kelly, “Seeing Red: Mao Fetishism, Pax Americana, and the Moral Economy of War,” in Anthropology
and Global Counterinsurgency, ed. John D. Kelly et al. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010), 77.
Bibliographic form:
Kelly, John D. “Seeing Red: Mao Fetishism, Pax Americana, and the Moral Economy of War.” In Anthropology
and Global Counterinsurgency, edited by John D. Kelly, Beatrice Jauregui, Sean T. Mitchell, and Jeremy Walton,
67–83. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010.
Book published electronically
If a book is available in more than one format, cite the version you consulted. For books consulted online, list a
URL; include an access date only if one is required by your professor. If no fixed page numbers are available,
you can include a section title or a chapter or other number.
Note form:
1. Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (New York: Penguin Classics, 2007), Kindle edition.
2. Philip B. Kurland and Ralph Lerner, eds., The Founders’ Constitution (Chicago: University of Chicago Press,
1987), accessed February 28, 2010, http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/.
Bibliographic form:
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Penguin Classics, 2007. Kindle edition.
Kurland, Philip B., and Ralph Lerner, eds. The Founders’ Constitution. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987.
Accessed February 28, 2010. http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/.
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JOURNAL ARTICLES:
Article in a print journal
In a note, list the specific page number(s) quoted. In the bibliography, list the page range for the whole article.
Note form:
Joshua I. Weinstein, “The Market in Plato’s Republic,” Classical Philology 104* (2009): 440.
Bibliographic form:
Weinstein, Joshua I. “The Market in Plato’s Republic.” Classical Philology 104* (2009): 439–58.
*Note: Here “104” is the volume number. You need to include both the volume number and the year.
Article in an online journal
Include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if the journal lists one. A DOI is a permanent ID that, when appended
to http://dx.doi.org/ in the address bar of an Internet browser, will lead to the source. If no DOI is available,
list a URL. Include an access date only if one is required by your professor.
Note form:
Gueorgi Kossinets and Duncan J. Watts, “Origins of Homophily in an Evolving Social Network,” American
Journal of Sociology 115 (2009): 411, accessed February 28, 2010, doi:10.1086/599247.
Bibliographic form:
Kossinets, Gueorgi, and Duncan J. Watts. “Origins of Homophily in an Evolving Social Network.” American
Journal of Sociology 115 (2009): 405–50. Accessed February 28, 2010. doi:10.1086/599247.
WEBSITE:
A citation to website content can often be limited to a mention in the text or in a note (“As of July 19, 2008, the
McDonald’s Corporation listed on its website . . .”). If a more formal citation is desired, it may be styled as in the
examples below. Because such content is subject to change, include an access date or, if available, a date that the
site was last modified.
Note form:
1. “Google Privacy Policy,” last modified March 11, 2009, http://www.google.com/intl/en/privacypolicy.html.
2. “McDonald’s Happy Meal Toy Safety Facts,” McDonald’s Corporation, accessed July 19, 2008,
http://www.mcdonalds.com/corp/about/factsheets.html.
Bibliographic form:
1. Google. “Google Privacy Policy.” Last modified March 11, 2009.
http://www.google.com/intl/en/privacypolicy.html.
2. McDonald’s Corporation. “McDonald’s Happy Meal Toy Safety Facts.” Accessed July 19, 2008.
http://www.mcdonalds.com/corp/about/factsheets.html.
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Philosophy Resources on the Web
General Philosophy Sites:
1. Epistemelinks.com: A one stop shop for loads of information about philosophy
2. Guide to Philosophy on the Internet: http://www.earlham.edu/~peters/philinks.htm
(Hasn’t been updated since 2003, but still lots of useful information.)
3. http://www.ephilosopher.com/: Another omnibus of info and sites
4. www.lib.lsu.edu/hum/philosophy/resources_web.html: Very useful general site with loads of information
about all areas of philosophy.
5. http://www.niu.edu/phil/resources/index.shtml: another great site to connect you to anything you want to
know about philosophy.
Research Sites:
1. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
2. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
3. Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy
4. Philosophers Index: Essential for most research. Access through Buswell Library.
5. http://philpapers.org/: Access to full length articles.
6. http://people.brandeis.edu/~teuber/hippias.html
7. JSTOR
8. Project Muse
9. CCEL Christian Classics Ethereal Library
10. http://www.erraticimpact.com/: research data base
11. http://www.blackwell-compass.com/subject/philosophy/: source for on-line philosophy articles,
searchable by topic.
12. Dictionary of Philosophical Terms: http://www.philosophypages.com/dy/index.htm
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Statement on Academic Honesty
Department of Philosophy, Wheaton College
In a Christian academic community deeply committed to intellectual honesty, cheating and plagiarism
are matters of serious concern. The Community Covenant states, “Scriptures condemn…dishonesty (such as
stealing and lying, of which plagiarism is one form).” Your professor expects all work that you turn in to be
your own. If you are unsure what constitutes plagiarism or would like to refine your understanding of
plagiarism, the library has a tutorial available at http://library.wheaton.edu/plagiarism.
Being truly academically honest requires effort. None of us thinks purely by or for ourselves. We live in
a sea of ideas, and most of our thoughts and arguments owe much to things other people have said or written.
Full academic honesty requires acknowledgement of and gratitude for those sources. It admits how deeply we
are indebted to and dependent on the work of others, yet few of us remember well just how much we owe. We
may not always remember who first suggested an idea to us or where our thoughts really originated. We may
have thought about certain things for so long, that the arguments and ideas feel like our own, and we have long
since lost the true origin of the ideas in the passage of time. Unfortunately these gaps are unavoidable (and full
citation of all of our sources would likely make for very long footnotes). But to the degree that you remember
who or what first suggested a particular line of reflection or set of ideas to you, please put a footnote
acknowledging your debt to that person and source. If a reader would likely attribute to you ideas that belong
to another, then correct the misleading impression by citing sources. Keep records of your research and earlier
drafts to make available should a question ever arise regarding the authenticity of your work.
Plagiarism can take several forms. Three common forms are the Straight Verbatim Lift, the Synonym
Swap, and Idea Theft. Let us look at examples:
Original text: “Philosophy is, ideally, a completely nondogmatic subject. Nothing is accepted merely on
authority, no matter how reputable.” (From William Hasker, Metaphysics, p. 20)
1. Straight Verbatim Lift: “Philosophy is, ideally, a completely nondogmatic subject. Philosophers accept
beliefs on the strength of argument, not authority.” (First sentence is a straight verbatim lift without a footnote,
even though the second sentence is changed.)
2. Synonym Swap: “Philosophy is, ideally, a totally nondogmatic discipline.”
3. Idea Theft: “Philosophy accepts nothing merely on legal, expert, or religious authority.”
Idea theft is the hardest area of plagiarism to understand. By analogy, consider patented inventions. An
invention is really just another person’s IDEA. Thus, it is the inventor’s property making the inventor its owner
in all situations regardless of whether money is involved. To take another’s ideas as your own and to pass them
off as such, without acknowledgment, is to steal that person’s ideas, even if you use different wording. When
ideas seem to be part of common knowledge to educated people in the discipline, no acknowledgment needs to
be given (e.g., “Utilitarianism advocates promoting the greatest good for the greatest number.”) When ideas
seem to be somewhat less a matter of common knowledge, or when they definitely are the creation of the
author, citation must be given.
The College Handbook outlines disciplinary measures for plagiarism as follows:
Outcomes (i.e., penalties) for academic dishonesty may include the following:
a. reprimand/warning
b. assignment of additional work
c. lower the grade assigned for the specific assignment by one or more “grade steps”
d. re-examination
e. lower the grade to zero credit for the specific assignment on which academic dishonesty occurred
f. assign the grade of F (Failed) in the course (in consultation with the academic department Chair of the
faculty member reporting the dishonesty and the Student Development Office)
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g. dismissal, either with the possibility of readmission (i.e., suspension with or without conditions for the
possible readmission) or without the possibility of readmission (i.e., expulsion) (dismissal will be
recommended by the academic dean in consultation with the reporting faculty member, the student's
faculty advisor, the academic department Chair, and the Student Development Office)
Outcomes “a-e” above may be implemented by the professor without consultation or concurrence with
the academic department Chairperson and the Student Development Office.
In addition to plagiarism, the Handbook addresses the following forms of academic dishonesty:
Cheating is defined as use of unauthorized notes, study aids, or non-approved sources for an
examination, unauthorized alteration of a graded work after it has been returned and resubmission of
that work for re-grading, submission of another person's work to meet requirements for a course, and
submission of identical or similar papers for credit in more than one course (concurrently or
sequentially) without prior permission from the course instructors.
Fabrication is defined as falsifying or inventing any information, data, or citation, presenting data that
were not gathered in accordance with standard guidelines defining the appropriate methods for
collecting or generating data as if they were gathered in accord with those guidelines, and failing to
include an accurate account of the method by which the data were gathered or collected.
Academic dishonesty also includes any lack of integrity exhibited through lying, misrepresenting,
defrauding, or deceiving related to assigned or voluntary academic work. It further includes any
deliberate attempt to gain unfair advantage in completing examinations or other required work,
colluding, aiding or abetting the academic dishonesty of another student, and the falsification of
academic records and official documents. These definitions are not exhaustive.
The faculty of the Philosophy Department hope this will be of use to you. Please consult your professor if you
have any questions, and do so before the assignment is due. The Handbook can be accessed at:
http://intra.wheaton.edu.ezproxy.wheaton.edu/studentresources/studenthandbook/academic/index.html
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Independent Study Policy
Independent studies, Philosophy 495, offers students an opportunity to work one-on-one with a
professor on some subject not covered in the regular curriculum. Instructors are under no obligation to
undertake independent studies and the department imposes the following restrictions and requirements on all
independent studies:
1. No professor can undertake more than two independent studies per semester. There is a department-wide
limit of 4 independent studies per semester.
2. The student must apply for and secure the instructor’s and department chair’s permission to take an independent
study in the semester prior to the one in which the work will be done. If the instructor has too heavy a load, or if
someone else can better handle the topic, the student may be referred to another teacher.
3. By the end of the first week of the term, and after discussing his/her program of studies with the teacher, the
student should submit for the teacher’s approval a prospectus of the term’s work. This should include a clear
statement of:
a. The topic and objectives
b. An outline of subtopics or steps in the study
c. A calendar for completion of each sub-topic or step
d. A bibliography of pertinent writings
e. Indication of what writing will be done and by what deadlines.
The student should then arrange regular meetings with the teacher, minimally every two weeks. The student is
responsible for making these appointments, for keeping them, and for completing each stage of the work on
time.
A 495 Independent Study may not substitute for a required 400-level course without special permission.
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Departmental Honors in Philosophy
Philosophy majors seeking additional challenge and enrichment may wish to apply to the departmental
Honors Program. Honors are won by completing a significant thesis project containing original ideas and
arguments, that receives a grade of A or A-, and is successfully defended before a thesis committee on or before
April 15th of the student’s senior year. A student who completes all the requirements will, upon graduation,
receive a special certificate indicating the honors designation, honors status will be recorded on the student’s
transcript, and a copy of the thesis will be archived in Buswell Library.
Eligibility
To apply for departmental honors, the student must:
1. Be a 32-hour major with an overall GPA of 3.5, and a GPA of 3.7 in philosophy, and must have completed the
History of Philosophy and at least one 400-level class.
2. Be enrolled in or have already taken an upper-division class whose content bears on the student’s thesis
project.
Procedures:
1. Students applying for departmental honors must submit a thesis proposal of approximately 500 words that
outlines the general topic and direction of the project. Clearly, this will require some advanced preparation. This
proposal must be submitted by April 15th of the student’s junior year, and must receive departmental approval.
With the thesis proposal, students shall indicate the faculty member who has agreed to serve as thesis director.
2. The thesis director will form a committee of two additional faculty members, one from inside and one from
outside the department.
3. Students must defend their honors thesis no later than April 15th of their senior year, if they wish for their
honors status to be noted in the commencement program. To defend by April 15th, students must submit
completed drafts to the all readers at least three weeks prior to the defense.
4. Honors students will enroll in PHIL 499 in the semester of their thesis defense, and shall receive 4 hours of
academic credit.
5. Any corrections the thesis committee may require must be submitted by reading day of finals week.
6. Finally, students will submit a copy of the approved thesis to Buswell Library for archiving.
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Special Events
1.
Philosophy Pizza Party: Each September the department treats all philosophy majors and students
interested in philosophy to some great Chicago style deep-dish pizza, dessert, and drinks. A great time to
meet other majors.
2.
The Special Speaker Series: Each year the department invites 5 or 6 well known philosophers to Wheaton’s
campus to speak on a wide range of philosophical topics. Past speakers include C. Stephen Evans of Baylor
University, John Hare of Yale University, Russ Shafer-Landau of University of Wisconsin, Michael Rae of
the University of Notre Dame, Timothy O’Connor of Indiana University, and Susan Brower-Toland of St.
Louis University. Lectures are held mid-week and go from 7:30 – 9:00 pm.
3.
The annual AESTHETICS LECTURE, jointly sponsored with the Art and English departments and the
Music Conservatory, encourages “thinking about the arts” historically, theologically, and philosophically.
4.
ETHICS WORKSHOPS and LECTURES convened by the CENTER FOR APPLIED CHRISTIAN ETHICS will
expose you to major moral problems in our society, highlight Christian ethical concerns, and provoke
ethical reflection.
5.
The annual McMANIS LECTURESHIP rotates between the Philosophy, Bible/Theology, and History
departments, bringing distinguished scholars to campus to talk on issues of interest to the three
departments. The Philosophy Department will host the series in 2010 – 2011, exploring the theme “The
Contributions of Medieval Philosophy to Contemporary Philosophical Concerns.” The speakers will be:
Scott MacDonald of Cornell University, Katherin Rogers of the University of Delaware, and Jeff Brower of
Purdue University.
6. The Philosophy Club is student led and meets twice a quarter to encourage philosophical fun and good chat
among our majors and those with philosophical interests. Recent meetings have included watching and
discussing films with philosophical themes, inviting a professor to share on some topic philosophical or
otherwise, hearing a student presentation, or doing some advance thinking on a subject to be broached in
the Special Speaker Series.
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Philosophy Club
Philosophy majors interested in good philosophical chat with other philosophy students and others
interested in philosophy, should consider participating in the Philosophy Club. The Club meets twice a quarter,
among other things, to:
•
Discuss philosophical issues
•
View and discuss films with philosophical themes
•
Hear and discuss original student work or the work of other philosophers
•
Invite professors from across the campus for informal conversation
•
Go used book hunting in Chicago
The Philosophy Club is organized and led by the TAs of the philosophy department.
For further information, contact any of the Philosophy TAs who function as the Clubs leaders:
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PHILOSOPHY
PHI SIGMA TAU
Illinois Beta Chapter
Wheaton College
Phi Sigma Tau is the International Honor Society in Philosophy. Founded in 1930 and incorporated as a
nonprofit corporation in 1955, the Society now has a network of over 151 chapters and 30,335 members
throughout the United States and Canada, at both public and private institutions of higher learning. Phi Sigma
Tau publishes a twice yearly journal, Dialogue, for student contributions in all areas of contemporary
philosophical research. PST publications include the PST Bulletin sent to all students and alumni/members
containing news of local chapter activities. The National Alumni Chapter (NAC) provides a medium of
exchange and communication for one-time PST members who desire to retain their affiliation with the Society
following graduation.
Fees & Requirements
Membership is limited to those who have taken at least two philosophy classes with a 3.5 grade average
in all philosophy courses taken. Initiation into PST requires a one-time initiation fee (currently $25.00) for the
International Office.
As part of the application process, download your transcripts from BannerWeb and average out your
philosophy courses to verify your eligibility. Membership in this honor society will be noted on the graduation
bulletin at Wheaton College.
If interested, contact our local chapter advisor:
Dr. David B. Fletcher, x 5890, david.b.fletcherwheaton.edu
GRADUATING SENIORS: IF INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER PLEASE
RESPOND TO THE OFFICE COORDINATOR, BY F RIDAY, APRIL 1ST, TO
RECEIVE COMMENCEMENT RECOGNITION. IF ALREADY A MEMBER, THEN
PLEASE VERIFY BY THIS DATE AS WELL.
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Career Planning and Academic Credit Through Internships
Students don’t choose to major in philosophy because it leads to an obvious career path. Nevertheless,
philosophy majors cultivate a variety of transferable skills that serve them well in virtually all career choices,
including the ability to:
•
•
•
•
•
Read critically,
Think analytically,
Write and speak clearly and persuasively,
Understand and evaluate alternative perspectives and viewpoints
See the implications of various perspectives and policies
Employers often prefer to teach employees company policy and practice on the job, particularly in fields
such as business and informational technology, where the information you receive in today’s undergraduate
classes may already be outdated. What businesses can’t teach—and desperately need—are the transferable skills
one acquires in studying philosophy.
Philosophy majors excel in standardized exams leading to graduate schools, and to law, business, and
medical schools. Consider, that on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), philosophy majors
scored 9.6% above the mean, whereas business majors scored 4.34% below the mean. On the LSAT (Law School
Admissions Test), philosophy majors scored 8.7% above the mean, exceeded only by physics and math majors.
(Philosophy ranked first in the verbal portion of the LSAT).
Graduates of Wheaton’s philosophy department have pursued careers in law, medicine, ministry,
computer programming, foreign service, editing, sales, social work, college teaching, and even as college
presidents (Dr. Ryken graduated with a Wheaton Philosophy degree). So in answer to the question, What can
you do with a philosophy major? The honest answer is “Anything you want!”
To make employers appreciate your potential, however, requires that you act strategically to position
yourself favorably to enter the job market. Ideally, career preparation should begin as early as your freshman
year. The single most important step is to take advantage of the many services provided by Career Services
(located on the second floor of the student services building). Career Services has a four-year plan that can help
you to achieve your career goals.
If you haven’t visited the Career Services Center and taken advantage of its many offerings, then do so at
your earliest convenience. Please consult the attached Career Services Brochure.
Internships are often important ways to identify potential careers and gain experience that can lead to
securing a job. As philosophical issues arise throughout the whole range of human experience, the philosophy
major provides a way to earn academic credit (usually 2 hours) through an internship.
•
PHIL 496. Internship. Independent study on philosophical issues related to internship or employment
experience. Requires department approval of student's proposal. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: junior
or senior standing with Philosophy major. (2 or 4)
Requirements for Internship Credit
1. The student must have already completed 16 hours of philosophy coursework, including a philosophy course
whose concerns bear on the internship. Applied ethics courses, philosophy of law, art, religion, and science are
likely companion courses.
2. A minimum of 80 clock-hours of work experience in the internship is required to earn two hours of academic
credit.
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3. Students must choose a supervising professor who will help the student to develop a reading list related to
the internship, and who will read and assess student work.
4. Students will keep a journal in which they describe features of the work experience that raise philosophical
concerns, as well as to reflect on the philosophical stances one may adopt with respect to the noted feature of the
internship. E.g., a church intern may reflect on how the church deals end of life issues or illegal immigrants who
are members of the church. An internship in a business may raise questions about discrimination within the
workplace, issues of truthfulness in advertising, or other justice related concerns.
5. Finally, the student will write a 12-15 page research paper that explores some philosophical issue generated
by the internship experience. This paper will be written in light of the reflections generated by the journal, the
reading list, and any additional philosophical research necessary to produce a polished piece of philosophy. All
work must be completed by the end of the term for which you registered for the 496 course.
The following restrictions apply: 24-16 majors may satisfy no more than 2 hours of the 24 required hours
through internship credit, and regular majors may satisfy no more than 4 hours of the required 32 hours with
internship credit. If a student has satisfied all 24 or 32 hours (depending on their major track) with regular
academic course offerings, they may receive up to 8 hours of elective internship credit over and above the
requirements for the major.
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Preparing for Graduate School
The groundwork for applying to graduate school starts well before you send off applications in the
winter of your senior year. Schools must be identified, qualifying exams taken, writing samples polished,
recommendations secured, and more.
The advice below is directed chiefly to students headed to graduate school in philosophy, though
portions may be relevant to students pursuing professional programs such as law or medicine, seminary, or
graduate training in a discipline other than philosophy.
I Should I Go To Graduate School in Philosophy?
Getting into top programs is very difficult. Completing them will likely take six (or more) years of your life, and
there’s no guarantee—especially in tough economic times—that you’ll land a job, still less win tenure at some
school, even if you do complete the Ph.D. Only our best majors have a realistic chance of getting placed into a
top program. (A frank discussion with your department advisor will help you get a balanced picture of your
abilities and prospects at this point in time.) In light of these sober realities, ask yourself this question: “Is my
interest or calling to philosophy so strong that I would not count it wasted time were I to earn a Ph.D. and wind
up working in some field other than philosophy?” If your answer is “yes,” keep reading.
II What Do I Need In Order To Apply?
Applications to graduate programs in philosophy require that you submit:
1. A transcript with your undergraduate GPA.
2. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores:
Not all schools require GRE’s, and of those that do, not all assign them equal weight. Many schools, however,
require an average score of 166 or higher in each section of the exam to make an initial cut in the application
process.
3. Letters of Recommendation from three professors:
a. Before you ask your professors for a recommendation, read and comply with all the steps in the “Letters of
Recommendation Instructions” contained in The Philosophy Major’s Handbook.
b. At least two of the letters should come from professors in the discipline to which you are applying. Make sure
your professor understands that specific letters citing concrete examples count for more than letters filled with
vague superficialities.
c. Some professors may want to refer to recent examples of your best written work before writing your
recommendation.
4. A Writing Sample:
This may be the single most important part of your application, assuming you’ve made an initial cut. This paper
should represent your most polished effort to date and is generally between 10 – 15 pages in length. Ideally, the
paper you submit will be in the area of philosophy you are most interested in pursuing at the graduate level. If,
for example, you are applying to a school to study ancient philosophy, don’t submit a writing sample from a
bioethics class.
5. A completed application that includes your statement of intent:
Part of your application to graduate school requires that you speak to the question “Why do you want to pursue
graduate studies in philosophy at this (fill in the blank) institution?” Do your homework. Show that the
institution to which you’re applying is a good fit for your interests and abilities. Indicate what are currently
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your chief areas of philosophical interest (don’t just say “metaphysics;” if possible specify a couple of areas of
metaphysics—identity, modality and possible worlds, etc.) and why your interests dovetail with and can be
supported by the faculty in that program. Take time to familiarize yourself with the writing of the professors
with whom you hope to work.
6. Read the advice on applying to graduate school in philosophy at:
http://www.philosophicalgourmet.com/applyingto.asp
7. Finally, if your chief area of philosophical interest will require you to know Latin, German, French, or some
other foreign language, try to acquire reading knowledge while still an undergraduate.
III Where Should I Apply?
Apply to the best institutions compatible with your areas of philosophical interest, if possible a top 25 program.
What makes an institution the best? Answers vary, though the scholarly standing of faculty, library and
research support, job placement record, funding, and level of collegiality among graduate students and between
students and faculty bulk large. Rankings of graduate programs in philosophy can be found at the Philosophical
Gourmet Report: http://www.philosophicalgourmet.com/. The rankings of the Philosophical Gourmet Report,
like those of U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and other rankings, are contested, yet widely
consulted. Take their rankings with a grain of salt.
IV The Masters Degree Option
Increasingly, students accepted into top 25 philosophy programs have already earned a master’s degree or other
advanced degree. If your chances of being admitted into a top program directly out of undergraduate school are
dim, you should strongly consider applying to some of the excellent M.A. philosophy programs. Two years in
an excellent M.A. program will increase your philosophical depth and sophistication, lead to a more polished
writing sample, establish your ability to work at the graduate level, and provide another source for letters of
recommendation. Wheaton has sent students to the program at NIU who then matriculated to institutions such
as Harvard, Rutgers, Syracuse, University of Chicago, and others. For a list of outstanding MA programs see
http://www.philosophicalgourmet.com/maprog.asp. MA programs often provided tuition remission and/or
TA positions.
IV Where Have Our Applicants Been Accepted
Some of our top students have been accepted to the MA programs at Northern Illinois University, Georgia State
University, and Leuven. A few students have also been admitted to MA programs in theology, as places such as
Princeton University and the University of Chicago, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Fuller Seminary.
A smaller number have recently been accepted into Ph.D. programs at Fordham University, the University of
Chicago, the University of Michigan, and Boston College.
Still other philosophy graduates have been accepted to various other degree programs in law, medicine, and
other fields of study.
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Letters of Recommendation Instructions
A. All requests for letters of recommendation must be made no less than one month prior to the time they
need to be received.
B. All your signatures must appear where needed, e.g. to waive right of access
C. Supply your professor with a folder that contains the following:
1. PRINTED SHEET THAT SUPPLIES THE: (see example below)
a. Names of all the schools
b. Department to which you are applying
c. Exact mailing address for recommendation. (Send to applicant or
institution?)
d. Due dates for every school beginning with the earliest
e. If needed, provide SSN# on the recommendation form
f. Note where prof’s signature is required e.g., flap of envelope
g. Note number of copies needed, if necessary
2. GPA INFO:
a. An accurate report of your GPA for all classes
b. An accurate report of your GPA for just your philosophy courses
(You should have access to your transcripts from BannerWeb)
3. PREADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPES with peel and stick closures for prof’s letter and the university
recommendation form.
4. A copy of the STATEMENT OF INTENT that will accompany your application
5. A photocopy of the WRITING SAMPLE that will accompany your application
6. If professor requests, an updated resume or vitae
Example:
Institution/Department Mailing Address
Due Date
Signature
Needed on
envelope?
University of Notre
Dame
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Philosophy
333 Decio Hall
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Jan 15, 200_
No
Jane Doe
110 Border Lane
Levittown, NY 11756
Feb. 1, 200_
Yes
Philosophy Department
Overall GPA: 3.6
Philosophy GPA: 3.7
Harvard Divinity
School
Biblical Studies
Overall GPA: 3.6
Philosophy GPA: 3.7
I hereby give my recommenders permission to reveal information from my educational record relevant for writing a letter
on my behalf.
Name
Date
43
Revised 11/5/2014