Campuses:
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Duluth Campus
Philosophy B.A.Geography & Philosophy
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This program familiarizes students with the broad range of foundational theories that arose in the history of philosophy and helps students develop problem-solving skills using critical thinking. Beginning courses provide a comprehensive introduction to the methods and procedures of analytical reasoning by examining issues concerning logic, the nature of knowledge and reality, the existence of freedom, and the character of right and wrong. Advanced courses focus on special historical periods (e.g., Greek philosophy, early modern philosophy) and specific problem areas (e.g., philosophy of psychology, medical ethics, philosophy of language).
Principles that emerge from the study of philosophy concern basic theories and concepts, and the nature of reasoning as it applies to all areas of investigation within the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. As a result, studying philosophy enhances all majors and minors.
Honors requirements: Candidates must be philosophy majors with a 3.30 GPA in the major. Students complete PHIL 5991 and write a substantial paper or significantly rewrite a paper submitted for another philosophy course. Students must notify the department head of their intent to participate in the honors program by the end of the first week of the semester of graduation and the paper must be approved by a faculty member at least 30 days before the end of the term. The paper is presented orally in a department colloquium with the approved manuscript submitted to the department head at least one week before presentation. Contact the department head for more information.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the
Office of Admissions
website.
General Requirements
Program Requirements
1) A second field of study (either a minor, another major or dual degree).
2) Study abroad is encouraged for all students and the department makes every effort to facilitate such experiences.
Learning in Community (1 cr)
Requirement will be waived for transfer students with at least 30 credits taken post high school, for UMD students who started in a UMD collegiate unit where this is not required, and upon request for first-year students with 30 PSEO credits.
UST 1000 - Learning in Community
(1.0-2.0 cr)
or
EHS 1000 - Into the World
[GLOBAL PER]
(3.0 cr)
or
ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability
[GLOBAL PER]
(3.0 cr)
or
LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American
[CDIVERSITY]
(3.0 cr)
or
PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology
[CDIVERSITY]
(3.0 cr)
Advanced Writing (3 cr)
The advanced writing requirement may be satisfied with one additional PHIL 3xxx course.
WRIT 31xx or PHIL 3xxx (3 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
General
Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
Required credits within the major: 30
This sub-plan emphasizes the history of philosophical thought and metaphysics and theory of knowledge.
General Core (4 cr)
PHIL 1018 - Logic
[LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR]
(4.0 cr)
History of Philosophy Electives (8 cr)
It is recommended that students take both PHIL 3301 and 3303.
Electives (6 cr)
Alternative courses taken within the History of Philosophy Electives may apply here.
Take 2 or more course(s) from the following:
·
AMIN 4410 - American Indian Philosophies
[HUMANITIES, CDIVERSITY]
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2001 - Existential Philosophy and the Arts
[HUMANITIES]
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2011 - Philosophy of Language
[LE CAT3, SOC SCI]
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2021 - Science and Pseudo-Science: Thinking about Weird Things
[LE CAT8, HUMANITIES]
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3025 - Philosophy of Race and Racism
[RACE JUST]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3195 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
(3.0-9.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3222 - Medical Ethics
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3231 - Law and Punishment
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3242 - Values and Technology
[LE CAT8, HUMANITIES]
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3245 - Philosophy of Art
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3252 - Philosophy of Science
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3281 - Ethical Theory
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3291 - Current Social Political Philosophy
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3325 - Environmental Ethics
[HUMANITIES, SUSTAIN]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3570 - Philosophy of Psychology
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3575 - Philosophy and Cognitive Science
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3655 - Theory of Knowledge
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2xxx-3xxx
Applied Ethics
Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
Required credits within the major: 37 - 38
This subplan familiarizes students with major ethical theories and their applications in a number of fields and work situations. Beginning courses provide a framework for ethical thinking and decision making from a variety of theoretical orientations, along with introductory applications to social problems. Advanced courses apply this thinking to complex issues generated within specific fields such as medicine, technology, and the environment.
Principles that emerge from the study of applied ethics can complement a variety of majors and minors, as well as enhance students' moral education and theoretical literacy for handling ethical problems that may emerge in a variety of careers and leadership roles in law, politics, and service organizations.
Students choose upper division electives from other disciplines to shape the major to their specific interests and post-baccalaureate plans.
Applied Ethics Core (7 cr)
PHIL 1003 - Ethics and Society
[LE CAT8, LEIP CAT08, HUMANITIES, CDIVERSITY]
(3.0 cr)
Upper Division Core (7 - 8 cr)
PHIL 3281 - Ethical Theory
(4.0 cr)
Upper Division Application Areas (7 cr)
Take 2 or more course(s) from the following:
·
PHIL 3025 - Philosophy of Race and Racism
[RACE JUST]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3222 - Medical Ethics
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3231 - Law and Punishment
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3242 - Values and Technology
[LE CAT8, HUMANITIES]
(3.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3325 - Environmental Ethics
[HUMANITIES, SUSTAIN]
(4.0 cr)
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Credits: | 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Phil 1001/1101 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 12.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Phil 1018/1118 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 -9.0 [max 9.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 1.0 -3.0 [max 10.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Phil 1018/1118 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |