Campuses:
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Morris Campus
Philosophy B.A.Division of Humanities - Adm
Division of Humanities
The philosophy program provides an environment in which students receive rich, well-rounded instruction in philosophy, whose pursuit is essential to a liberal arts education.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
UMM's philosophy curriculum offers coursework in all major subfields of philosophy including the history of philosophy, metaphysics and logic, epistemology, and values. In addition to a standard philosophy major, we also offer tracks in "Legal Studies", "Computer and Data Studies", and "Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)." As a field of study, philosophy is at the core of a liberal arts education, as its skills encourage independent thought and interdisciplinary, integrated inquiry. Specifically, UMM's philosophy program offers students the opportunity to:
• Explore philosophy's fundamental questions and proposed answers;
• Cultivate their own philosophical powers, which include creativity, sensitivity, intellectual courage, open-mindedness and critical-mindedness, logical rigor, and analytical precision;
• Join the great conversation by contributing their own considered insights;
• Hone their ability to speak and write effectively.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the
Office of Admissions
website.
General Requirements
All students are required to complete general University and college requirements. For more
information, see the general education requirements.
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 2 semester(s) of
any second language.
with a grade of C-, or better, or S, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department
or college.
No grades below C- are allowed. Courses may not be taken S/N, unless offered S/N only.
A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required in the major to graduate. The GPA includes all, and only, University of Minnesota coursework. Grades of "F" are included in GPA calculation until they are replaced.
Required Courses
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Philosophy, Standard
Core Courses
Take exactly 12 credit(s) from the following:
·
PHIL 3101 - Metaphysics
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3121 - Political Philosophy
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3141 - Epistemology
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3151 - History of Ancient Philosophy
[HIST]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3171 - History of Modern Philosophy
[HIST]
(4.0 cr)
Elective Courses
Take exactly 12 credit(s) from the following:
·
PHIL 2112 - Professional Ethics
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2113 - International and Biomedical Ethics
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2114 - Environmental Ethics
[ENVT]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2121 - Philosophy of Religion
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3143 - Philosophy of Mind
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2162 - Ethics of Love and Sex
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2116 - Free Will
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3131 - Philosophy of Law
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2117 - Existentialism
[HIST]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3142 - Philosophy of Language
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
Philosophy, Computer and Data Studies
The Computer and Data Studies sub-plan offers students the opportunity to combine the study of Philosophy, Computer Science, and Data Science. The interdisciplinary sub-plan will equip students with a range of critical thinking skills -- including logical, computational, and statistical reasoning -- that are highly prized in today's job market.
Core Course
PHIL 2115 - Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
Philosophy Electives
Take exactly 8 credit(s) from the following:
·
PHIL 3143 - Philosophy of Mind
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3101 - Metaphysics
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3141 - Epistemology
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3171 - History of Modern Philosophy
[HIST]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3142 - Philosophy of Language
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
Computational Literacy
Take exactly 4 credit(s) from the following:
·
CSCI 1301 - Problem Solving and Algorithm Development
[M/SR]
(4.0 cr)
Data and Computer Science Blocks
The Philosophy, Computer and Data Studies sub-plan requires completion of one of the following two elements.
Element 1: The Data Science Block
Take exactly 8 credit(s) from the following:
-OR-
Element 2: The Computer Science Block
Core Course
CSCI 2101 - Data Structures
[M/SR]
(5.0 cr)
Element 2 Electives
Take exactly 1 course(s) from the following:
·
CSCI 3501 - Algorithms and Computability
(5.0 cr)
·
CSCI 4403 - Systems: Data Mining
(4.0 cr)
·
CSCI 4454 - Systems: Robotics
(4.0 cr)
·
CSCI 4553 - Theory: Evolutionary Computation and Artificial Intelligence
(4.0 cr)
·
CSCI 4555 - Theory: Neural Networks and Machine Learning
(4.0 cr)
·
CSCI 4557 - Theory: Quantum Computing
(4.0 cr)
Philosophy, Legal Studies
The Legal Studies sub-plan offers students the opportunity to hone their critical thinking skills and acquire a solid background in the foundations of law, justice, and government. This sub-plan may be especially appealing to students interested in applying to law school as well as those who are planning careers in business, politics, or public policy.
Core Course
PHIL 3131 - Philosophy of Law
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
Philosophy Electives
Take exactly 8 credit(s) from the following:
·
PHIL 3121 - Political Philosophy
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3141 - Epistemology
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3151 - History of Ancient Philosophy
[HIST]
(4.0 cr)
·
Law Electives
Take exactly 12 credit(s) from the following:
·
POL 2202 - Criminal Justice and Policing
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 2221 - The American Judicial Process
[SS]
(2.0 cr)
·
POL 2222 - The U.S. Supreme Court
[SS]
(2.0 cr)
·
POL 3231 - Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
[HDIV]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 3232 - Constitutional Law: Governmental Powers and Constraints
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 3235 - U.S. Criminal and Tribal Law
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 3411 - International Law
[IP]
(4.0 cr)
·
Ethics Electives
Take exactly 4 credit(s) from the following:
·
PHIL 2112 - Professional Ethics
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2113 - International and Biomedical Ethics
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2114 - Environmental Ethics
[ENVT]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2115 - Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2162 - Ethics of Love and Sex
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
ENST 3112 - Climate Change and Moral Responsibility
[ENVT]
(4.0 cr)
·
ENST 3201 - Environmental Justice
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE)
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) originated as a unified field at Oxford University in the 1920s and has since grown into an international movement. The PPE sub-plan at the University of Minnesota, Morris offers philosophy majors an interdisciplinary approach to the study of philosophical, political and economic thought. Students will rigorously examine the foundations of social values, political institutions, and economic systems and engage in reflective and informed debates about contemporary affairs and the impact of public policies on human welfare. This sub-plan may be especially interesting to students planning careers or post-graduate work in business, law, politics, or public policy.
Core Course
PHIL 3121 - Political Philosophy
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
Economics Core Course
ECON 1101 - Principles of Economics
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
Philosophy Electives
At least 8 credits of the philosophy electives must be at the 3xxx level.
Take exactly 12 credit(s) from the following:
Take at most 4 credit(s) from the following:
·
PHIL 2113 - International and Biomedical Ethics
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 2114 - Environmental Ethics
[ENVT]
(4.0 cr)
·
Upper-level electives
Take 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
PHIL 3101 - Metaphysics
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3131 - Philosophy of Law
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3141 - Epistemology
[HUM]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3151 - History of Ancient Philosophy
[HIST]
(4.0 cr)
·
PHIL 3171 - History of Modern Philosophy
[HIST]
(4.0 cr)
Political Science Electives
Take exactly 8 credit(s) from the following:
·
POL 1201 - American Government and Politics
[E/CR]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 1401 - World Politics
[IP]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 2411 - Model United Nations
[IP]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 3251 - American Democracy in Action: Campaigns, Elections, and Political Behavior
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 3263 - Political Psychology
[SS]
(4.0 cr)
·
POL 3475 - International Human Rights
(4.0 cr)
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Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Phil 1101/Phil 1801 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Phil 1101/Phil 1801 |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Phil4902/4903/4904 |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CSci 1221/CSci 1201 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CSci 2701/Stat 2701 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CSci 2701/Stat 2701 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 40.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CSci 3701/Stat 3701 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CSci 3701/Stat 3701 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | POL 2202/HMSV 2202 |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Pol 2221/Pol 3221 |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Pol 2222/Pol 3221 |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Pol 3231/Pol 3233 |
Prerequisites: | 1201 or # |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Prerequisites: | 1201 or # |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Prerequisites: | 4 cr of EnSt or # |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Prerequisites: | 4 cr of EnSt or # |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Prerequisites: | 1201; Psy 1051 or # recommended |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |