< College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Philosophy

Philosophy is the oldest, broadest, and most fundamental form of inquiry. Some philosophical questions have to do with the understanding of ourselves and whatever else there may be. Others focus upon the nature of different forms of knowledge and experience, and upon ethical issues and problems of value. The study of philosophy is one of the most important elements in a good liberal education. It also improves one's ability to think clearly, and to construct, analyze, and criticize arguments of any kind. The major and minor are sponsored by the Department of Philosophy.

Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum

E-mail: j-short3@uiuc.edu

Web address for most current program requirements:
http://www.las.uiuc.edu/students/programs/PHIL/f_PHIL.shtml

Degree title: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required major and supporting course work normally equates to 44-50 hours including at least 30 hours of Philosophy courses

General education: The LAS General Education requirements are set up so students automatically complete the Campus General Education requirements.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours

Departmental distinction: Eligibility for distinction may be pursued by either: (1) the thesis option, which requires at least 30 hours of philosophy courses (including 5 advanced courses), a grade point average of 3.0 in all philosophy courses, and writing a thesis; or (2) the course work option, which requires 38 hours of philosophy (including 8 advanced courses) and a 3.5 grade point average in all philosophy courses. For further information, inquire in the department office.

HOURS     REQUIREMENTS

30-32     Philosophy courses1 including:

          Select one:

          PHIL 102-Logic and Reasoning

          PHIL 202-Symbolic Logic2

          PHIL 203-Ancient Philosophy

          PHIL 206-Early Modern Philosophy

          PHIL 321-Moral Philosophy

          At least 16 additional hours of course work in 

          philosophy, with 12 of those hours being above 

          the 100 level (including at least three 300-level 

          courses) in addition to the core courses.

12        A student may select either of two types of 

           programs of supporting course work and should work 

           out a specific program of the type chosen with the

           help and approval of a departmental adviser. 

          Twelve hours minimum. Select from:

          Option I: Intensive study in another discipline.

           Courses normally beyond the 100 level in one other 

           discipline. Most approved minors satisfy this 

           requirement.

     or

          Option II: A special program of study built around 

           a unifying theme or topic. Course work outside 

           philosophy in one or more other discipline(s), 

           normally beyond the 100 level, together with one 

           or more philosophy course(s) related to the theme 

           or topic. The program may focus upon a historical 

           period, a certain subject (e.g., language, politics, 

           science, religion, art), or a particular philosophical 

           problem, with outside course work in appropriate

           disciplines.

6-8       Western civilization general education sequence, 

           select from:

          HIST 111-Western Civilization from Antiquity to 

           1660 (or HIST 110), and

          HIST 112-Western Civilization from 1660 to the 

           Present (or HIST 113)

     or

          C LIT 141-Masterpieces of Western Culture, I, and 

          C LIT 142-Masterpieces of Western Culture, II



     or

          PHIL 108-The Sacred Mind: Religion and Society in 

           Western Thought from Antiquity to the Enlightenment,

           and

          PHIL 109-The Secular Mind: Religion and Society in 

           Western Thought from the Enlightenment to the Present

Twelve hours advanced-level (300- and approved 200-level) courses in the major must be taken on this campus.

All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see your adviser.

1. If possible, students should take these courses prior to the senior year. Substitutions may be made only with the approval of the chair of the department.

2. Those considering graduate work in philosophy should take PHIL 202.

Minor in Philosophy

E-mail: j-short3@uiuc.edu

Web address for most current program requirements:
http://www.las.uiuc.edu/p_PHIL.html

HOURS     REQUIREMENTS

4         PHIL 203-Ancient Philosophy

4         PHIL 206-Early Modern Philosophy

12        Four other Philosophy courses, including at  

           least two at the 300 level

20        Total

< College of Liberal Arts and Sciences