Philosophy and politics share a common history and pursuit of many of the same profound questions. Studying them together, therefore, can enrich your understanding and appreciation of both. If you have interest in both disciplines, this combined major gives you just enough focused study of each.
Completion of a degree in philosophy and politics offers a deeper understanding of the profound questions raised in both fields, and prepares graduates to enter the fields of business, government, law and public service, as well as for graduate studies in philosophy.
Philosophy Major Requirements (54 credits)
21 credits in Philosophy, structured in the following way*
(These are in addition to the Core requirement of 1st Philosophy PL 101):
PL 120 Logic - 3 credits
PL 201 Ancient Philosophy - 3 credits
PL 202 Medieval Philosophy - 3 credits
PL 200 Modern Philosophy - 3 credits
PL 204 Kant and His Successors or
PL 206 19th and 20th Century Philosophy - 3 credits
PL 215 Ethics - 3 credits
PL 440 Senior Capstone Exam or
PL 450 Senior Thesis - 3 credits
*Those applying for graduate studies in philosophy are also required to complete Symbolic Logic, PL 250. All other majors are strongly encouraged to complete this course.
Politics Major Requirements (27 credits)
PS 100 Principles of American Politics - 3 credits
PS 135 Classical Political Thought - 3 credits
PS 136 Modern Political Thought - 3 credits
PS 242 International Politics or
PS 343 Comparative Politics - 3 credits
PS 290 Institutions - 3 credits
PS 336 American Political Thought - 3 credits
PS 339 Constitutional Law: National Powers or
PS 369 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties - 3 credits
PS 345 Domestic Public Policy - 3 credits
PS 480 Senior Thesis - 3 credits
In addition, 6 credits of electives from either Philosophy or Politics, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisers.
Graduates with a philosophy and politics degree have a sound historical knowledge of both fields and are able to critically engage the world with solid analytic abilities and imaginative, synthetic solutions to problems which present themselves. They are prepared to offer both abstract analyses as well as concrete proposals. They are independent learners and prepared to begin graduate studies in the humanities, social sciences or law.
Students who complete the Philosophy program may be employed or continue their education as:
In addition to the outcomes within the two departments, the major in Philosophy and Politics helps its students