Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy


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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A grade of C- or better is required in any Philosophy courses counting towards major.

Minimum number of credits required to complete the major:  30

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: PHI 475

Contact Information:  Jessica Miller, Chair, Department of Philosophy, Room 11, The Maples.  Phone # 581-3865, jessica.miller@maine.edu.


The Department of Philosophy offers a program of study leading to a B.A. in philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The major offers students a diverse set of courses, representing the full spectrum of philosophical inquiry. Philosophy is a discipline devoted to rigorous reflection on human nature, culture, and the world. It has a long history, beginning with the Ancient Greeks, that is the foundation of philosophical education. Areas covered in the curriculum include environmental and medical ethics, ethical theory, existentialism, social and political philosophy, logic, phenomenology, feminist philosophy, Hinduism and Buddhism, philosophy of language, aesthetics, philosophy of science, and the history of philosophy. The curriculum is organized so that advanced courses will prepare those students who wish to continue studying philosophy in graduate school.

Philosophy is also a well-respected gateway major for students interested in careers in law, business, government, or education. The Department teaches courses in bio-medical ethics, business ethics, and environmental ethics that investigate ethical problems relevant to many professional fields of study and work. In addition to its major, the Department of Philosophy offers two minors: a Minor in Philosophy, and a Minor in Ethics, and Social and Political Philosophy.

Faculty members in the Department of Philosophy are recognized scholars who contribute actively to the professional advancement of philosophical inquiry and innovation both nationally and internationally.

The Department welcomes double majors and minors from other fields. For those students who have theoretical interests and/or a concern with ethical and political issues related to their main discipline, philosophy can be an excellent addition to the major field of study.

The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  page of the catalog.

Requirements: a minimum of 30 credit hours in philosophy


At least 21 credit hours (7 courses) in philosophy must be upper level courses, i.e., courses above the 100 level.

First Year


Two philosophy courses without prerequisites at the 100- or 200-level.

Third Year


Two or three upper level philosophy courses, possibly including: 

Fourth Year


Two or three upper level philosophy courses, including PHI 475 (if not taken in Junior Year)

List of Philosophy Courses


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