Bachelors Degree
The Program
Philosophy is the search for an understanding of how the world as a whole hangs together and of how we are to assume our place in the world. Philosophy pursues its goal first of all historically. It is the trustee of the heritage of great philosophical texts, and it engages those texts in conversation with contemporary problems. Second, philosophy turns to the contemporary world directly and tries to illuminate and advance its concerns with ethics and art, with science and technology, with ecology and feminism, with law and medicine. Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees are offered.
Advising
The current chairperson of the department is the academic advisor. During fall 2010 and spring 2011, Professor Paul Muench is the chairperson and advisor. Please meet with the advisor each semester prior to registration.
Students who are interested in Pre-Law should refer to the Pre-Law website: http://www.cas.umt.edu/prelaw/default.cfm
Degree Requirements
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog.
The following requirements must be completed for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in philosophy: a minimum of 33 credits including PHL, 210E, 233, 261Y and 262Y; at least 21 credits in courses numbered 300 and above, including PHL 499 and one course from each of the following groups: History (PHL 462, 464, 465, 466); Value Theory (PHL 324, 327, 421, 422, 423, 427, 429, 450, 455); Continental Philosophy (PHL 467, 468); Analytic Philosophy (PHL 405, 406, 445). Two additional upper-division philosophy courses, of the student's choice, are required. A PHL 391 or 491 special topics course may be used to count as a course from any of the above four groups as its topic makes appropriate (consult the Department advisor). Majors are expected to complete lower-division requirements before beginning upper-division work. No credit toward the major will be awarded for any course (including required language courses) in which the student receives a grade less than a C-.
The approved writing course requirement may be met by successfully completing PHL 210E. The Upper-division writing requirement must be met by successfully completing PHL 499. All philosophy majors must complete at least three semesters of a foreign language (though four semesters are recommended) or certify equivalent competency. Recommended languages for philosophy are Greek, Latin, French, and German.
First Year |
Autumn |
Spring |
PHL 101 or 102 Introduction to Philosophy/Topical Introduction to Philosophy |
3 |
- |
PHL 233 Introduction to Logic: Deduction |
- |
3 |
WRIT 101 College Writing I |
3 |
- |
Foreign language |
5 |
5 |
HSTR 101H, 102H Western Civilization I and II |
4 |
4 |
College mathematics course |
- |
3 |
Total |
15 |
15 |
Second Year |
Autumn |
Spring |
PHL 210E Moral Philosophy |
3 |
- |
PHL 261Y History of Ancient Philosophy |
3 |
- |
PHL 262Y History of Modern Philosophy |
- |
3 |
Foreign language |
4 |
- |
LS 151L and 152L Introduction to the Humanities |
4 |
4 |
Electives and General Education |
- |
6 |
Total |
14 |
16 |
Students should not neglect mathematics and the physical and biological sciences in choosing elective courses. Philosophy majors are encouraged to pursue a minor in another discipline.
Requirements for a Minor
To earn a minor in philosophy the student must complete: PHL 210E, 233, 261Y, 262Y, and one additional philosophy course from two of the 4 core areas (History, Value Theory, Continental and Analytic) as noted above (18 credits total).Financial Aid
Information about general campus aid programs can be found at the UM Financial Aid Office . Additionally, the Philosophy Department regularly employs a small number of its advanced majors as reader/graders to assist with classroom instruction.