Philosophy BA, (Pre-Law Specialization)

Philosophy Major

College of Arts and Sciences
Degree BA, Philosophy
Department Chair Melanie Shepherd, PhD

Faculty

George William Shea, IV, Associate Professor of Philosophy, BS Towson University; MA Georgia State University; PhD Duquesne University

Melanie Shepherd, Associate Professor of Philosophy, BA Hanover College, PhD The Pennsylvania State University

Matthew L. Swanson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, BA, MA, PhD University of Missouri

This program presents philosophy as an integral life activity growing out of a deep and passionate concern with life and its meaning and the recognition that the traumatic changes that mark an age and affect all people involve philosophical issues. In its academic mode, philosophy is noted for cultivating those dispositions and aptitudes requisite for critical thinking and sound judgment. In this function, it provides the strongest preparation for rational living and intelligent participation in contemporary discussions about issues such as freedom, justice, personal authenticity, morality, and political legitimacy.

General Requirements

Philosophy majors must maintain a 2.00 (C grade) average overall and in the major. They are required to complete 24 credits in philosophy beyond the six credits that satisfy core requirements: PHL 206 Logic , two 300-level historical courses (from PHL 320 , PHL 330 , PHL 340  and PHL 350 ), a 400-level seminar (from PHL 411 , PHL 412 , and PHL 413 ), PHL 490 Capstone , and a minimum of three additional courses (for a total of nine credits), of which one must be 300-level or higher. Courses and credits in philosophy taken above that total may be counted toward free elective requirements.

A large number of free electives allows students flexibility in personalizing their studies. Majors can, with approval of their advisors, either select from various minors and areas of concentration, pursue double majors, or select clusters of advanced courses from different disciplines in pursuit of more integrated understanding.

Program and Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcome 1: Develop and apply the skills necessary to critically analyze philosophical and ethical arguments.
Student Learning Outcome 1: Students will critically analyze philosophical and ethical arguments in terms of content, logical structure and reasoning.

Program Learning Outcome 2: Develop and apply the skills necessary to effectively write about philosophical arguments.
Student Learning Outcome 2: Students will be able to write a coherent philosophical argument.

Program Learning Outcome 3: Understand the main historical figures and movements in philosophy.
Student Learning Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate a comprehensive and clear understanding of the main historical figures and movements in philosophy.

Program Learning Outcome 4: Develop the ability to appreciate the cultural contexts of philosophical ideas and deal responsibly with social and political issues.
Student Learning Outcome 4: Students will value the cultural, social and political contexts of philosophical ideas in written and oral presentations and discussions.

Program Learning Outcome 5: Students will speak publicly about philosophical ideas in a clear, responsive, articulate manner with respect for divergent opinions.
Student Learning Outcome 5: Students will speak publicly about philosophical ideas in a clear, responsive, articulate manner with respect for divergent opinions.

Pre-Law Specialization

The pre-law specialization was developed in accordance with the Association of American Law Schools, which recommends that prospective law students have a broad liberal arts background. The program represents sound preparation for the Law School Admission Test and the graduate study of law.

The program has been carefully designed to develop ability in expression and analytical comprehension, to afford basic information about human institutions and values, and to cultivate the ability to think creatively and critically with thoroughness and independence.

Pre-law students must fulfill the general and specific requirements of the university and of the philosophy major for retention in the program and for recommendation to law school.

Pre-law students should register with the pre-law director, Brian F. Carso, JD, PhD, who can provide advice on course selection and information concerning the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and law schools.