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Philosophy and Politics

  • Bachelor of Arts

The Philosophy and Politics Program

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.

What Can I Do With a Major in Philosophy?

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. 

Curriculum Requirements

  • Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Politics

    Philosophy Major Requirements (57 credits)
    24 credits in Philosophy, structured in the following way:
    PL 120 Logic 3
    OR
    PL 121 Logic and Theory of Knowledge 3
    PL 201 Ancient Philosophy 3
    PL 202 Medieval Philosophy 3
    PL 200 Modern Philosophy 3
    PL 204 Kant and His Successors 3
    OR
    PL 206 19th- and 20th-Century Philosophy 3
    PL 215 Ethics 3
    PL 400 Socratic Seminar 3 1-credit classes
    PL 440 Senior Capstone Exam 3
    OR
    PL 450 Senior Thesis 3

    27 credits in Politics, structured in the following way:
    PS 100 Principles of American Politics 3
    OR
    CORE 1201 American Regime 3
    PS 135 Classical Political Thought 3
    PS 136 Modern Political Thought 3
    PS 242 International Politics 3
    OR
    PS 343 Comparative Politics 3
    PS 290 Institutions 3
    PS 336 American Political Thought 3
    PS 339 Constitutional Law: National Powers 3
    OR
    PS 369 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties 3
    PS 345 Domestic Public Policy 3
    PS 480 Senior Thesis 3

    In addition, 6 credits of electives from either Philosophy or Politics, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisors.

  • Senior Capstone Project

    Joint majors in Philosophy and Politics complete the senior capstone requirements in the two departments and are encouraged to reflect on the relationship between political theory and political practice.  For example, students might be expected to explore some theoretical question, problem, or theme in a Philosophy thesis and then write a Politics thesis applying these things to the practice of law, policy-making, or politics broadly conceived.  See the respective department's requirements for more guidelines.

Program Highlights

Results

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.

Internships and Careers

Students who complete the Philosophy program may be employed or continue their education as:

  • Teachers
  • Researchers
  • Academic Affairs specialists
  • Paralegals
  • Government workers
  • Clergy and religious leaders
  • Administrators/managers
  • Technical writers and editors
  • Graduate school students

Student Learning Outcomes

In addition to the outcomes within the two departments, the major in Philosophy and Politics helps its students

  • Apply principles of political theory to political practice.