Major Requirements

For Students Majoring in Philosophy

Number of Units:

A minimum of eight units are required, which may include the SIP.

Required Courses:

  • PHIL 107 Logic and Reasoning
  • PHIL 208 19TH Century Philosophy
  • PHIL 490 Senior Seminar in Philosophy

Two of the following History or Traditions Courses:

  • PHIL 109 Existentialism
  • PHIL 205 Ancient Philosophy
  • PHIL 206 Early Modern Philosophy
  • PHIL 207 18th-Century Philosophy
  • PHIL 218 Analytic Philosophy & Science
  • PHIL 310 Critical Social Theory: The Dialectic of Enlightenment
  • PHIL 311 Postmodern Critical Theory: The Critique of Modernity

A minimum of eight units in philosophy are required to complete the major. A philosophy SIP carries two units that may be counted towards this eight. Majors are required to take either Ethics or Theories of Knowledge (both may be counted towards the major). Since the Philosophy Departmental assumes students have a working knowledge of Western Philosophy, majors are also required to take at least two courses covering historical movements or periods. Majors must also take Logic and Reasoning, a crucial course for proper training in the discipline. The Senior Seminar is a required “Capstone” course. We advise majors preparing for graduate studies to take at least one of the following 20th-century “field” courses: Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Law, or Metaphysics and Mind.

Majors Preparing for Graduate Studies in Philosophy are Strongly Recommended to pursue the following programs:

Number of Units:

A minimum of ten units are recommended, which may include the SIP.

Required Courses:

  • PHIL 107 Logic and Reasoning
  • PHIL 208 19th Century Philosophy
  • PHIL 490 Senior Seminar in Philosophy

Four History & Traditions Courses in close consultation with the department:

  • PHIL 109 Existentialism
  • PHIL 205 Ancient Philosophy
  • PHIL 206 Early Modern Philosophy
  • PHIL 207 18th-Century Philosophy
  • PHIL 218 Analytic Philosophy & Science
  • PHIL 310 Critical Social Theory: The Dialectic of Enlightenment
  • PHIL 311 Postmodern Critical Theory: The Critique of Modernity

Honors in the Philosophy Major:

The following are necessary conditions for receiving honors in the philosophy major:

  • Grade point average of 3.75
  • Honors in the Senior Integrated Project
  • Senior Seminar grade of 4.00
  • Unanimous judgment with the department

The Philosophy Department reserves the right to deny honors to a student found to be in violation of the Kalamazoo College Honor Code.

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