For Regular Philosophy Majors
Students pursuing the regular philosophy major who have no previous background in philosophy should probably begin with an introductory course (PHIL 100 or PHIL 150). Otherwise, a good place to begin is with the history sequence (PHIL 260-261) or logic (PHIL 340-341), since these courses provide excellent background for other courses. The history sequence is required for anyone taking the regular major. The logic sequence, which was at one time required, has not been required since Fall 2004.
As for other required courses, PHIL 350 (Ethics) can be taken at any time. PHIL 385 (Epistemology) and PHIL 390 (Metaphysics) are best put off until your junior and senior year. Bear in mind, however, that unlike the other required courses, PHIL 385 and PHIL 390 are offered only every other year and indeed in alternate years—i.e., one one year and the other the next. This means that you can’t postpone them both until your senior year. Ideally, you should take one of them in your junior year and the other when you’re a senior.
The other course it generally makes sense to put off until your junior or senior year is the Advanced Seminar (PHIL 495). The kind of work you are likely to be asked to do in that course is usually easier and more profitable for students who have already taken a considerable amount of philosophy. (Note, by the way, that PHIL 495 can be taken more than once. For those who take it more than once, the additional section or sections may be counted as electives.)
Bear in mind that if your philosophy major is not a part of a double major, you must also complete the requirements of a minor of at least 18 hours. Also, bear in mind our recommendation of at least two years of a foreign language—preferably French or German. Students who are thinking about going on to study philosophy at the graduate level should take this recommendation especially seriously.
For further advice, see our four year plan for students pursuing the regular philosophy major.
For Ethics and Public Policy Majors
Students taking the major with an emphasis in ethics and public policy may also want to begin with an introductory-level course (PHIL 100 or PHIL 150). Otherwise, a good place to begin is with the history sequence (PHIL 260-261) or logic (PHIL 340-341) as these provide excellent background for other courses. The history sequence is required for anyone majoring in philosophy with an emphasis in ethics and public policy. Logic, though not required, can always be counted as an elective.
Of the other required courses, PHIL 150 (Ethics in Theory and Practice), PHIL 220 (The Nature of Legal Reasoning), PHIL 310 (Topics in Ethics and Public Policy), PHIL 350 (Ethics), and PHIL 355 (Social and Political Philosophy) can all be taken at pretty much any time. PHIL 350 is offered every year in the fall, and PHIL 220 is offered every spring. The times when the other courses in this list will be offered are less predictable. Students will need to monitor coming offerings rather carefully.
The other required course—the Advanced Seminar—is a course it generally makes sense to put off until your junior or senior year. The kind of work you are likely to be asked to do in that course is usually easier and more profitable for students who have already taken a considerable amount of philosophy. (Note, by the way, that PHIL 495 can be taken more than once. For those who do take it more than once, the additional section or sections may be counted as electives.)
Finally, bear in mind that if your philosophy major is not a part of a double major, you must also complete the requirements of a minor of at least 18 hours.
For further advice, see our four year plan for students pursuing the major with an emphasis in ethics and public policy.
