Dec 03, 2024

2023-2024 Academic Catalog

2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy, BA

Philosophy is an adventure of the mind. Philosophy majors read and discuss ideas generated by some of the greatest thinkers in history, putting these ideas in conversation with each other and with contemporary concerns. The Department of Philosophy also offers Philosophy students a look at theoretical and practical problems from a philosophical perspective.

Because the study of philosophy develops a student’s ability to analyze ideas and arguments, to think critically, and to write well, a major in philosophy provides skills that are valued by many kinds of employers and serve as appropriate pre-professional preparation for various fields, including law, medicine, psychology and theology. Additionally, the major provides preparation for students interested in obtaining a background for graduate work in philosophy.

Program Learning Outcomes

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements	35
Major Requirements	33
University Electives	52
Total	120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements

Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (24 units)

Of the 39 units required by the university, 15 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or Specific questions.

Upper Division General Education

Of the 9 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)

Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies sequence (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) or Humanities Honors course (HUM 2B ; 6 units) satisfies the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

U.S. History and Government (6 units)

Complete One US1: US History Course

AMS 10 - Stories that Make America 3 unit(s) (C2+US1)
HIST 15 - Essentials of U.S. History 3 unit(s) (D+US1)
HIST 170S - Topics in American History: American Identities and Institutions 3 unit(s) (S+US1)

Complete One US23: US Constitution and California Government Course

AMS 11 - Visions of Democracy 3 unit(s) (D+US23)
POLS 15 - Essentials of U.S. & California Government 3 unit(s) (D+US23)
POLS 16 - Power and Ideas in American Politics 3 unit(s) (C2+US23)
POLS 170V - American Politics in Global Perspective 3 unit(s) (V+US23)

Physical Education (2 units)

All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 units)

At SJSU, students must pass a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found in the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) section.

Major Requirements (33 units)

PHIL 70A - Ancient Philosophy 3 unit(s) (C2)
PHIL 70B - Modern Philosophy 3 unit(s) (C2)

Complete One Course From:

PHIL 9 - Mathematics and Logic for General Education 3 unit(s) (B4)
PHIL 57 - Logic and Critical Reasoning 3 unit(s) (A3)
PHIL 157 - Intermediate Logic & Language Analysis 3 unit(s) (PHIL 157 requires permission from advisor)

Complete One Seminar Course From:

PHIL 190 - Seminar in Philosophical Classics 3 unit(s)
PHIL 195 - Seminar in Philosophy of Law 3 unit(s)
PHIL 290 - Advanced Seminar in a Selected Philosopher or Tradition 3 unit(s) (GWAR)
PHIL 291 - Advanced Seminar in Epistemology and Metaphysics 3 unit(s) (GWAR)
PHIL 292 - Advanced Seminar in Ethics or Aesthetics 3 unit(s)
PHIL 293 - Advanced Seminar in Logical Theory 3 unit(s)

Philosophy Electives (21 units)

Complete seven upper division Philosophy courses, which may include SJSU Studies Philosophy courses.

Students may substitute a Graduate Level Philosophy course for one of the seven upper division Philosophy courses with permission from the advisor.

University Electives (52 units)

At least 4 units must be Upper Division

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