Philosophy |
The study of philosophy attempts to develop a student’s understanding of the presuppositions underlying the main areas of human inquiry, an awareness of the range of reasonable answers to the ultimate questions individuals ask themselves, and a habit of critical reflection concerning the student’s own convictions about belief and conduct. The major is designed to permit broad interdepartmental studies and interdisciplinary synthesis. It provides a desirable background for graduate study and work in human relations, law, literature, the social sciences and theology.
DEGREE OPTIONS
Bachelor of Arts in philosophy
PROGRAM SIZE
Approximately 25 students are enrolled in the major. The average class size is 25.
FACULTY
The Philosophy Department includes three full-time and several part-time faculty members. Jennifer McCrickerd offers courses in ethics, political thought, epistemology and American philosophy. Allen Scult teaches courses in phenomenology, existentialism, philosophy of religion, rhetoric, and Heidegger. Tim Knepper teaches courses in the history of philosophy, philosophy of language, philosophy of religion, philosophy of science and eastern philosophy.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION
A sense of wonder, an educated curiosity and a willingness to look at the world as if for the first time.
REQUIRED CREDIT HOURS AND COURSES FOR A MAJOR
The major requires 39 hours of coursework distributed over 7 categories: introduction to philosophy; ethics; history of philosophy; logic; theories of language, thought, and reality; non-western philosophy; and senior seminar. No more than 15 hours may be in courses numbered below 100. (See the Philosophy and Religion website for a more thorough description of the major requirements.)
REQUIRED CREDIT HOURS AND COURSES OUTSIDE MAJOR Visit the Philosophy Department website
The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.
The Drake Curriculum also requires first-year seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills and ideas to bear on one project.
REQUIRED CREDIT HOURS AND COURSES FOR A MINOR
The minor requires 18 hours of coursework in the following 4 categories: introduction to philosophy; ethics; history of philosophy; electives. No more than 12 hours may be in course numbered below 100. (See the Philosophy and Religion website for a more thorough description of the minor requirements.)
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES/INTERNSHIPS
In recent years, philosophy majors have obtained internships at the Drake Legal Clinic and with private law firms and have presented papers at undergraduate conferences.
CAREER OPTIONS
Many philosophy graduates go on to graduate and law school. Students with a philosophy major possess people skills, the ability to reason creatively and critically, and the ability to adapt to new situations. These qualities are highly valued in business, government and education.
ORGANIZATIONS
The Delphian Sociey is an organization for discussions in philosophy and religion.
