Program Contact: Jennifer Sacco 203-582-8972
Philosophy is an ancient project, but one that continues to evolve as humans respond ethically to challenges in the coming century: peace, environmental sustainability, globalization, technology, the needs for health and security, and the yearning for love and justice. The philosophy major is structured to equip students with the conceptual tools and techniques of inquiry necessary to arrive at thoughtful responses to the world’s challenges through their knowledge of different eras, themes and figures in the history of philosophy, both inside and outside the Western tradition.
Students learn to reflect critically, ethically and holistically on the significance of these tools and techniques to their own lives and to the world they are about to inherit. Students develop analytical and research skills in philosophical inquiry as they explore the history of philosophy and the current status of the main problems in epistemology, metaphysics and ethics.
Students who major in philosophy develop competence in reasoning techniques, and will appraise the validity (and invalidity) of arguments, expose hidden assumptions, recognize fallacies and make a precise and coherent case in support of their own views. Philosophy graduates will be skilled in combining and synthesizing information from a wide range of sources, and in reflecting on their own thinking and experience. Students complete the major with a senior seminar in which they isolate and define a specific philosophical question that they explore in a senior thesis.
The BA in Philosophy requires a minimum of 120 credits for degree completion.
Students must complete the curriculum listed below and must obtain a minimum grade of C in all philosophy courses. No more than 6 credits of independent study (PL 299, PL 399) may count toward completion of the major.
Please see footnotes for additional information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Curriculum | 46 | |
| Modern Language Requirement 1 | 3-6 | |
| Philosophy Core Requirements | ||
| PL 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PL 102 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PL 103 | Logical Reasoning | 3 |
| PL 242 | Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PL 243 | Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PL 401 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| 18 Credits in Philosophy or Cognate Courses | 18 | |
Cognate courses: 2 | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| The Age of Pericles | ||
| Political Theory | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Democratic Theory and Practice | ||
| Sociological Theory | ||
| Free Electives | 32 | |
| Total Credits | 117-120 | |
- 1
All CAS students must complete one modern language through the 102 level. Students who have taken a language in high school should take the modern language placement test for that language. Placement scores at the 201 level or higher demonstrate language competency and will place out of the language requirement.
- 2
In addition to philosophy courses, a student may count up to two of the cognate courses toward completion of the philosophy major.
Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each student's individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 30 credits, meet with your adviser at least once a semester and have a GPA of 2.00 or higher. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PL 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PL 103 | Logical Reasoning | 3 |
| EN 101 | Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing (UC First Year Writing) | 3 |
| FYS 101 | First-Year Seminar (UC Foundations Inquiry) | 3 |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PL 102 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| EN 102 | Academic Writing and Research (UC First Year Writing) | 3 |
| University Curriculum Math | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 4 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PL Elective at 200 level | 3 | |
| PL Elective | 3 | |
| Language at the 101-level | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PL Elective at 200 level | 3 | |
| PL Elective | 3 | |
| Language at the 102 level (Satisfies CAS Language Requirement) | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PL 242 | Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PL Elective | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PL 243 | Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PL Elective | 3 | |
| CAS 420 | CAS Integrative Capstone | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PL 401 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:
- Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of the major traditions, themes and figures in metaphysics, epistemology and ethics across global history and as they emerge in specific cultures, regions or nations of the world.
- Reflection: Ability to reflect critically, ethically and holistically on human problems affecting their lives (e.g., peace, environmental sustainability, globalization, technology, health, death, social and political justice), and to isolate and define specific philosophical questions for further inquiry.
- Critical Thinking: Ability to use inquiry and critical thinking techniques for detecting fallacies and for appraising the validity of arguments.
- Synthesis: Skills of creatively synthesizing new ideas, based on knowledge from a diverse range of historical, regional and cultural perspectives.
- Communication: Ability to communicate effectively one’s own views and judgments in precise, reasoned, coherent and persuasive writing and speaking.
Admission Requirements: College of Arts & Sciences
The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts & Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.