Philosophy Minors & Certificates

 

Philosophy

The Philosophy minor is the most broad and flexible minor we offer. It is suitable for students from any college or major who wish to gain exposure to the discipline of philosophy and have the freedom of choice to take the courses they are most interested in.

15 hours of Philosophy course work:

• 6 hours must be upper-division
• 9 hours must be completed in-residence

Minoring in Philosophy does not guarantee access to specific Philosophy classes. If you encounter trouble registering for any Philosophy courses, you may contact the Academic Advisor for assistance. We do our best to help out minors, but it may not always be possible to grant your request.

 

Philosophy of Law

The Philosophy of Law minor will be of interest to students who hope to attend law school or simply have a particular interest in the intersection of law and philosophy. It provides training in the foundations of logic and ethics that will be of use to any law student or public servant.

18 hours including:

• PHL 304 Contemporary Moral Problems
• PHL 347 Philosophy of Law
• One course chosen from: PHL 312 Introduction to Logic, PHL 313 Introductory Symbolic Logic, or PHL 313Q Logic and Scientific Reasoning.
• One course chosen from: PHL 318 Introduction to Ethics or PHL 318K Introduction to Political Philosophy
• 6 additional hours from the approved list.
• Coursework applied toward the minor must include at least six hours upper-division and at least nine hours in residence.

Please note some courses in the Philosophy of Law minor may be restricted to particular programs. PHL 313Q is always completely restricted to Plan II majors. PHL 313 will have most of the seats restricted to majors during the early registration period, but any remaining seats will be released to all students by the first class day. If you encounter trouble registering for any Philosophy course, you may contact the Academic Advisor for assistance. We do our best to help out minors, but it may not always be possible to grant your request.

 

Philosophy of Mind and Language

The Philosophy of Mind and Language minor is most suitable for those students who discover an interest in philosophy late in their academic career, but may still be drawn to pursuing graduate studies in philosophy. This minor is designed to give students a background in the core compentencies of analytic philosophy (logic, mind and language) which are most prized in the graduate application process.

15 hours including:

• One course chosen from: PHL 313 Introductory Symbolic Logic or PHL 313Q Logic and Scientific Reasoning
• One course chosen from: PHL 303M Mind and Body or PHL 323M Philosophy of Mind
• PHL 332 Philosophy of Language
• 6 additional hours from the approved list.
• Coursework applied toward the minor must include at least six hours upper-division and at least nine hours in residence.

Please note some courses in the Philosophy of Law minor may be restricted to particular programs. PHL 313Q is always completely restricted to Plan II majors. PHL 313, PHL 323M, and PHL 332 will have most of the seats restricted to majors during the early registration period, but any remaining seats will be released to all students by the first class day. Additionally, PHL 323M and PHL 332 have an enforced prerequisite of six hours of philosophy coursework. If you encounter trouble registering for any Philosophy courses, you may contact the Academic Advisor for assistance. We do our best to help out minors, but it may not always be possible to grant your request.

 

 

History & Philosophy of Science Certificate

The History and Philosophy of Science Certificate provides undergraduate students an opportunity to gain a coherent, cross-disciplinary command of the methods and findings that the liberal arts contribute to our understanding of the sciences. Students analyze the dynamic development, concepts, and roles in society of various sciences, as well as the personal, dramatic struggles of famous scientists. 
All undergraduate students, regardless of major or college, are eligible for this certificate. The certificate is an excellent compliment to any degree, and may be of particular interest to students of science or engineering who want to learn more about the wider cultural context of the disciplines they study. The certificate is also an asset to students considering graduate study in the history or philosophy of science.

To view detailed information about requirements, advising, and how to apply for the certificate, please visit the certificate's homepage.

 

 

Law and Religion

The Law and Religion minor is available starting in the 24/26 catalog and is offered by the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. More information can be found on MES minors webpage. 

15 hours including:

• 6 – 9 hours from approved list of non-U.S.-focused coursework
• 6 – 9 hours from approved list

Must include at least 6 hours of upper-division coursework and at least 8 hours must be taken in-residence.