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Program Information
BA Philosophy: Traditional Track
BA Philosophy: Religion Track
BA Humanities
AA Liberal Studies
Philosophy Minor
Critical Thinking Minor
Overview
Philosophy concentrates on every aspect of human life and human experience. At Edinboro University, the Philosophy Department provides a friendly setting for students that are attracted to the intellectual life. The department offers a wide range of courses that focus on the nature of the world, the human person, God, truth, morality, freedom, justice, and the extent of human knowledge. The backgrounds of the department's faculty reflect this diversity of interests.
The philosophy program emphasizes rigorous training in critical thinking, discussion, analysis, reflection, and writing. Philosophy majors are usually sought after for their high critical and intellectual abilities. Accordingly, philosophy majors and minors may use their degrees to pursue advanced studies to teach philosophy, to attend law school, or to specialize in editing, writing, publishing, and speaking. The skills they acquire in philosophy are also applicable to vocations in counseling, criminal justice, social work, and the religious life.
The Philosophy faculty is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and student success.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy requires thirty-six (36) credit hours. Students can use at least 36 hours of free electives to take other courses that interest them.
Philosophy is an excellent liberal arts major, a program that encourages intellectual, ethical, and aesthetic growth. Philosophy courses consider issues that range over the entire area of human concerns and interests. Also, philosophy is an excellent preparation for graduate study in many areas and for professional programs in law and theology.
In philosophy the most basic interpretations of reality and the deepest questions are carefully and rationally considered. The study of philosophy helps students learn to think clearly, to argue persuasively, to understand and evaluate basic values and beliefs, and to appreciate the great thinkers of world civilization.
The Major in Philosophy
Objectives of the Traditional Track:
1. To expose students to the philosophical history of western thought-past
and present,
2. To impart critical and analytical thinking skills, and
3. To develop writing skills focusing on constructing and evaluating
arguments.
The Major in Philosophy
Objectives of the Religion Track:
1. To develop an understanding and appreciation of the world's major
religions,
2. To develop an understanding of the fundamentals of religion, religious
belief, religious language, its mystical dimension, ritual tradition, doctrinal
dimension, and the general problem of God, and
3. To develop a critical understanding and appreciation of the role of religion
in human life and human history.
Curriculum Requirements:
1. General Education Requirements [48 sem. hrs.]
2. Major Requirements/Traditional Track [36 sem. hrs.]
3. Major Requirements/Religion Track [36 sem. hrs.]
4. Free Electives [36 sem. hrs.]
TOTAL: 120 sem. hrs.
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Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities is intended for those students who desire a wide background in the Arts and Humanities as opposed to a specific major in one of the disciplines.
This major requires thirty (30) semester hours of advanced humanities selected from five of the following seven disciplines: Art/Art History, English and Theatre Arts, Foreign Languages, History, Music, Philosophy, and Speech Communications.
Curriculum Requirements:
1. General Education Requirements [48 sem. hrs.]
2. Advanced Humanities [30 sem. hrs.]
3. Free Electives [42 sem. hrs.]
TOTAL: 120 sem. hrs.
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Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies
The Associate Degree in Liberal Studies provides a convenient way for students who wish to pursue a Bachelors degree, while living at home during their first two years before transferring to the four-year institution. Up to 15 credit hours may be awarded for previously completed courses in vocational or technical institutes, and students are eligible to have their tuition covered by the national vocational training act. The AALS degree may be completed by taking courses solely online and at the Porreco Center in Erie.
Curriculum Requirements:
1. General Education Requirements [30 sem. hrs.]
2. Track A: Specialization Area [15 - 24 sem. hrs.]
To be chosen from 57 University minors.
3. Electives [6 - 15 sem. hrs.]
4. Track B: Humanities Specialization [18 sem. hrs.]
At least one advanced course from four (4) of seven (7) humanities
disciplines (Art/Art History, English and Theatre Arts, Foreign
Languages, History, Music, Philosophy, or Speech Communications).
5. Electives [12 sem. hrs.]
TOTAL: 60 sem. hrs.
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Philosophy Minor
A minor in philosophy enhances students' work in their major area of study and establishes excellent credentials for employment or graduate study. Students are required to take 18 credits in philosophy, including Introduction to Philosophy and courses in the history of philosophy, logic, and value theory, as well as nine (9) other credits in philosophy.
We encourage philosophy minors to take electives that would compliment their major, e.g., Aesthetics for an art major, Philosophy of Science for a science major, etc.
Curriculum Requirements:
1. PHIL 327 Beginning Logic (3) or PHIL 420 Logic (3)
2. PHIL 300 Ancient Philosophy (3) or PHIL 402 History of Modern
Philosophy
3. PHIL 340 Ethics (3) or One 340-level Course (3)
4. Phil 410 Metaphysics (3) or PHIL 411 Theory of Knowledge (3) or
PHIL 425 Philosophy of Science
5. Electives in Philosophy (6)
TOTAL: 18 sem. hrs.
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Critical Thinking Minor
Critical thinking is skill at recognizing, analyzing, and evaluating claims made by advertisers, politicians, academic disciplines, and ordinary persons. As such, the development of one's critical thinking abilities is one of the most important contributions that a college education can offer. Edinboro students can complete a minor in critical thinking, the first in the State System of Higher Education, by completing 18 credit hours in courses they otherwise can use to satisfy various general education core, distribution, and elective categories.
Curriculum Requirements:
1. Required Courses [9 sem. hrs.]
2. Electives [9 sem. hrs.]
TOTAL: 18 sem. hrs.
