Philosophy Undergraduate Program
The Philosophy Department offers an undergraduate major in philosophy, a concentration in ethics and public policy, two minors in philosophy and a variety of elective courses, which nonmajors may take to broaden their education and fulfill Program of Liberal Studies requirements. The department also offers core or elective courses for concentrations in law and society, peace studies, ethics and public policy, and environmental science and policy.
Courses
(Click on "Title of Course" or "Course Number" to sort by that category)
Directed Readings, Individual Research, Tutorials
For significant independent research, the department offers individual Directed Research, Directed Readings, and Advanced Independent Study in Philosophical Topics, all falling under the course heading PHIL299. Students interested in these possibilities should consult with individual members of the philosophy faculty.
Internships, Research Apprenticeships
Students are encouraged to apply for a research apprenticeship with an individual philosophy professor. Research apprentices work closely with their mentor on the mentor’s scholarly research, sometimes co-authoring a published article. Some recent topics have been: environmental ethics; privacy in law and ethics; and statistical stylometry and ancient philosophy. Philosophy faculty also sponsor off-campus undergraduate internship experiences. Students interested in these opportunities may inquire at the department or through the internship office.
Senior Thesis
Undergraduate majors are encouraged to complete a senior thesis (PHIL295); majors intending graduate study especially should consider this. Thesis students engage in advanced individual research on a selected philosophical problem, guided by a faculty adviser and a thesis committee composed of three faculty members. See PHIL295 for more information.
Professional Organizations
The department has the Massachusetts Alpha Chapter of the national philosophy honor society, Phi Sigma Tau. In addition to awarding membership to academically exceptional majors, the society also sponsors speakers and colloquia, as well as trips to regional philosophy conferences.
The department is a founding member of the Boston-area Colloquium in Ancient Philosophy. The organization sponsors lectures and seminars at the various member college campuses.
Departmental Publications
The international philosophical journal, Idealistic Studies, is edited by Gary Overvold. Founded by Robert N. Beck, Idealistic Studies is a leading interdisciplinary journal focusing on issues of contemporary European philosophy and idealism. The journal provides a forum for writing that recognizes whether by advocacy or criticism, the defining significance of consciousness and mind in the concerns of philosophy and other expressions of high culture.