Philosophy Department

Advising Tips for the Prospective Major

What courses absolutely must be taken during the first year (or the first semester)?

The Philosophy major does not require any specific sequence of courses in the first year. However, there are several good "first courses" for potential majors. In addition to the department's 1st year Seminars, "Problems of Philosophy" (in the second semester) and Phil 141, "History of Ancient Philosophy" are both good first courses for the major. Some majors begin with Analytic Reasoning or Personal Values, but these are general education courses with less specific relevance to the major program.

What courses should first year students steer clear of? (In history, for example, all courses are open to all students, but some 200-level courses are not suitable for all first year students.)

Some 100 courses (like Medical Ethics) exclude 1st year students. Any 200 level course will assume some familiarity with Philosophy.

If key intro courses are filled, are there good alternatives?

If you are closed out of a philosophy course, talk to the instructor. We commonly move some wait-listed students. Some popular courses are offered second semester as well. Check with the department secretary and visit the second semester instructor to express your interest. This can help you gain a placement for the second semester.

Does your department recommend that first year students explore the PLS during their first year? Or should first year students focus more on fulfilling prerequisites for the major?

We recommend that students interested in philosophy work on PLS courses as soon as possible. Students with a broad basic education in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities gain more benefit from the major courses they take later.

If first year students have specific questions about your department, whom should they contact?

Any faculty member in residence can answer such questions. If you do not know any of the department members, the chair is usually a good first stop.

How and when does your department assign advisors for declared majors?

Students select their own major advisor by asking a faculty member to fill that role.

What courses in related departments do your majors usually take?

There is a wide range of courses that philosophy majors can take. These choices depend on the student's specific interests and issues.

	What courses absolutely must be taken during the first year (or the first semester)?
	The Philosophy major does not require any specific sequence of courses in the first year. However, there are several good "first courses" for potential majors. In addition to the department's 1st year Seminars, "Problems of Philosophy" (in the second semester) and Phil 141, "History of Ancient Philosophy" are both good first courses for the major. Some majors begin with Analytic Reasoning or Personal Values, but these are general education courses with less specific relevance to the major program.
	What courses should first year students steer clear of? (In history, for example, all courses are open to all students, but some 200-level courses are not suitable for all first year students.)
	Some 100 courses (like Medical Ethics) exclude 1st year students. Any 200 level course will assume some familiarity with Philosophy.
	If key intro courses are filled, are there good alternatives?
	If you are closed out of a philosophy course, talk to the instructor. We commonly move some wait-listed students. Some popular courses are offered second semester as well. Check with the department secretary and visit the second semester instructor to express your interest. This can help you gain a placement for the second semester.
	Does your department recommend that first year students explore the PLS during their first year? Or should first year students focus more on fulfilling prerequisites for the major?
	We recommend that students interested in philosophy work on PLS courses as soon as possible. Students with a broad basic education in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities gain more benefit from the major courses they take later.
	If first year students have specific questions about your department, whom should they contact?
	Any faculty member in residence can answer such questions. If you do not know any of the department members, the chair is usually a good first stop.
	How and when does your department assign advisors for declared majors?
	Students select their own major advisor by asking a faculty member to fill that role.
	What courses in related departments do your majors usually take?
	There is a wide range of courses that philosophy majors can take. These choices depend on the student's specific interests and issues.