Program Requirements
The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core curriculum) required for the major: 36.
Each major in philosophy will arrange a program of courses in conference with the chair or a member of the Department who is assigned as the student’s advisor. The program will be designed in terms of the student’s interests, needs, vocational plans, and the year in which the student declares a major.The major will require 36 hours of courses. Only one 100-level course may count toward the major.
All philosophy majors must take any four history of philosophy courses. These courses are PHI 310 , PHI 312 , PHI 315 , PHI 320 , PHI 330 , PHI 340 , PHI 350 , PHI 355 , PHI 360 , PHI 370 , PHI 380 and PHI 398 .
Majors are strongly encouraged to take PHI 310 .
In order to graduate, all philosophy majors must complete two 400-level seminars in philosophy. Seminar major figures and topics rotate among faculty in the Department.
In the last year a senior thesis (PHI 410 ) is optional. The successful completion of PHI 400 is a prerequisite for taking PHI 410 . This thesis consists of a major paper (minimum length: 50 pages) on a topic selected by the student and directed by one member of the Department. The student will meet with the mentor on a regular basis during the semester of the senior thesis. Upon completion of the paper, an oral examination will be conducted by the full Department.
Graduating with Distinction in the major is granted if the student’s GPA in philosophy is at least 3.5 or higher upon completion of all requirements for the major.
Every major intending to pursue graduate study and teach in philosophy will be expected to take German or French through the intermediate level. German is preferred to French, although ideally both sets of courses should be taken.
All majors are encouraged to take PHI 205 - Logic .
The gender-neutral language policy of the Department prohibits the use of sexist language in classes, course materials, and at departmental events.
USM Core Requirements
The USM Core Curriculum is a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal education that enables our graduates to be world-minded, intentional, life-long learners and captures your general education degree requirements.
Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fufilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.
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