Philosophy Major

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Our goal is to have students think philosophically on the meaning of one’s life, the conceptual foundations of belief, and the nature of self and responsibility.

To accomplish this goal our students read, discuss, and analyze in writing (1) philosophical problems (ontology of self and other; metaphysics of action; possibility of knowledge; origin and value of ethical systems; and concern for social justice), and (2) major figures and eras in historical and contemporary philosophy (ancient, medieval, modern, post-modern, etc.).

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Identify primary philosophical themes found in the writings of major philosophers
Write historical and argumentative essays on central philosophical issues
Develop philosophical arguments using formal and informal methods originated by historical and contemporary philosophers

Major Requirements (44 units)

All incoming students are advised to immediately enroll in PHIL 310 - Ancient & Medieval Philosophy , which will also satisfy the Core D1 Philosophy requirement. The Ethics courses listed below will satisfy the Core D3 Ethics requirement.

Required (12 units)

Ethics (4 units)

Electives (28 units)

Students complete 7 elective courses. At least 5 of them must be upper division (i.e. at the 300-400 level).

Senior Thesis in Philosophy

*The senior thesis (PHIL 398 ) is an elective for students wishing to work in depth on a research paper of significance. Approval by a full-time faculty member, who will serve as the senior thesis advisor, is required. Students will work on their thesis during their final year at USF, for 1-2 credit hours each of two consecutive semesters, for a total of 2-4 credit hours. A directed study form must be filled out, signed by the advisor and department chair, and submitted to CASA for each semester of the senior thesis.

Curriculum Map

Freshman Year

Fall	Units
PHIL 310 - Ancient & Medieval Philosophy	4
Core/Language - Course 1	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
PHIL 312 - Modern Philosophy	4
Core/Language - Course 2	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16

Sophomore Year

Fall	Units
PHIL 319 - Logic	4
One Lower Level Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
Ethics	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16

Junior Year

Fall	Units
One Upper Level Elective	4
One Lower Level Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
One Upper Level Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16

Senior Year

Fall	Units
One Upper Level Elective	4
One Upper Level Elective or One Lower Level Elective as needed	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
One Upper Level Elective (possibly PHIL 398 - Senior Thesis , if desired)	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective	4
Core/Open Elective (if needed)	4
Total Semester Units	16

*This information is subject to change. This curriculum map is just one among other possible samples. Students should consult with the department for any updated information.