Philosophy Associate in Arts Degree Program

Program Overview

The Philosophy program at this institution emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and the exploration of fundamental human questions. It prepares students for careers requiring strong communication and reasoning skills, such as law, business, and social work. The program's core requirements include courses in philosophy, logic, and ethics, while selective courses offer a range of options in philosophy, history, and religion.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: Philosophy is an academic discipline that involves critical reflection on the human condition, analyzing ideas and statements, attempting to synthesize knowledge and experience, and exploring the meaning of life and how to live it.
It develops critical thinking skills by examining diverse responses to fundamental questions.
• Objectives:
• Prepare students for success in a wide range of professions that require critical thinking and communication skills, such as law, business, government, social work, and health management.
• Provide a strong foundation for law school and postgraduate studies in humanities, social sciences, and/or natural sciences.
• Program Learning Outcomes:
• Analyze social science concepts and theories.
• Evaluate diverse viewpoints related to the human experience.
• Produce evidence-based arguments.

Outline:

The program structure includes:

• Major Core Requirements: (6 units)
• Introduction to Philosophy (3 units) or Introduction to Ethics (3 units)
• Introduction to Logic (3 units)
• Selective Courses: (12 units minimum)
• List A
(3 units required): Any core course not already used or
• History of Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval (3 units)
• Modern Philosophy (3 units)
• Contemporary Philosophy (3 units)
• List B
(6 units required): Any List A course not already used or
• History of Western Civilization I (3 units)
• History of Western Civilization II (3 units)
• Introduction to Philosophy of Religion (3 units)
• List C
(3 units required): Any List A or B course not already used or
• Critical Thinking (3 units)

Careers:

• Career Opportunities:
• Philosophy cultivates general "transferable" work skills, particularly reasoning and argumentation, which foster critical thinking and communication skills applicable in various professional contexts.
• Specific professions relevant to philosophy include law, business, government, social work, and health management.
• Philosophy also serves as valuable preparation for law school and postgraduate studies in various disciplines.