Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Philosophy (Public Affairs Focus)

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a Public Affairs Focus is designed for students interested in exploring contemporary ethics and political philosophy. This degree shares core material with the traditional BA in Philosophy but delves deeper into social and political topics, including wealth inequality, political correctness, business ethics, and the relationship between technological progress and sustainability.

Admissions

The admission process for this program follows the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs.

Requirements

To fulfill the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Philosophy (Public Affairs Focus), students must complete the following:

• The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs.
• Program-specific curriculum:
  • Recommended:
    • PHIL 1051: Introduction to Philosophy
    • or PHIL 1051W: Introduction to Philosophy
  • Required:
    • PHIL 2045: Introduction to Logic (3 credits)
    • One course from the following (3 credits):
      • PHIL 2111: History of Ancient Philosophy
      • or PHIL 2111W: History of Ancient Philosophy
      • PHIL 2112: History of Modern Philosophy
    • Two courses from the following (6 credits):
      • PHIL 2131: Ethics: Theory and Applications
      • PHIL 2132: Social and Political Philosophy
      • or PHIL 2132W: Social and Political Philosophy
      • PHIL 2136: Contemporary Issues in Ethics
    • Four additional philosophy (PHIL) courses numbered 2000 or above (12 credits)
    • One of the following options:
      • A: Two Proseminar Courses
        • PHIL 4198: Proseminar (6 credits)
      • B: Honors Thesis option (requires departmental approval and a senior thesis)
        • PHIL 4198: Proseminar (3 credits)
        • or PHIL 4198W: Proseminar in Philosophy
        • PHIL 4199: Readings and Research (3 credits)

General Education

In addition to the University General Education Requirement, undergraduate students in Columbian College must complete a further, College-specific general education curriculum—Perspective, Analysis, Communication (G-PAC) as well as the course CCAS 1001 First-Year Experience. The University General Education Requirement includes:

• One course in critical thinking in the humanities.
• Two courses in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, or scientific reasoning in the social sciences.
• One course that has an approved oral communication component.
• One course in quantitative reasoning (must be in mathematics or statistics).
• One course in scientific reasoning (must be in natural and/or physical laboratory sciences).
• UW 1020 University Writing
• After successful completion of UW 1020, 6 credits distributed over at least two writing in the discipline (WID) courses taken in separate semesters. WID courses are designated by a "W" appended to the course number. The CCAS G-PAC requirement includes:
• Arts—one approved arts course that involves the study or creation of artwork based on an understanding or interpretation of artistic traditions or knowledge of art in a contemporary context.
• Global or cross-cultural perspective—one approved course that analyzes the ways in which institutions, practices, and problems transcend national and regional boundaries.
• Local or civic engagement—one approved course that develops the values, ethics, disciplines, and commitment to pursue responsible public action.
• Natural or physical science—one additional approved laboratory course that employs the process of scientific inquiry (in addition to the one course in this category required by the University General Education Requirement).
• Humanities—one additional approved humanities course that involves critical thinking skills (in addition to the one course in this category required by the University General Education Requirement).
• CCAS 1001 First-Year Experience

Special Honors

To be considered for graduation with Special Honors, a student must:

• Have at least a 3.7 grade-point average in the major and a 3.3 average overall.
• Submit an honors paper prepared under the supervision of a faculty advisor in the department. Only if a committee of three faculty members in the department approves the honors paper are Special Honors recommended.

Combined Program

The Dual Bachelor of Arts with a major in philosophy (public affairs focus) and Master of Arts in the field of public policy with a concentration in philosophy and social policy is available. This combined program allows students to pursue both degrees simultaneously, enhancing their understanding of philosophy and public policy.