Courses

Philosophy Course Numbering Scheme – effective Fall, 2015

001–099: Courses numbered 001–099 are “First Philosophy Courses,” which comprise, as the name indicates, the list of courses from which students should choose their first philosophy course. Seniors are not permitted to enroll in First Philosophy Courses. 

100–199: Courses numbered 100–199 are “Bridge Courses,” which are courses that students may choose to take as their second philosophy course. It is permissible for a student to satisfy his or her Main Campus Core Requirements in Philosophy by taking two First Philosophy Courses, but the Department advises that most students should, schedule permitting, seek to take a Bridge Course as their second course. Bridge Courses presume only that a student has taken one prior philosophy course. 

Most philosophy courses 200 and up have a formal prerequisite of two prior Philosophy courses. There are some that do not (such as the Logic courses, Phil 350 & 351). Questions about this prerequisite should be directed to either the Undergraduate Director in the Philosophy Dept. or the instructor for a given course.

200–299: Courses numbered 200–299 are Foundational Area and History Survey Courses. These are the “bread and butter” courses for Majors, Minors, and dabblers in philosophy. The two history survey courses that are required for the Major – History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (280, formerly 384) and History of Modern Philosophy (282, formerly 385) – have been relocated to this level as of Fall, 2015. 

There will be some significant overlap in course titles between the 100- and 200-levels. A course titled “Political Philosophy” or “Intro to Political Philosophy” at the Bridge Course level is not intended to be a foundational course on which Majors, Minors, and dabblers should construct their program of advanced study in philosophy. There may be times when it is appropriate for Majors and Minors to take a course at the Bridge level, rather than the 200-level. E.g., if the relevant course will not be offered at the 200-level during a student’s remaining time before graduation, or if there is an unresolvable scheduling conflict with a 200-level course. The presumption, however, is that if a Major or Minor wants to take a course in some foundational area of philosophy, he or she should aim to take the course at the 200-level. Two significant exceptions to this presumption are Philosophy 105 (Bioethics) and Philosophy 151 (Introduction to Logic).

300–309: Tutorials, Honors Thesis, etc.

320–329: Text Seminars

350–499: Courses numbered 350–499 are advanced electives in Philosophy. They tend to be more specialized and advanced. They are generally not suited for a newly minted Major or Minor’s first semester in the program of study. This is only a general presumption, however, and if a course looks particularly interesting or appropriate, students should consult with the instructor for the course to determine whether it would be appropriate to take the course. A lot will depend on which particular courses a student has already taken at the 100- and 200-level. Also note that courses at this level are generally open to graduate students as well (unless specified otherwise in an individual case). 

500–: Courses number 500 and above are graduate courses. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the Philosophy Department. Others may take these courses only with permission of the instructor.