Undergraduate Philosophy Advisement

This Page Was Last Updated April 4, 2008
This Page Is Maintained by Dr. Jan Garrett

Contents

General Information About the Philosophy Program

As academic disciplines appropriate to a public university, philosophy and religious studies are concerned with basic questions about the meaning and purpose of life.

In the tradition of Socrates and Plato, philosophy focuses on the relationships of an individual with the self, with other persons, with the universe, and, for some philosophers, with God. It asks such questions as what can we know, what should we do, and for what may we hope?

Philosophy is an integral part of a well-rounded liberal arts education. Courses and programs in the field contribute to the student's understanding of self and others, to ethical responsibility, and to individual and social fulfillment. Since these studies emphasize careful reading of texts, critical and constructive thinking, understanding the views of others, and alternative principles of action, course work in philosophy aids the student in developing those basic skills and capacities which are essential in individual, social and vocational life.

See the Mission Statement of the W.K.U. Philosophy Program (adopted September 6, 2000).

Western Kentucky University offers several philosophy courses to fulfill general educational requirements. Several other courses in the department do not require prerequisites, and students are encouraged to take any such courses in which they may be interested.

The department offers a major and minor in philosophy. They prepare students for graduate work in philosophy. They also contribute to preparation for a variety of professional and vocational fields. In each case, the number of semester hours required is modest in order to encourage second majors and minors. The requirements are flexible enough to permit students to select courses which develop and extend their interest.

Students who follow the certifiable program for teacher education can take a minor or a second major in philosophy only if they have a 30-hour major in some other area that is certifiable under state regulations for teacher certification.

Major in Philosophy

The major in philosophy (reference number 745) requires a minimum of 30 semester hours and leads to a bachelor of arts degree.

At least 18 hours must be in courses number 300 or above.

A minor or second major is required. The thirty hours must be distributed as follows:

I. Introduction (3 hours)
PHIL 120, Introduction to Philosophy
II. Logic (3 hours)
PHIL 115, Elementary Logic
III. History of Philosophy (6 hours)
PHIL 302, History of Philosophy I: Ancient and Medieval Philosophy, and
PHIL 303, History of Philosophy II: Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
IV. Ethics (3 hours)
PHIL 350, Ethical Theory
V. Metaphysics and Epistemology (3 hours)
PHIL 404, Metaphysics and Epistemology
VI. Electives (12 hours)

Minor in Philosophy

The minor in philosophy (reference number 429) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours.

Twelve hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above.

The 21 hours must be distributed as follows:

I. Introduction (3 hours)
PHIL 120, Introduction to Philosophy
II. Logic (3 hours)
PHIL 115, Elementary Logic
III. History of Philosophy (3 hours)
PHIL 302, History of Philosophy I: Ancient and Medieval Philosophy, or
PHIL 303, History of Philosophy II: Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
IV. Ethics (3 hours)
PHIL 350, Ethical Theory
V. Metaphysics and Epistemology (3 hours)
PHIL 404, Metaphysics and Epistemology
VI. Electives (6 hours)

How to Get Further Advice About the Philosophy Program

  • Talk to the instructor of a philosophy course you are now taking.

  • Contact the head of the Philosophy and Religion Department.

    Dr. Eric Bain-Selbo
    Cherry Hall 300
    (270) 745-5744
  • Contact the current Philosophy Undergraduate Advisor.

    Dr. Jan Garrett
    Department of Philosophy and Religion
    Western Kentucky University,
    1906 College Heights Blvd #31086
    Bowling Green Kentucky 42101-1086

    His office phone number is (270) 745-5740.

    Note: In Academic Year 2008-2009, Dr. Garrett will not be the general Philosophy Undergraduate Advisor.