Philosophy, B.A.

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Encompassing ancient traditions of inquiry concerning the nature of reality and the good life as well as contemporary investigation of issues in a wide variety of disciplines, philosophy addresses fundamental questions of human experience. Students who choose philosophy think carefully and critically, interpret challenging texts, and understand better “how things in the broadest sense of the term hang together in the broadest sense of the term” (in the words of one noted philosopher). This major offers excellent preparation for any line of work in which the virtues of clear thought and expression are prized.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

state a thesis about a philosophical problem or text, explain the thesis, and provide evidence and argument (including replies to counter-arguments) in its defense. (C)
explain and interpret the ideas associated with major figures and movements in philosophy, and analyze issues and problems in the different main branches of philosophical inquiry. (CT)
identify better and worse reasoning, and recognize relevant logical relationships and patterns of inference. (QR)
show what is at stake in an abstract debate, historical or contemporary, and indicate how a philosophical view might have concrete implications or make a difference in theory or practice. (CT)

Contact Information

Department of Philosophy office
Jones Center 102
(775) 784-6846
philosophy@unr.edu
https://www.unr.edu/philosophy/

College of Liberal Arts Student Center
Thompson Building 101
(775) 682-8745
https://www.unr.edu/liberal-arts/student-resources/academic-advising

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno

Use the transfer agreement and the degree planner (available by clicking Print degree planner icon at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements

Total Units | 120
Cumulative GPA | 2.0
University GPA | 2.0
Major GPA | 2.0
Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
Upper-Division Requirement | 42 Upper-Division Units

I. Core General Education Requirements (24-30 units)

NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy .”

Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course descriptions.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3

ENG 101 - Composition I (3 units)
ENG 102 - Composition II (3 units) CO1, CO3
NOTE: See the Core Curriculum section for information on CO1&3 placement. Students who place in ENG 102 are not required to complete ENG 101.

B. Quantitative Reasoning (3 units minimum) - CO2

Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO2 courses .

C. Physical & Natural Phenomena (6 units minimum) - CO4, CO4L

Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO4/CO4L courses .

D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6

Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO6 courses .

E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7

PHIL 202 - Introduction to the Philosophy of the Arts (3 units) CO7 OR
Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO7 courses .

F. History & Culture (6 units) - CO5

Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO5 courses.

NOTE: Students who do not take CH 203 for CO8 are advised to take

PHIL 207C

PHIL 453

instead.

G. Constitution (3 units) - CO8

PHIL 207C - Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy (3 units) CO8 OR
PHIL 453 - Topics in Philosophy of Law (3 units) CO8 OR
Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO8 courses.

II. Additional Core Requirements (15 units maximum)

Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV). Students must satisfy at least one of the Additional Core requirements with a course that also meets a major requirement. If students do not use the following recommended courses to satisfy the additional Core requirements, they must take appropriate courses in other departments. Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog.