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Overview

Pursuing additional academic fields of study in the form of a minor can benefit students in several ways. Minors provide students with opportunities to discover relationships across disciplines, to develop diverse perspectives, to strengthen appreciation for the acquisition of knowledge in more than one academic field, and to enhance problem-solving abilities. A minor in an academic field outside your major can broaden your skills, and increase your opportunities for employment.

The Department of English and Philosophy offers Philosophy minors in the following three areas:

  • Ethics
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy and Religion

Ethics

An Ethics minor complements any student's major program. Understanding ethical practices and knowledge helps the student, both in their personal and professional life. The ethics minor is designed to prepare students for ethical issues they may encounter in professional situations.

Requirements for the minor:

The minor is a total of 18 credits.

Required courses:

  • Phil 4450 – Ethical Theory (3 cr.)

At least TWO of the following: 

  • PHIL 2220 – Philosophical Issues in Religion (3 cr.)
  • PHIL 2230 – Medical Ethics (3 cr.)
  • PHIL 2255 – Political and Social Philosophy (3 cr.)
  • PHIL 3353 – Philosophy of Law (3 cr.)

Elective courses:

  • 3 additional courses within the Philosophy curriculum (9 cr.)

Philosophy

A Philosophy minor is recommended for students looking to expand their critical and analytical thinking skills. A student completing a philosophy minor will learn to discuss situations on a deeper level, to write persuasively and carefully, and to think logically. The philosophy minor is designed to prepare students to be able to solve problems in a clear, logical manner and to think critically.

Requirements for the minor:

The minor is a total of 18 credits.

Required courses:

  • (6) 3-credit courses selected from the Philosophy curriculum (18 cr.)

Philosophy and Religion

Philosophy and Religion minors will study the history of religion and philosophy and take courses designed to get them thinking about the "big questions." Students pursuing this minor will learn to think critically, question preconceived ideas, and logically organize the information they research. 

Requirements for the minor: 

The minor is a total of 18 credits.

Required courses:

TWO of the following:

  • PHIL 2210 – Introduction to Asian Philosophies (3 cr.)
  • PHIL 2220 – Philosophical Issues in Religion (3 cr.)
  • PHIL 3305 – History of Philosophy: Greek Reason and Christian Faith (3 cr.)
  • PHIL 4425 – Existentialism (3 cr.)

ONE of the following:

  • HIST 4419 – History of World Religions (3 cr.)
  • HIST 4474 – Islam in the Modern World (3 cr.)
  • SOC 3368 – The Sociology of Religion (3 cr.)

Elective courses:

  • 3 additional courses within the Philosophy curriculum (9 cr.)