Philosophy (Concentration in Philosophy), BA

Total number of hours for the program: 120.

Liberal Studies Hours (42 hours)

Liberal Studies Program Requirements

Major Requirements

The major in Philosophy requires a concentration in Philosophy or Religion.

Concentration in Philosophy

Thirty-six (36) hours as follows:

Six (6) hours of World Languages, Cherokee, American Sign Language, or an equivalent such as Ancient Greek, etc.

Foundations of the Study of Philosophy (15 hours)

PAR 101 - Western Philosophical Traditions Credits: 3
or
PAR 102 - Western Moral Traditions Credits: 3
and the following
PAR 230 - Legal, Scientific, & Critical Reasoning Credits: 3
PAR 295 - Self, Society, & the Good Life Credits: 3
PAR 304 - Ancient Greek Thought Credits: 3
PAR 306 - Early Modern Philosophy from Copernicus to Kant Credits: 3

Major Electives in Philosophy (6 hours)

PAR 201 - Philosophy of Sex and Love Credits: 3
PAR 307 - From Existentialism to Feminism Credits: 3
PAR 309 - Philosophy In and Of Film Credits: 3
PAR 310 - Philosophy of Art Credits: 3
PAR 312 - Philosophy of Religion Credits: 3
PAR 313 - Philosophy of Law Credits: 3
PAR 315 - Philosophy of Mind Credits: 3
PAR 320 - Philosophical and Religious Classics Credits: 3, R6
PAR 330 - America’s Wilderness Ethics and Aesthetics Credits: 3
PAR 332 - Biomedical Ethics and Social Justice Credits: 3
PAR 333 - Environmental Ethics Credits: 3
PAR 354 - Religion, Suffering, and the Moral Imagination Credits: 3
PAR 356 - Buddhism Credits: 3
PAR 357 - Hinduism Credits: 3
PAR 365 - Faith and Reason from Empire to Enlightenment Credits: 3
PAR 366 - Religion and Science Credits: 3
PAR 380 - Independent Study Credits: 1-3, R6
PAR 404 - Ancient Cynics, Stoics, and Skeptics Credits: 3

Special Topics and Capstone Seminars (9 hours)

PAR 495 - Seminar in Philosophy and Religion Credits: 3, R9
prerequisite: six hours in philosophy, excluding 101 and 201, or premission of the instructor
Six hours of seminars, including one or both of the following:
PAR 392 - Global Justice, Liberty, and Human Rights Credits: 3
PAR 393 - Topics in Philosophy and Religion Credits: 1-3, R6

Additional Requirements

To complete the Bachelor of Arts program in the College of Arts & Sciences, a total of 42 hours is required, which includes a second major, minor, or approved program, and a minimum of 12-14 general (free) electives depending on the number of hours taken in the major that also fulfill the Liberal Studies requirements. At least 30 hours of courses at WCU must be taken at the junior-senior level to meet one of the University’s degree requirements.

Note: Students who pursue a concentration in Philosophy can also choose a minor in Religion and students who pursue a concentration in Religion can also choose a minor in Philosophy. These students cannot, however, use a single course to count towards both the concentration and the minor.