Philosophy (B.A.)
The major in philosophy offers intensive training in analytical and critical thinking skills, a broad historical background in Western thought, and an exposure to Non-Western philosophy. This training can serve as a valuable basis for more advanced studies in graduate, law, or divinity school, and enhance the effectiveness of graduates in other professions. Moreover, the Philosophy major serves the church and the world by equipping Christians, whether laypersons or seminary-trained leaders, with the ability to address fundamental issues of concern to every person.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates from Messiah’s Philosophy program can:
1. Describe the major contributions of leading figures and issues in philosophy.
2. Write clearly and persuasively in the genre of contemporary philosophy, including making clear and cogent arguments and being able to evaluate the arguments.
3. Identify and describe one’s potential options for employment, voluntary services, and/or graduate education in Philosophy.
4. Demonstrate the ability fruitfully to connect the Christian faith with philosophy. This includes the ability: (i) to develop a coherent Christian worldview; (ii) to think fruitfully about the Christian faith using the tools of philosophy; and (iii), to think carefully about philosophical issues from a Christian perspective.
5. Respectfully engage alternatives to and within Christianity.
6. Evaluate one’s own beliefs and those of others with respect, honesty, and rigor.
7. Do and document research appropriate to philosophy.
8. Articulate and apply philosophy concepts and reasoning to fields other than philosophy.
Major Requirements
Complete the following for your major:
Three credits from the following:
Six to thirteen credits from one of the following options:
Some of the courses require prerequisites, which increase the size of the major.
Option 1: (6 credits)
| Six credits of 300- or 400- level PHIL electives | 6 |
Three of these credits may include
INTE 391
Option 2: (6-12 credits)
| Three credits of 300- or 400- level PHIL electives | 3 |
| AND | |
| Three credits from Option 3 | 3 |
Option 3: (6-13 credits from one of the 3 selective groups)
Group 1: (6-12 credits)
Group 2: (6-13 credits)
| HIST 202 | Historical Methods | 3 |
| AND | |
| HIST 203 | Effective Historical Writing | 1 |
| | |
| POLI 310 | American Political Thought | 3 |
| POLI 314 | Constitutional Law: Governmental Powers and Constraints | 3 |
| POLI 316 | Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights | 3 |
| SOAN 331 | Sociocultural Theory | 3 |
| SOAN 335 | Social Conflict and Reconciliation | 3 |
| SOAN 356 | Social Inequality | 3 |
Group 3: (6-9 credits)
General Education Requirements
| Experiential Learning requirement |
|
0 |
| General Education requirements |
|
Credits |
| First Year Seminar |
IDFY 101/102H |
3 |
| Written Communication |
ENGL 110/110H |
3 |
| Oral Communication |
COMM 105 |
3 |
| Mathematical and Scientific Ways of Knowing |
Mathematics |
3 or 4 |
| Science with Lab |
3 or 4 |
Social Scientific Ways of Knowing
|
Social Science |
3 |
| Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing |
24GE History |
3 |
Literary & Aesthetic Ways of Knowing
|
Literature or Arts |
3
|
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing
|
Philosophy (PHIL 101 or PHIL 245) or Religion |
met/major |
| Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing |
1st and 2nd Level Language |
6 |
| Intercultural Perspectives |
Intercultural Global (PHIL 318) or International Cross-cultural or 3rd Level Language |
met/major |
Bible
|
24GE Bible |
3 |
Christian Beliefs
|
24GE Christian Beliefs (THEO 205 recommended) |
3 |
Holistic Wellness
|
WELL 1xx |
1 |
Ethics and the Common Good
|
Ethics & the Common Good (PHIL 325 or PHIL 382) |
met/major |
Intercultural Perspectives
|
Intercultural U.S. or Domestic Cross-cultural |
3 |
Common Learning
|
Experiential Learning (*if INTE 391) |
|
| General Education requirements |
|
40-42 |
| Major requirements (inclusive of concentration) |
|
36-43 |
| Free Electives |
|
38-47 |
| Total credits |
|
123 |