Philosophy Major, B.A.

About the Program

The major in Philosophy emphasizes and reinforces general skills, both critical and creative, that will serve as a basis for further studies, in a field such as law or public policy, or professional careers, including management and government. The departmental publication Philosophy at MSU Denver contains further particulars, including information about the course distribution areas referenced below. Undergraduates preparing for graduate study in philosophy should plan their academic program in close consultation with a department advisor.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Thesis: Demonstrate the ability to state a thesis and create (in writing or orally) an argument for a philosophical position.
2. Interpretation:  Recognize and explain a philosophical issue or problem and identify possible solutions.
3. Logic/Language: Recognize the structures of linguistic units by which they can become parts of formal arguments; demonstrate their validity or invalidity; and recognize different theories about both the formal and informal features of language by which language can be “about” the world.
4. History: Name and relate major positions, issues and figures and inscribe them within the historical continuity of disciplinary conversation.
5. Analysis: Analyze philosophical texts in order to break the argument, idea, or problem into its basic parts.
6. Critique: Assess strengths and weaknesses of philosophical argument; and consider/compare objections and counterarguments.
7. Research: Demonstrate the ability to locate relevant philosophical sources (especially “secondary literature”) when information is needed; evaluate the authenticity and reliability of resources applied to a specific purpose; apply this research in a sustained philosophical argument.
8. Synthesis: Synthesize relevant philosophical views; and formulate sustained and considered philosophical arguments, including evaluating objections and counterarguments.
9. Diverse Perspectives: Recognize the contributions to disciplinary conversations from either authors outside the standard “Western Philosophical Tradition” or from people of color, women, or other minorities in the field.