Philosophy, Department of

College of Arts and Letters

DEPARTMENT OFFICE

Engineering and Technology A432

Phone:       (323) 343-4180

Fax:      (323) 343-4193

E-mail:       dbalder@cslanet.calstatela.edu

Website:     http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/phil/

E-mail Addresses:  Requests for information or advising can be e-mailed to philba@calstatela.edu or philma@calstatela.edu. In addition, every faculty member has an e-mail address composed of the initial of the first name plus last name (or the first six letters of a longer last name)  @calstatela.edu, for example, mbalagu@calstatela.edu or dpitt@calstatela.edu.

Philosophy engages students in thinking about the fundamental questions of human life-life's meaning and the ways in which we understand the world and our place in it.  Philosophy students read and discuss writings of the world's great thinkers, both in the history of philosophy and in the contemporary arena.  Studies include, for example, ethics, political and social thought, logic, theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, philosophy of art and film, philosophy of law, philosophy of religions, metaphysics, feminist philosophy, philosophy and race, biomedical ethics, existentialism, postmodern thought, the philosophers of China, Japan, India, and Latin America.

Those who study philosophy are valued by employers, graduate schools and professional schools in a wide range of fields for their analytic skills, their clear thinking and writing, their creative imagination, and the broad base of their background and knowledge.  Philosophy is an appropriate field of study for students hoping to attend law school.   

An undergraduate major can be taken in Philosophy with either of two options: General and Prelaw. An undergraduate minor in Philosophy with General and Prelaw options is available for students majoring in other fields. 

An undergraduate minor in Philosophy with General and Prelaw options is available for students majoring in other fields.

An interdisciplinary minor in Classics is administered by the Department of Philosophy.  The faculty is drawn from cooperating departments of the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Natural and Social Sciences.

The Master of Arts degree in Philosophy offers students a broad background in both the history of philosophy and contemporary thought.  The program is designed to accommodate various student goals; for example, preparation for further graduate study or for community college teaching as well as self-enrichment. In some specific areas of philosophy, career opportunities are available in institutions engaged in basic research.

A postbaccalaureate certificate program in Teaching Critical Thinking is available for those with an interest in the theory and techniques of teaching critical thinking at either the college or secondary school level.

Philosophy students have many opportunities to interact informally with faculty members and to work with each other.  There is a student Philosophy Club and a student journal, Philosophy in Practice.

The Faculty

Professors: Mark Balaguer(Chair), Jennifer Faust, Ricardo J. Gómez, Henry R. Mendell, Joseph B. Prabhu, Kayley Vernallis.

Associate Professors: Talia Bettcher, David Pitt. 

Assistant Professors:   Mohammed Abed, Richard Dean, Michael Shim.

Emeriti: Sidney P. Albert, Thomas Annese, Sharon Bishop, Donald R. Burrill, Ann Garry, George R. Vick.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy is suited to the needs of several groups of students: those seeking a broad and integrated liberal education; those preparing for law school; those interested in careers in government, education, publishing, theology, or the ministry; and those planning to do graduate work in philosophy with an aim of teaching at the college level.

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy is 180 units, of which 62-82 are in the major depending on the option selected.  Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Requirements for the Major  (62-82 units)

A total of 62 quarter units in philosophy is required for the major with the General option.

Select one from the following:

Select one from the following:

Select at least two from following including at least one from 405, 460, 470:

At least 12 units must be at the 400-level.  Select courses with adviser approval.

A total of 82 quarter units is required for the major with the Prelaw option, including 62 units in philosophy and 20 outside philosophy.

Select two from following:

Select two from following:

At least 12 units must be at the 400-level. Select courses with adviser approval.

Select courses with adviser approval that supplement prelaw background.

Minor in Philosophy

A total of 32 units is required, including at least 24 units in upper division courses.

Requirements for the General Option Minor  (32 units)

Select 12 philosophy units with adviser approval

Requirements for the Prelaw Option Minor (32 units)

Select two from the following:

Select philosophy courses with adviser approval.

Minor in Classics

The minor in Classics is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with an understanding of the culture of ancient Greece and Rome.  In conjunction with a major program in anthropology, art history, English, history, philosophy, or political science, the classics minor will prepare students for graduate study in the major field.  Alternatively, the Classics program can serve as a means of enriching one’s experience and achieving a fuller understanding of contemporary Western culture.

The minor consists of 28 units, of which 4 are required in Classics and 24 are selected from the five areas listed below.  Courses chosen must include at least one from each of three different areas.  Prior approval must be obtained from the adviser for selected topics and directed study courses.  No more than 8 units taken for credit in the student’s major program can be used to meet requirements for the minor.  Each student’s program must be approved by the director and principal adviser of the Classics program.

Requirements for the Minor  (28 units)

LATN 100ABC      Elementary Latin  (4, 4, 4)

Greek  (through directed study in any of those departments associated with this minor whose faculty are qualified to direct such study).

Directed study or independent study about a selected classical figure or topic is also available from each department associated with this minor program.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs

Master of Arts Degree

The Master of Arts degree in Philosophy draws students with a wide range of interests and professional goals, including further graduate study in philosophy, community college teaching and personal enrichment.  Although the department is analytically oriented, it encourages work in other areas, for example, Asian philosophy, feminist philosophy, and the intersection between European and Anglo-American thought.

Admission to the Program

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study the Philosophy Department requires a 2.75 grade point average in the last 90 quarter units, official transcripts, and a writing sample (either a statement of purpose or a philosophy paper). Applicants must possess a baccalaureate in philosophy or a baccalaureate with a major in a field other than philosophy supplemented by the equivalent of a minor in philosophy. The director of graduate studies in the Department of Philosophy will determine whether prior course work is equivalent to a minor. Applicants to the graduate program are admitted based on a comprehensive review of their application materials by the Department of Philosophy.

Applicants must consult an adviser in philosophy to determine whether any academic deficiencies exist before admission to the program can be granted.  

Requirements for the Degree  (45 units)

A total of 45 units is required, with at least 36 in philosophy and 23 in 500-level courses. Courses outside philosophy must be relevant to the student’s program.

Students are required to include the following philosophy courses in their program, if not completed prior to admission to the program.

Students must comply with college and departmental eligibility requirements for registration for the comprehensive examinations (PHIL 596) and may take all three examinations during one quarter or spread them over successive quarters.

Students are required to pass comprehensive examinations in three of the four areas in which exams are given; in each area students select one exam.

     Area   A:      Metaphysics or Theory of Knowledge

     Area   B:      Ethics or Social/Political Philosophy

     Area   C:      History of Ancient Philosophy or History of Modern Philosophy

     Area   D:      Aesthetics, Asian Philosophy, Contemporary Continental Philosophy, Latin American Philosophy, Logic, Nineteenth Century
                  Philosophy, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of  Religion, or Philosophy of Science

Students are permitted two attempts to pass each comprehensive examination. Students who fail a comprehensive examination in the same area a second time will be disqualified from the program.

Comprehensive exams will be offered only in the fall, winter, and spring terms.

Completion of the first 36 units of the master’s degree program with a minimum 3.5 grade point average, approval of the thesis proposal by the department, enrollment in 1-6 units of PHIL 599, and an oral examination on the thesis are required for the thesis option.  Students who have at any time attempted the comprehensive examination  (PHIL 596) are ineligible for this option. 

Students must include seminars in at least three of the four major subject areas in their master's degree program. The four subject areas and the courses that fulfill each are: History of Philosophy (PHIL 510, PHIL 511, PHIL 513, and PHIL 515); Logic, Philosophy of Language, and Philosophy of Science (PHIL 521, PHIL 523, and PHIL 525) Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge (PHIL 531, PHIL 532, and PHIL 533); Aesthetics, Ethics, and Social/Political Philosophy (PHIL 542, PHIL 543, and PHIL 544).

Certificate Program in Teaching Critical Thinking

The credit certificate program in Teaching Critical Thinking is designed for those with an interest in the theory and techniques of teaching critical thinking at either the college or secondary school level. 

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must have some background in philosophy or another humanistic discipline and have completed PHIL 250: Introduction to Symbolic Logic, or the equivalent.  Interested students should consult the program coordinator in the Department of Philosophy.  Deficiencies in preparation may be remedied during the first quarters of enrollment in the program.

This certificate program is not equivalent to any program that leads to a teaching credential.  A total of 24 units is required, including 20 units in the required core and 4 in electives, with a minimum B  (3.0) grade point average. All Philosophy courses except PHIL 580 and 581 are applicable to the Master of Arts in Philosophy. Typically, no more than 25% of course work for the certificate may be transferred from another program. Refer to the Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Study: General Information chapter of this catalog for general regulations governing all certificate programs. 

Requirements for the Certificate  (24 units)

Select three from the following:

In consultation with an adviser, select one 400 or 500-level philosophy course or seminar or COMS 576 Seminar:  Argumentation, Discussion, and Debate  (4)

Students who are interested in teaching critical thinking courses in areas other than philosophy may substitute appropriate courses with adviser approval.

List of Courses - Undergraduate Level

Course in Classics  (CLAS)

Upper Division Course

CLAS 300 Origins of Classical Thought  (4)

Beginnings of classical culture in ancient Greece;  analysis of early classical conception of art, sciences, technology, politics, philosophy, and religion;  emphasis on role of basic concepts in shaping Greek and Roman civilization.

Courses in Philosophy  (PHIL)

Lower Division Courses

PHIL 151 Philosophical Ideas:  Knowledge and Reality  (4)

An examination of major philosophical issues concerning knowledge and reality, such as skepticism, belief, truth, the existence of God, personal identity, and the mind/body problem.  GE C3

PHIL 152 Philosophical Ideas:  Human Values  (4)

An examination of philosophical issues concerning human values, such as relativism, the good life, and value conflicts.

      GE C3

PHIL 160 Critical Thinking  (4)

Logical analysis of language and critical evaluation of arguments in everyday language; deductively valid and invalid argument forms; rudiments of inductive logic and scientific reasoning; informal fallacies.  Some sections to be offered online.     GE A3

PHIL 200 Introduction to Comparative Religions  (4)  (also listed as RELS 200)

Methods and concepts in comparative religions; multidisciplinary approaches to the study of ancient and contemporary religious phenomena in literate and nonliterate cultures. Some sections of the course may be taught online. GE C3

PHIL 210 Conceptions of the Self in Philosophy and Literature  (4) (also listed as ENGL 210)

Examination of various conceptions of the self as they arise in philosophical and literary texts; examination of methods and goals of the philosophical and literary arts.      GE C5

PHIL 220 Contemporary Moral and Social Issues  in a Multicultural Society (4)

Philosophical examination of values, assumptions, and arguments concerning moral and social issues in a multicultural society.  Possible topics include, reproductive rights, sexuality, racism, sexism, and justice. May include optional service learning.     GE C3

PHIL 230 The Meanings of Human Life:  A Multicultural  Approach  (4)

Multicultural investigations of the diverse meanings of human life. Emphasis on contrasting accounts of the self and its place in the world: and connections between philosophy and life experience.  May include optional service learning.     GE E

PHIL 250 Introduction to Symbolic Logic  (4)

Introduction to modern symbolic logic and its relation to everyday language; methods of establishing the logical content of statements and of analyzing and/or criticizing arguments for validity and invalidity.      GE A3

Upper Division Courses

PHIL 300 Philosophical Research and Writing (4)

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Instruction and practice in philosophical analysis, research, and writing; survey of various forms of philosophical writing; reading, research, and writing strategies; preparation for advanced course work in philosophy.

PHIL 304 Ethics I  (4)

Analysis of empirical and normative factors involved in choice, types of ethical theory, nature of moral standards and judgments.

PHIL 311 History of Ancient Philosophy  (4)

Development of philosophical thought from the pre-Socratics to Plotinus;  principal thinkers, major problems, and dominant trends in Western thought.

PHIL 313 History of Modern Philosophy  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Development of philosophical thought from the Renaissance to Kant;  principal thinkers, major problems, and dominant trends in Western thought.

PHIL 321 Ancient Thought and its Modern Legacy  (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.  Major themes in classical thought and their ongoing influence, for example, the development of self-consciousness, the concept of rationality, human values and the meaning of life.     GE Theme I

PHIL 323 Human Diversity and Justice (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.  Philosophical examination of justice and its relations to individual, social and political treatment of differences in race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion.  Implications for individual and cultural pride, self-respect, cultural diversity. May include optional service learning.     GE Theme H

PHIL 325 Violence and Ethics (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.  Philosophical examination of the nature of individual and societal violence including physical and psychological violence. Ethical issues: justification of violence, responsibility for violence, treatment or punishment.  Moral psychology of violence.       GE Theme B

PHIL 327 Philosophy, Gender and Culture (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.  Philosophical examination of concepts, values and assumptions relevant to gender in a multicultural context; for example, identity, power, culture and justice; moral issues concerning gender, sexual orientation, love and families.  May include optional service learning.      GE Theme C

PHIL 334 Post-Colonial Values and Modernization in the Developing World  (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.  Philosophical investigation of concepts and values underlying the modernization of developing countries in the areas of socio-economic development, cultural autonomy, ecological sustainability, and the post-colonial challenges of contemporary globalization.     GE Theme A

PHIL 354 Special Topics in Philosophy  (1–6)

Prerequisite:  As needed for specific topic.  Topics of special interest in philosophy as announced in Schedule of Classes.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units for credit as subject matter changes.

PHIL 372 Philosophy and the Emotions (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.  Philosophical examination of the nature of emotion; exploration of emotions such as anger, fear, love, shame, jealousy.  Relations among emotion, reason, action, character and self-control.  Contributions of nature and culture.

     GE Theme E

PHIL 373 Themes of Adult Life in Philosophy (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.  Maturity and aging explored philosophically through perspectives of race, ethnicity, class, and gender.  Challenges of adult life such as personal relations, self-understanding and responsibility, death and dying, meaningfulness of life.     GE Theme F

PHIL 380 Ancient and Modern Science (4)  (also listed as HIST 380 and CHEM 380N)

Prerequisites:  Completion of GE Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B.  Systematic analysis of ancient scientific thought and its relationship to modern science.

     GE Theme I

PHIL 385 Measurement of Human Difference (4)  (also listed as ANTH 385)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B.  Exploration of issues of diversity and justice through examination of popularized accounts of scientific research into human difference; topics include I.Q. testing and race, “innate” gender differences, and sexuality.

     GE Theme H

PHIL 395 Philosophy in Practice: Internships and Service Learning (1-3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and, for service learning, clearance through EPIC.  Experiential learning for philosophy majors/minors.  Service to legal clinics, courts, schools, law enforcement, art organizations, youth, senior centers, etc.  Traditional pre-law internships also available. Written reflection and meetings with instructor.  May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 units.  Graded CR/NC

PHIL 400-level Courses

All 400-level courses may be applied toward master’s degree requirements, subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser

PHIL 400A Journal Editing and Production (1-4)

Prerequisite: Invitation by the Philosophy Department. Overview of the techniques for producing a philosophical essay; peer review and copy editing techniques Class will assist in producing a volume of the student philosophical Journal. May be repeated for credit. Permit required.

PHIL 400B Advanced Philosophical Writing and Journal Production (1-4)

Prerequisite: Invitation by the Philosophy Department. Advanced writing techniques, focusing on the production, evaluation, and revision of philosophical essays; peer review and copy editing techniques. Class will produce a volume of the student philosophical journal. May be repeated for credit. Permit required.

PHIL 404 Inductive Logic  (4)

Prerequisite:  PHIL 250.  Analysis of induction and probability in everyday affairs and in science, systematic development of inductive logic, elements of the probability calculus and applications, philosophical issues in inductive logic.

PHIL 405 Symbolic Logic  (4)

Prerequisite:  PHIL 250.  Logic and language, nature of argument, meaning and truth, propositional calculus, and predicate calculus.

PHIL 406 Advanced Logic  (4)

Prerequisite:  PHIL 405.  Selected topics in logic;  e.g., identity, definite descriptions, foundations of mathematics, metalogic, philosophical logic, as announced in Schedule of Classes.  May be repeated as content changes.

PHIL 407 Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence  (4)

Philosophical investigation of computational technology, and the relation of the structure and operation of computers to human thought.

PHIL 410 Social and Political Philosophy  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Philosophical foundations of social and political thought;  analysis of such concepts as state, law, obligation, and sanction, and their relation to issues in metaphysics, theory of knowledge, and ethics.

PHIL 413 Issues in Feminist Philosophy (4) (Also listed as WOMN 413)

Prerequisite: one PHIL course. Central philosophical concepts and issues investigated from feminist perspectives, for example, topics in epistemology, philosophy of science, ethics, and personal identity. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as topics vary.

PHIL 415 Philosophy of Religion  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Systematic approach to issues of noteworthy religious significance, such as eternity, faith, worship, the holy, with aim of distinguishing religion from other modes of human experience.

PHIL 420 Ethics II  (4)

Prerequisite:  PHIL 304.  Contemporary meta-ethical theories, analyses of concept of good, analyses of concept of obligation, validation of moral statements, ethical relativism, praise and blame, moral responsibility.

PHIL 425 Philosophy of History  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Philosophical study of Western historical writing and thought, nature of historical knowledge, historical explanation, history and values, meaning of history.

PHIL 427 Environmental Ethics (4)

Prerequisite: One PHIL course.  Philosophical examination of concepts, values and moral principles regarding the natural environment and its relationship to human life.  Topics may include biodiversity, animal rights, population, world hunger, pollution, sustainable communities.

PHIL 428 Ethics and Genetics (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course. Ethical implications of "mapping" the human genome.  Topics include: genetic testing, privacy and informed consent; behavioral genetics; genetic enhancement and eugenics; genetic discrimination; impact on minorities and indigenous peoples.

PHIL 429 Bioethics  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Philosophical consideration of moral issues concerning health and health care, such as decisions about death, reproductive choices, medical experimentation, and justice in allocating health resources.

PHIL 430 American Philosophy  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Major movements of thought and principal thinkers in America from colonial times to 20th century;  relationships of American philosophy to European intellectual currents;  influence and effect of dominant doctrines on American life and outlook.

PHIL 433 Latin American Philosophy  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Philosophical thought in Latin America with emphasis on contemporary philosophers, especially those of Mexico and Argentina.

PHIL 436 South Asian Philosophy (4)

Prerequisite: One PHIL course.  Exploration of the 4,000-year Indian/South-Asian philosophical traditions, encompassing the early classics, orthodox and unorthodox systems of Indian Philosophy, and modern developments.

PHIL 437 East Asian Philosophy (4)

Prerequisite: One PHIL course.  Exploration of the philosophical traditions of China, Japan, and Korea and the development of those traditions, encompassing Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism along with their rivals and offshoots.

PHIL 440 Contemporary Philosophy  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Major problems, issues or trends in philosophy since 1900. May be repeated as topics change to a maximum of 8 units.

PHIL 445 Existentialism  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Major works of existential philosophy;  relation of existentialism to contemporary value problems;  19th century background and contemporary varieties of existential thought, both religious and nonreligious.

PHIL 446 Phenomenology  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Descriptive and constitutive methodologies of phenomenology;  application of phenomenological method to problems in ontology, aesthetics, language, psychology, and social theory.

PHIL 447 Hermeneutics and Critical Theory (4)

Prerequisite: One PHIL course, preferably in history of modern philosophy. Major themes in hermeneutics and critical theory. Topics include: theories of meaning and interpretation, the nature of `texts', the impact of politics, culture and economics on modes of understanding.

PHIL 448 Postmodernism (4)

Prerequisite: one PHIL course, preferably in history of modern philosophy Treatment of the major themes in postmodemism: the departure from modernism and structuralism; deconstruction; the critique of foundationalism in epistemology, ethics and politics; language and construction of meaning.

PHIL 450 Plato  (4)

Prerequisite:  PHIL 311.  Exposition and analysis of principal works of Plato.

PHIL 451 Aristotle  (4)

Prerequisite:  PHIL 311.  Exposition and analysis of principal works of Aristotle.

PHIL 452 Medieval Philosophy  (4)

Principal themes in neo-Platonic and/or neo-Aristotelian philosophy, with concentration on teachings of particular figures, e.g., Plotinus, Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius, Anselm, Bonaventure, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, Ockham.

PHIL 454 Islamic Philosophy (4)

Prerequisite: One PHIL, course. PHIL 311 recommended. Central philosophical issues in the Classical era of Islamic thought, 9th  to 12th century, such as God's essence and attributes, causality, cosmology and the eternity of the world, and knowledge. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as topics vary.

PHIL 458 Major Figures in Modern Philosophy  (4)

Selected philosophers in the modern era:  e.g., Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Rousseau, and Kant.  Specific topic listed in Schedule of Classes.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as content changes.

PHIL 459 19th Century Philosophy (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course. PHIL 313 recommended.  Selected philosophical themes from Kant to late 19th century;  contributions of selected philosophers, e.g.:  Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Comte, and Mill.

PHIL 460 Metaphysics (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Investigation of fundamental nature of reality and of persons.  Topics include some of the following: free will, personal identity, the mind/ body problem, universals and particulars, abstract objects, space/time and causality.

PHIL 470 Theory of Knowledge  (4)

Prerequisite: PHIL 250; one additional PHIL course. Investigation of fundamental nature of human knowledge and related concepts, including belief, truth, and justification; additional topics may include: realism and relativism, skepticism, critiques of traditional theory of knowledge.

PHIL 471 Philosophy of Mind  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Philosophical analysis of concepts of mind, mental phenomena, actions, emotions, and will;  philosophical theories of mind.

PHIL 474 Philosophy in Literature  (4)

Philosophical ideas and issues in selected literary works.

PHIL 475 Aesthetics  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Main problems and principal theories of art creation, appreciation, and criticism; aesthetic experience and the work of art;  principles of aesthetic evaluation and their effect on morality, government, society, science, and philosophy.

PHIL 480 Philosophy of Language  (4)

Prerequisites:  PHIL 250, one additional PHIL course.  Semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic dimensions of language; theories of signs and meaning; cognitive, emotive, and other features of language;  ordinary language and formal language as analytical tools;  philosophical importance of language.

PHIL 485 Philosophy of Science  (4)

Prerequisite:  PHIL 250 or upper division standing in any major.  Philosophical issues in the physical, life, and social sciences.  Problems selected for study may include:  concept formation, hypotheses and models, meaning and verification, prediction and explanation, causality and natural law.

PHIL 490 Philosophy of Law  (4)

Prerequisite:  One PHIL course.  Philosophical investigation of fundamental presuppositions of legal theory, analysis of basic legal concepts.

PHIL 495 Proseminar:  Selected Works in Philosophy  (4)

Prerequisite:  Varies according to subject matter.  Close study of major philosophical writings, stressing meaning, methods of inquiry, and grounds upon which argued.  Content varies.  May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units for credit as subject matter changes.

PHIL 496 Senior Seminar (2)

Prerequisites: PHIL 300 and senior standing in Philosophy major. Reflection on the purposes, methods and styles of Philosophy. Students' self-assessment of their own philosophical development.

PHIL 499 Undergraduate Directed Study  (1–4)

Prerequisites:  Consent of an instructor to act as sponsor; ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written and oral reports.  Project selected in conference with sponsor before registration; progress meetings held regularly.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units for credit.

Graduate Level Courses (PHIL)

All 400-level courses may be applied toward master’s degree requirements, subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser

Classified graduate standing is required for admission. 

PHIL 500A Journal Editing and Production (1-4)

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and invitation by the philosophy department. Overview of the techniques for producing a philosophical essay; peer review and copy editing techniques. Class will assist in producing a volume of the student philosophical journal. May be repeated for credit. Permit required.

PHIL 500B Graduate Philosophical Writing and Journal Production (1-4)

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and invitation by the philosophy department. Advanced writing techniques, focusing on the production, evaluation and revision of philosophical essays; peer review and copy editing techniques. Class will produce a volume of the student philosophical journal. May be repeated for credit. Permit required.

PHIL 510 Seminar:  History of Philosophy  (4)

Advanced study of selected figures and problems in history of philosophy.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes. 

PHIL 511 Seminar: History of Ancient Philosophy (4)

Advanced study of selected figures and problems iii history of ancient philosophy. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject natter changes.

PHIL 513 Seminar: History of Modern Philosophy (4)

Advanced study of selected figures and problems in history of modern philosophy. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes.

PHIL 515 Seminar: 18th and 19th Century Philosophy (4)

Advanced study of selected figures and problems in the history of 18th and 19th Century Philosophy. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes.

PHIL 521 Seminar:  Logic  (4)

Advanced study of selected problems in deductive or inductive logic.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes. 

PHIL 523 Seminar:  Philosophy of Language  (4)

Advanced study of selected problems in philosophy of language.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes. 

PHIL 525 Seminar:  Philosophy of Science  (4)

Advanced study of selected problems in philosophy of the sciences, including mathematics, natural sciences, psychology, and social sciences.  May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units as subject matter changes. 

PHIL 531 Seminar:  Metaphysics  (4)

Advanced study of selected problems in metaphysics.  May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units as subject matter changes. 

PHIL 532 Seminar:  Theory of Knowledge  (4)

Advanced study of selected problems in theory of knowledge.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes.

PHIL 533 Philosophy of Mind (4)

Study of advanced topics in contemporary philosophy of mind, including consciousness, thought, the relationship between thought and consciousness, qualitative experience, and self-knowledge. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes.

PHIL 542 Seminar: Aesthetics (4)

Advanced study of selected problems in aesthetics.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes.

PHIL 543 Seminar: Ethics (4)

Advanced study of selected problems in ethics, including moral theory and applied issues.  May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units as subject matter changes.

PHIL 544 Seminar: Social and Political Philosophy (4)

Advanced study of selected problems in social and political philosophy, including social/political theory and applied issues.  May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units as subject matter changes.

PHIL 580 Seminar:  Critical Thinking–Models and Strategies  (4)

Prerequisites:  12 units of Critical Thinking certificate coursework. PHIL 405 strongly recommended. Theoretical models of critical thinking and pedagogical strategies and materials for teaching different kinds of students. 

PHIL 581 Projects in Teaching Philosophy  (1–4)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Planned preparation and critical evaluation of undergraduate philosophy classes, especially Critical Thinking.  May be repeated to a maximum of 16 units. Graded CR/NC.

PHIL 596 Comprehensive Examination (0)

See the Comprehensive Examination in the requirements for the Masters Degree section of this chapter.

PHIL 598 Graduate Directed Study  (1–4)

Prerequisite:  Consent of faculty sponsor before registration.  Independent study of advanced topics in field;  regular conferences with sponsor.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units for credit.

PHIL 599 Thesis  (1–6)

Prerequisites:  Minimum 3.5 grade point average in first 36 units of MA program, formal approval by department.  Independent research resulting in a thesis. May be repeated to maximum of 6 units. Graded CR/NC. Not open to students with prior enrollment in comprehensive examinations (PHIL 596).