Goucher College 2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalogue

Nov 26, 2024

Goucher College 2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalogue PLEASE NOTE: This is an archived catalog. Programs are subject to change each academic year.

Philosophy Major

Every philosophy major will be required to complete a minimum of 38 credits of coursework. This will be accomplished by completing a combination of 4-credit (15 week) or 2-credit (7 week) courses, which satisfy the area requirements of the major (see below), plus one 2-credit capstone course. Students must also demonstrate proficiency in several skills that the department has deemed to be essential for professional advancement within the discipline and its related fields. Please note that courses may not be used to satisfy two or more requirements.

Students majoring in philosophy must successfully complete the following requirements:

Electives (200 level)

2 elective courses at the 200-level.

One 100-level philosophy course may replace a 200-level elective.

History Sequence (300-level)

Take both of the following required courses:

Electives (300 level)

2 elective courses at the 300-level.

Electives (400 level)

2 elective courses at the 400-level.

Elective (any level)

1 course at any level.

Capstone/Thesis 2 or 4 credits

Honors in the Major

The philosophy program has established the following requirements for honors within the major:

HONORS REQUIREMENTS:

1. A minimum GPA of 3.75 in philosophy

2. A minimum GPA of 3.50 overall

3. The production of an exceptionally high quality philosophical paper (this is typically fulfilled by a senior thesis).

Writing Proficiency Requirement for Philosophy Major

Each student is required to produce a substantial amount of writing throughout her/his years as a philosophy major. We recognize, however, that not all course papers rise to the level of excellence. Consequently, we require that each student demonstrate that this excellence has been achieved either:

by having a paper published, for instance, in an undergraduate journal, in a campus essay magazine, or in another peer-reviewed forum,
by writing a senior thesis, or
by assembling a senior-year writing portfolio that will include three of the student’s best papers written on a philosophical topic during his or her years at Goucher. This portfolio will be submitted for review to the student’s adviser no later than April 1 of the senior year (or November 1, in the case of a December graduation).