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Philosophy
First Year Advising 2008-2009
Philosophy is a standard major.
Philosophy course offerings are somewhat sequentially organized, but not in a rigorous way. We recommend that majors or minors in their first year in the program take Phil 101 (Basic Philosophical Issues), Phil 120 (Moral Problems in Contemporary Life) or Phil 235 (Ancient Philosophy). After their first year, we would like to see them enroll in the History sequence as soon as possible (this may even be in their second semester in the program). After the first term, we recommend that students move from 100-level to 200-level, etc. course and that they enroll in Phil 250 (Symbolic Logic).
COURSE SELECTION
UW-Eau Claire respects individual differences. This guide complements
rather than substitutes for individual advising.
ESSENTIAL COURSES
There are no essential courses that must be taken in the first semester.
To get a good start on his or her major, the student should take Phil 101 or Phil 120, Phil 235 and Phil 250 in their first year, but not taking any of these classes in the first year won't prevent the student from graduating in four years. There are a considerable number of elective
credits within the major.
PROGRAM READINESS
There are individual differences between/among students. Students
enter this program with various backgrounds and are advised to start
at appropriate levels and to take reasonable course loads. Students
are encouraged to keep their hours for outside work to a minimum.
COURSES TO BE AVOIDED
New students should avoid upper division courses. Beyond this, there are no courses within the program that
should be avoided by majors. When in doubt, a student should seek
the advice of an adviser or the chair of the department.
COURSES NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THE FIRST SEMESTER
300- and 400-level courses
GENERAL EDUCATION
Students should take one or two General Education courses each semester.
Courses required for the major in Philosophy can be used in two categories
of General Education.
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
FALL SEMESTER
Engl
110 (Introduction to College Writing)
Foreign Language*
Math**
Phil
101 or 120
or 235
15 to 16 credits
SPRING SEMESTER
Foreign Language*
Science (plus lab)
General Education II or IV
Phil
120 or 250
15 credits
*Foreign Language course is determined in consultation
with an adviser.
**Math course is determined in consultation with an adviser.
MESSAGES FOR NEW MAJORS
The department has a student journal, Prism, which should be considered when writing research papers. The department offers a Philosophy Club,
Faculty Colloquium and apprenticeship courses for students who major/minor
in the discipline.
MINORS
Minors in the department often combine their minor with these majors:
Pre-Law, Criminal Justice, Communication and Journalism, History,
English, the Social Sciences, Art, Music, Business and Nursing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Philosophy majors typically pursue careers in teaching, law, government
work and business. Many are self-employed in various lines of work;
some of these are not related to academic pursuits.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.uwec.edu/philrel/index.htm
Dr. Scott Lowe
Hibbard Humanities Hall 630
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(715) 836-2545
lowed@uwec.edu
To learn how to declare this major, visit http://www.uwec.edu/registrar/chgofmajor/procedures/index.htm
Academic requirements change every year. For the most current information, refer to your catalogue and degree audit.