The Core is an opportunity to inquire into the fundamental aspects of being and our relationship with God, nature and our fellow human beings.

Explore the Core
Contents
Catalog Links

Concentration in History of Western Thought

DIRECTOR

Professor Parens

About the Concentration in History of Western Thought

The Concentration in History of Western Thought provides an opportunity for the study of Western intellectual history as a whole that goes beyond what is possible in the Core Curriculum. At its heart are the three courses of the Philosophy Department’s history of philosophy sequence, for in philosophy, the thinking of each age about fundamental questions becomes most explicit and systematic. Because philosophy attempts to articulate the principles presupposed by art, literature, history, mathematics, and the human and social sciences, the history of philosophy cannot be separated from the history of these disciplines, which are therefore essential to the concentration.

Concentration Requirements

The concentration requires five courses (15 hours), including three required courses in Philosophy and two electives. No more than one of these electives may be a course in the Philosophy Department.

Note: According to university policy, up to two courses may be counted both toward the concentration and toward the student’s major or another concentration.

Required Courses

PHI 3343

From Ancient to Medieval Philosophy

3

PHI 3344

From Medieval to Modern Philosophy

3

PHI 3345

From Modern to Postmodern Philosophy

3

Elective Courses

Two elective courses at level 3000 or higher, both of which must emphasize the history of thought (including art and literature), and one of which may be non-Western in focus. As a general rule, courses focused on a single thinker will not satisfy the concentration requirements. Courses not included in the following list must be approved by the concentration director.

Art History:  Art 4342, 4354, 4356, 4365, 4367, 4368, 4397, 4398, 4399

Anthropology and Sociology:  ANSC 3331

Drama:  DRA 3310

Economics:  ECO 4325

Education:  EDU 5351

English:  ENG 4373 other courses by consultation with the concentration director and chair of the English Department

History:  HIS 3358

Mathematics:  MAT 3322

Modern Languages:  MCT 3362, 3381;  MCTG 3305, 4346;  MFR 3341, 3342, 3343, 4340, 4359;  MGE 3333, 3341, 3342, 3343, 4320, 4321, 4323, 4335, 4346;  MIT 3321, 3322, 3333, 3343, 3351,  3355, 3356, 4316, 4321;  MSP 3317, 3318, 4343, 4361, 4362, 4371, 4372, 4373, 4374, 4375

Politics:  POL 3312, 3333, 3334, 3335, 3338, 3342, 3356, 3368

Psychology:  PSY 3330

Theology:  THE 4352, 4354; other courses by consultation with the concentration director and chair of the Theology Department.