Courses | B.A. in Philosophy
Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, visit Biola's academic catalog.
Upper-Division Course Prerequisites and Restrictions
All Philosophy majors must consult with their academic advisor each semester before registering for courses.
Only students who have completed a Core Curriculum course in philosophy will be permitted to enroll in upper-division Philosophy courses (300's and 400's). Exceptions to this policy may be permitted in special circumstances and will require the approval of the chair of the Philosophy Department.
Curriculum Requirements
The major comprises 38 credits beyond the Core Curriculum requirement in Philosophy.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | ||
| PHIL 210 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| PHIL 230 | Introduction to Practical Wisdom | 3 |
| PHIL 301 | Greek and Roman Philosophy | 3 |
| or PHIL 304 | Ancient and Medieval Philosophy | |
| PHIL 303 | Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 350 | Philosophy Seminar 1 | 4 |
| PHIL 351 | Philosophical Recitation and Defense 2 | 1 |
| PHIL 450 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| Electives: Select 18 credits of upper-division PHIL courses. | 18 | |
| Program Course Requirements: 38 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements 3 | 74 | |
| General Electives | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Must be taken for a total number of 4 credits.
- 2
Should be taken during the academic year in which students will complete their third and final oral exam (see Oral Examinations section below).
- 3
See Core Curriculum Program section for details.
Oral Examinations
All Philosophy majors must pass three oral exams before graduating. Each exam is a comprehensive, oral examination covering topics from all Biola philosophy courses completed in prior semesters. A study guide indicating topics and questions to prepare will be distributed at the beginning of the semester. Students are encouraged to work together to prepare. Prerequisites are at least nine credits of philosophy, either upper or lower-division, or consent of the department chair. During the academic year in which the third and final oral exam will be taken, students should enroll in PHIL 351.