Associate in Arts Degree

Philosophy Concentration

Overview

The Philosophy concentration provides an intense and focused program on thinking and writing about the most basic intellectual activities in the human experience, including a broad range of historical, religious, social and ethical considerations.

Students who are matriculated and place into developmental math and/or English are required to begin the course sequence in the first semester. Please see an advisor with questions.

First Semester Credits
ENL101 M
English Composition I
3
MAT150 M
Elementary Statistics
3
COM103  
Human Communication (or)
Humanities & Fine Arts

COM103 Human Communication

This course fosters and improves competence in intrapersonal, interpersonal, group and public communication situations. Students demonstrate skills necessary to communicate effectively through exercises and presentations that reflect practical, real-world situations. The purpose of the course is to improve the student's skill in communication by providing relevant knowledge and opportunity to apply that knowledge.

Prerequisite: ENL025 or ESL102 or satisfactory basic skills assessment score

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Note: Satisfies a Humanities and Fine Arts general education requirement.

For a complete list of Humanities and Fine Arts general education courses see: General Education Courses

 3
PHI130 M
Introduction to Philosophy
3
    Elective 3
Second Semester Credits
ENL102  
English Composition II
3
    Natural or Physical Science 4
HIS119 (or)
HIS160		  
World History to 1500 CE (or)
European History to 1600 CE

HIS119 World History to 1500 CE

This survey course explores the economic, political, cultural, and social developments in world history from the rise of civilization to 1500 Current Era (CE) in Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania the Middle East and the Americas. The course highlights issues in geography, trade, religious and cultural movements, and social and political change that influenced the historical evolution of various world societies and their interrelationships within a global context.

Prerequisite: ENL108 or ESL201 or satisfactory basic skills assessment score

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Note: Satisfies a Behavioral and Social Sciences general education requirement.


HIS160 European History to 1600 CE

This course provides a general overview of major topics of European History from ancient times up to 1600 Current Era (CE). Students focus on cultural, religious, political, and economic developments that formed the basis of modern European culture and society and influenced the Americas and other regions.

Prerequisite: ENL108 or satisfactory basic skills assessment scores

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Note: Satisfies a Behavioral and Social Sciences general education requirement.

 3
   
Concentration Elective
  • ANT107 Introduction to Anthropology
  • SOC106 Principles of Sociology
  • PHI160 Three Great Thinkers
  • PHI210 Ethics
  • PHI241 Selected Topics in Philosophy
  • REL122 Concepts of Western Religion
  • REL123 Concepts of Eastern Religion
 3
PHI131  
Logic
3
Third Semester Credits
    Natural or Physical Science 3 (or) 4
   
Concentration Elective
  • ANT107 Introduction to Anthropology
  • SOC106 Principles of Sociology
  • PHI160 Three Great Thinkers
  • PHI210 Ethics
  • PHI241 Selected Topics in Philosophy
  • REL122 Concepts of Western Religion
  • REL123 Concepts of Eastern Religion
 3
    Humanities & Fine Arts 3
    Elective 3
HIS120 (or)
HIS162		  
World History from 1500 CE (or)
European History from 1600 CE

HIS120 World History from 1500 CE

This survey course explores the economic, political, cultural, and social developments in world history from 1500 Current Era (CE) to the present in Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania the Middle East and the Americas. The course highlights issues in geography, trade, religious and cultural movements, and social and political change that influenced the historical evolution of various world societies and their interrelationships within a global context.

Prerequisite: ENL108 or ESL201 or satisfactory basic skills assessment score

Offered: Fall, Spring

Note: Satisfies a Behavioral and Social Sciences general education requirement.


HIS162 European History from 1600 CE

This course provides a general overview of European History from 1600 to the present. Students focus on cultural, religious, political, and economic developments that formed the basis of modern European culture and influenced the United States and other nations.

Prerequisites: ENL108 or satisfactory basic skills assessment scores

Offered: Spring

Note: Satisfies a Behavioral and Social Sciences general education requirement.

 3
Fourth Semester Credits
   
Concentration Elective
  • ANT107 Introduction to Anthropology
  • SOC106 Principles of Sociology
  • PHI160 Three Great Thinkers
  • PHI210 Ethics
  • PHI241 Selected Topics in Philosophy
  • REL122 Concepts of Western Religion
  • REL123 Concepts of Eastern Religion
 3
PHI201  
Existentialism
3
    Humanities & Fine Arts 3
    Elective 3
    Elective (if needed) 2–3
Total Credits 60–61

M Designates a Milestone course. A milestone course must be completed in the semester indicated to ensure that you remain on track to continue on in your program and graduate on time.

The Associate in Arts degree does not indicate a specialized degree in a concentration. Students who complete this concentration will satisfy the requirements of MassTransfer. For additional information pertaining to degree requirements, please refer to Degree Requirements.

Career Outlook

The Philosophy concentration provides a solid base from which a student could continue in a bachelor's program in any of the social sciences or liberal arts. The Philosophy concentration is also an excellent long-range preparation for graduate work in any area of specialization, particularly in law or in medical school.

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