Course Planning

Philosophy Major - Planning

The course planning advice here is limited to completing this major which is just one piece of the overall Hendrix College degree requirements.  For a full description of degree requirements see the Catalog.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical plan for this  11 course major. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

1 course at the 100 or 200 level
Sophomore

Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 285)

Early Modern Phil. (PHIL 302)

Any 1 philosophy courses, but consider:

  • either Crit. Reasoning (PHIL 205) or Logic (Phil 245)
  • one required ethics course
Junior

Late Modern Phil. (PHIL 306)     

Any 300 level course

Any 2 philosophy courses, including, if not previously completed:

  • either Crit. Reasoning (PHIL 205) or Logic (Phil 245)
  • one required ethics course
Senior

Capstone course, one of the following:

  • Senior Seminar (PHIL 487) or
  • Senior Thesis (PHIL 497) -  if approved by Philosophy Department to do a significant undergraduate research project.

Any 2-3 philosophy courses at the 300- or 400- level necessary to complete the major.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year. The following is a typical plan to complete this 11 course major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

-
Sophomore

Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 285)           

Early Modern Phil. (PHIL 302)

Any 2 philosophy courses, but consider:

  • Either Crit. Reasoning (PHIL 205) or Logic (Phil 245)
  • one required ethics course
Junior

Late Modern Phil.  (PHIL 306)      

Any 300 level course

Any 2 philosophy courses, including, if not previously completed:

  • either Crit. Reasoning (PHIL 205) or Logic (Phil 245)
  • one required ethics course
Senior

Capstone course, one of the following:

  • Senior Seminar (PHIL 487) or
  • Senior Thesis (PHIL 497) -  if approved by Philosophy Department to do a significant undergraduate research project.

Any 2-3 philosophy courses at the 300- or 400- level necessary to complete the major.

Planning Recommendations:

The degree path for Philosophy is quite flexible. Please work closed with your advisor in choosing courses.

  • It is recommended to take Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 285), Early Modern Phil. (PHIL 302) and Late Modern Phil. (PHIL 306) in sequence if possible.
  • Generally, the logic and ethics courses should be taken before your senior year.

Capstone Planning:

There are two choices for the capstone: Senior Seminar (PHIL 487) or Senior Thesis (PHIL 497).  Please discuss your options with your major advisor during your junior year.