Information for First Year Students

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  3. Information for First Year Students

All 100-level philosophy courses are appropriate for first-year students, as well as PHIL 202: Reasoning.

PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy is a general overview of the study of philosophy, and PHIL 103: Philosophy East and West provides an introduction to philosophy through a comparison of Western and Eastern philosophies.

While PHIL 202 is open to first-year students and has no prerequisites, it is still recommended that first-year students take a 100-level Philosophy course before taking PHIL 202. However, first-year students who have a strong math background are probably well prepared to take PHIL 202 even in their first semester.

PHIL 100, 103, 202, and 206 are offered nearly every semester.  PHIL 120 is offered only in the Fall.  Most 200-level philosophy courses require a 100-level philosophy course as a prerequisite, but if you have previously studied philosophy and feel ready for PHIL 201 (Ancient Philosophy), 203 (Ethical Theory), or any other 200-level philosophy course not listed here, you may be able to get permission from the instructor to take the course.

Courses offered in the fall appropriate for first-year students. subject to the availability of seats, are:

  • PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy (HU)
  • PHIL 103/ASIA 123: Philosophy East and West (HU)
  • PHIL 120/PEAC 100: Introduction to Peace Studies
  • PHIL 202: Reasoning (QLR)
  • PHIL/GOVT 206: Political Theory (HU)
  • PHIL/GOVT 206-WI: (Writing Intensive version of) Political Theory (HU)