UWM Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013
College of Letters and Science
Philosophy
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A problem may be called "philosophical" when it has depth and universality, far-reaching theoretical ramifications, human importance, and no easy solution. Philosophical problems constitute the subject matter of philosophy.
Academic courses in philosophy have the value of introducing the crucial problems in a systematic way, exposing students to fruitful methods for attacking them, to models of solid, hard-hitting argumentation, and to a literature ranging from Plato’s Dialogues to current professional journals. The relevance of philosophy is nowhere better exhibited than in the distinctions ignored, the arguments overlooked, and the errors repeated by persons unfamiliar with that literature.
At UWM, incoming freshmen interested in studying philosophy are advised to begin with the general introductory course, Philos 101, though there are several courses, especially at the 200 level, that are open to students without a background in philosophy. The 300 level includes courses designed to provide more in-depth treatments of traditional philosophical areas. Courses at the 400 level are devoted to the history of philosophy. Courses at the 500 level deal with specific issues and problems.
The philosophy major is intended to meet the needs of four groups of students: (1) those who wish to use philosophy as the organizing core of a liberal education; (2) those who wish to study philosophy in preparation for graduate work in some other field, such as law, government, or theology; (3) those who wish to major jointly in philosophy and one of the social sciences, natural sciences, or humanities; and (4) those who have or may acquire a professional interest in philosophy and who plan to go on to graduate work in the subject.
Students planning to major in philosophy should consult with the department undergraduate program coordinator at the beginning of their junior year or, if transferring from another major, upon deciding to transfer. At that time they will fill out a declaration of major.
The College requires that students complete at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at UWM. Students also must attain at least a 2.5 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, they must attain a 2.5 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
The following are required:
1. A minimum of 30 credits in philosophy;
2. The following three courses:
|
Philos 211 |
Elementary Logic |
3 |
|
Philos 430 |
History of Ancient Philosophy |
3 |
|
Philos 432 |
History of Modern Philosophy |
3 |
(Philos 212, Modern Deductive Logic, or a more advanced course in logic may be substituted for Philos 211 with the permission of the department chair.)
3. At least one course from each of the following groups:
Group A
|
Philos 341 |
Modern Ethical Theory |
3 |
|
Philos 349 |
Great Moral Philosophers |
3 |
|
Philos 355 |
Political Philosophy |
3 |
Group B
|
Philos 303 |
Theory of Knowledge |
3 |
|
Philos 317 |
Metaphysics |
3 |
|
Philos 324 |
Philosophy of Science |
3 |
|
Philos 351 |
Philosophy of Mind |
3 |
Group C
Any philosophy course (excluding Philos 685) numbered 500 or above and carrying 3 credits.
4. Philosophy electives of the student’s choice to reach a total of 30 credits. At least 15 of these 30 credits must be taken at the 300-level or above in residence at UWM.
5. Capstone/research requirement: one of the following two courses.
Philos 681 |
Seminar in Advanced Topics: (Subtitle) |
|
Philos 685 |
Senior Capstone Research Seminar: (Subtitle) |
It is expected that the required courses in the history of philosophy – Philos 430 and 432 – will be taken as soon as the student decides to major in philosophy (normally during the junior year). Students must fulfill the capstone/research requirement in the senior year. It is recommended strongly that students become proficient in at least one related academic discipline. Each major will be asked to submit a paper for inclusion in a portfolio that is kept in the department. Typically, this will be a paper written for the "Senior Capstone Research Seminar" (Philos 685). It should be stressed that this is not an additional requirement for graduation as a major. Rather, it is part of the department’s ongoing effort to evaluate and improve our major program.
HONORS IN THE MAJOR
Prior to the beginning of their senior year, philosophy majors who maintain a 3.5 GPA in courses in the major may apply to the undergraduate program coordinator for special honors work in philosophy. Upon successful completion of that work, the students are recommended by the department for graduation with honors in philosophy. The special work normally involves participation in Philos 681 or 685, earning a grade of A- or above.
Students who plan to major in another discipline but who wish to enhance their studies with a substantial amount of course work in philosophy may elect a minor in philosophy. The minor requires 21 credits in philosophy, including Philos 211 or 430 or 432. Twelve credits are required at the 300 level or above, 9 of which must be taken in residence at UWM. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.5 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.5 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work. Students wishing to minor in philosophy should consult with the undergraduate program coordinator in order to complete a declaration of minor and be assigned a departmental advisor.
Courses (PHILOS)
Margaret Atherton, Distinguished Prof., Ph.D.
Brandeis University
Miren Boehm, Asst. Prof., Ph.D.
University of California, Irvine
William Bristow, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D.
Harvard University
Luca Ferrero, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D.
Harvard University
Bernard L. Gendron, Prof. Emeritus, Ph. D.
Sami S. Hawi, Assoc. Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.
Carl G. Hedman, Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.
Edward Hinchman, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D.
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Haig Khatchadourian, Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.
John L. Koethe, Distinguished Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.
Stephen Leeds, Distinguished Prof., Ph.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michael N. Liston, Prof., Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego
David R. Luce, Assoc. Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.
Fabrizio G. Mondadori, Prof., Ph.D.
Harvard University
Walter G. Neevel, Jr., Assoc. Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.
Blain Neufeld, Asst. Prof., Ph.D.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Robert A. Schwartz, Distinguished Prof., Ph.D.
University of Pennsylvania
Julius O. Sensat, Prof., Ph.D.
University of Texas-Austin
Joshua Spencer, Asst. Prof., Ph.D.
University of Rochester
Richard Tierney, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D., Chair
Columbia University
William J. Wainwright, Distinguished Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.
Raymond L. Weiss, Prof. Emeritus, Ph.D.
Andrea Westlund, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D.University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013:
Philosophy
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