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Philosophy

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

Philosophy is the logical examination of the fundamental issues people have pondered for over 2,500 years. What is reality and what is beauty? What is knowledge and truth? What is good and just? Does human existence have meaning and does God exist? Folsom Lake College's philosophy program is directed toward understanding these questions in their historical and cultural contexts and applying insights to contemporary life. Rigorous philosophical study will also improve one’s critical thinking skills.

Degrees Offered

A.A.-T. in Philosophy
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication and English

Division Dean Brian Robinson
Department Chair Dan Considine
Phone (916) 361-6330
Email robinsb@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Philosophy

The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Philosophy at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

This program has the following completion requirements:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
PHIL 300	Introduction to Philosophy (3)
or PHIL 310	Introduction to Ethics (3)
PHIL 325	Symbolic Logic (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
PHIL 330	History of Classical Philosophy (3)
PHIL 331	History of Modern Philosophy (3)
A minimum of 9 units from the following:		9
Select 6 units from Philosophy Electives (not already chosen), and 3 units from either Philosophy Electives (not already chosen) or Humanities Electives.
Philosophy Electives
PHIL 300	Introduction to Philosophy (3)
PHIL 310	Introduction to Ethics (3)
PHIL 320	Logic and Critical Reasoning (3)
PHIL 330	History of Classical Philosophy (3)
PHIL 331	History of Modern Philosophy (3)
PHIL 350	Philosophy of Religion (3)
PHIL 352	Introduction to World Religions (3)
Humanities Electives
ENGLT 310	English Literature I (3)
ENGLT 311	English Literature II (3)
ENGLT 313	Arthurian and Chivalric Literature (3)
ENGLT 319	Introduction to English Epic Poetry (3)
ENGLT 320	American Literature I (3)
ENGLT 321	American Literature II (3)
ENGLT 330	African American Literature (3)
ENGLT 339	Postmodern American Fiction (3)
ENGLT 340	World Literature I (3)
ENGLT 341	World Literature II (3)
ENGLT 345	Mythologies of the World (3)
ENGLT 360	Women in Literature (3)
ENGLT 402	Introduction to Shakespeare and Film (3)
HIST 307	History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308	History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HUM 300	Classical Humanities (3)
HUM 310	Modern Humanities (3)
HUM 320	Asian Humanities (3)
HUM 325	Arts and Humanities of the Islamic World (3)
HUM 332	American Humanities (3)
HUM 370	Women and the Creative Imagination (3)
Total Units:		18

The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify and analyze arguments, including their underlying assumptions, by applying logical and theoretical models or tools.
describe a range of central philosophical problems and some of the main arguments for and against them in epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics.
understand and describe major philosophical figures, movements, and themes in at least two major historical periods.
develop and cogently support his/her own positions on major philosophical issues.

Career Information

Given the general analytic skills developed in a philosophy curriculum, career opportunities are diverse. While undergraduate study in philosophy is an excellent preparation for law school and other professional schools, philosophy majors have successful careers in health professions, local, state, and federal government, business, clergy, science, and information technology. People with advanced degrees in philosophy typically seek employment as teachers and professors.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish to obtain a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Arts and Humanities. These courses emphasize the study of cultural, literary, and humanistic activities and artistic expression of human beings. Students will evaluate and interpret the ways in which people throughout the ages in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and expression (Arts and Humanities). Students will learn to value aesthetic understanding and incorporate these concepts when constructing value judgments (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: Art, English, Foreign Language, Humanities, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, and Theatre Arts).

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following:		18
Select courses from at least three different disciplines.
ART 300	Drawing and Composition I (3)
ART 302	Drawing and Composition II (3)
ART 304	Figure Drawing I (3)
ART 305	Figure Drawing II (3)
ART 308	Perspective Drawing (3)
ART 310	Pen and Ink Drawing (3)
ART 312	Portrait Drawing (3)
ART 320	Design: Fundamentals (3)
ART 323	Design: Color Theory (3)
ART 327	Painting I (3)
ART 328	Painting II (3)
ART 332	Oil Painting (3)
ART 334	Acrylic Painting (3)
ART 336	Watercolor Painting (3)
ART 337	Intermediate Watercolor Painting (3)
ART 361	Printmaking: Survey (3)
ART 370	Three Dimensional Design (3)
ART 372	Sculpture (3)
ART 373	Intermediate Sculpture (3)
ART 383	Metal Design: Emphasis In Fabrication (3)
ART 386	Intermediate Metal Design: Emphasis in Fabrication (3)
ART 387	Intermediate Metal Design: Emphasis in Forming (3)
ART 390	Ceramics (3)
ART 402	Beginning Clay Sculpture (3)
ART 404	Intermediate Clay Sculpture (3)
ART 430	Art and Children (3)
ARTH 300	Art Appreciation (3)
ARTH 303	Art Survey: Ancient to 14th Century (3)
ARTH 304	Ancient Art (3)
ARTH 306	Medieval Art (3)
ARTH 307	Italian Renaissance Art (3)
ARTH 309	Art Survey: Renaissance to 19th Century (3)
ARTH 311	Art Survey: Modern Art (3)
ARTH 312	Women in Art (3)
ARTH 318	History of American Art (3)
ARTH 324	Art of the Americas (3)
ARTH 325	Native American Art History (3)
ARTH 328	Survey of African Art (3)
ARTH 330	Survey of African-American Art (3)
ARTH 332	Asian Art (3)
ARTH 333	Introduction to Islamic Art (3)
COMM 305	Oral Interpretation (3)
DANCE 380	World Dance History (3)
ENGCW 400	Creative Writing (3)
ENGCW 410	Fiction Writing Workshop (3)
ENGCW 420	Poetry Writing Workshop (3)
ENGCW 430	Creative Non-Fiction Writing Workshop (3)
ENGLT 303	Introduction to the Short Story (3)
ENGLT 305	Introduction to the Novel (3)
ENGLT 310	English Literature I (3)
ENGLT 311	English Literature II (3)
ENGLT 313	Arthurian and Chivalric Literature (3)
ENGLT 319	Introduction to English Epic Poetry (3)
ENGLT 320	American Literature I (3)
ENGLT 321	American Literature II (3)
ENGLT 330	African American Literature (3)
ENGLT 339	Postmodern American Fiction (3)
ENGLT 340	World Literature I (3)
ENGLT 341	World Literature II (3)
ENGLT 345	Mythologies of the World (3)
ENGLT 360	Women in Literature (3)
ENGLT 370	Children and Literature (3)
ENGLT 402	Introduction to Shakespeare and Film (3)
ENGWR 301	College Composition and Literature (3)
FREN 401	Elementary French (4)
FREN 402	Elementary French (4)
FREN 411	Intermediate French (4)
FREN 412	Intermediate French (4)
HIST 307	History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308	History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST 310	History of the United States (To 1877) (3)
HIST 311	History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
HIST 331	Women in American History (3)
HIST 344	Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 368	History of France (3)
HUM 300	Classical Humanities (3)
HUM 310	Modern Humanities (3)
HUM 320	Asian Humanities (3)
HUM 325	Arts and Humanities of the Islamic World (3)
HUM 332	American Humanities (3)
MUFHL 300	Introduction to Music (3)
MUFHL 308	Introduction to Music: Rock & Roll (3)
MUFHL 310	Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) (3)
MUFHL 311	Survey of Music History and Literature (1750 to the present) (3)
MUFHL 321	Basic Musicianship (3)
MUFHL 330	World Music (3)
MUFHL 400	Music Theory and Musicianship I (4)
MUFHL 401	Music Theory and Musicianship II (4)
MUFHL 410	Music Theory and Musicianship III (4)
MUFHL 411	Music Theory and Musicianship IV (4)
MUIVI 310	Voice Class I (2)
MUIVI 311	Voice Class II (2)
MUIVI 345	Beginning Piano I (1 - 2)
MUIVI 346	Beginning Piano II (1 - 2)
MUIVI 370	Beginning Guitar (2)
MUIVI 371	Intermediate Guitar (2)
MUP 350	Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 357	College Chorus (2)
PHIL 300	Introduction to Philosophy (3)
PHIL 310	Introduction to Ethics (3)
PHIL 330	History of Classical Philosophy (3)
PHIL 331	History of Modern Philosophy (3)
PHIL 350	Philosophy of Religion (3)
PHIL 352	Introduction to World Religions (3)
SILA 305	American Sign Language 1 (4)
SILA 306	American Sign Language 2 (4)
SILA 315	American Sign Language 3 (4)
SILA 316	American Sign Language 4 (4)
SPAN 401	Elementary Spanish I (4)
SPAN 402	Elementary Spanish II (4)
SPAN 411	Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412	Intermediate Spanish (4)
TA 300	Introduction to the Theatre (3)
TA 302	History and Theory of the Theatre I (3)
TA 303	History and Theory of the Theatre II (3)
TA 304	Women in Theatre (3)
TA 340	Beginning Acting (3)
TA 350	Theory and Techniques of Acting I (3)
TA 351	Theory and Techniques of Acting II (3)
TA 422	Stage Lighting (3)
TAFILM 300	Introduction to Film (3)
TAFILM 303	History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
TAFILM 304	History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
TAFILM 330	Film Making (3)
TAFILM 360	Screenwriting (3)
TAP 300	Modern Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 301	Modern Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 302	Modern Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 303	Modern Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 310	Modern Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 311	Modern Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 312	Modern Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 313	Modern Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 320	Classical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 321	Classical Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 322	Classical Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 323	Classical Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 330	Classical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 331	Classical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 332	Classical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 333	Classical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 340	Musical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 341	Musical Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 342	Musical Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 343	Musical Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 350	Musical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 351	Musical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 352	Musical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 353	Musical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 360	Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 361	Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 362	Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 363	Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 370	Children's Theatre Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 371	Children's Theatre Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 372	Children's Theatre Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 373	Children's Theatre Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 380	Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 381	Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 382	Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 383	Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 390	Repertory and Touring Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 391	Repertory and Touring Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 392	Repertory and Touring Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 393	Repertory and Touring Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
Total Units:		18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

evaluate and interpret the ways in which people throughout the ages in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and expression (Arts and Humanities).

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication and English

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Communication and English. These courses emphasize the content of communication as well as the form and should provide an understanding of the psychological basis and the social significance of communication. Students will be able to assess communication as the process of human symbolic interaction. Students will also develop skills in the areas of reasoning and advocacy, organization, accuracy, and reading and listening effectively. Students will be able to integrate important concepts of critical thinking as related to the development of analysis and critical evaluation. Students will also learn to reason inductively and deductively in order to make important decisions regarding life and society at large. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: English, communication and philosophy.)

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following:		18
You must select courses from three different disciplines.
COMM 301	Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
COMM 311	Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 315	Persuasion (3)
COMM 331	Group Discussion (3)
COMM 361	The Communication Experience (3)
ENGRD 310	Critical Reading as Critical Thinking (3)
ENGWR 300	College Composition (3)
ENGWR 301	College Composition and Literature (3)
ENGWR 302	Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
PHIL 300	Introduction to Philosophy (3)
PHIL 320	Logic and Critical Reasoning (3)
PHIL 325	Symbolic Logic (3)
Total Units:		18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication and English Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

analyze critically, argue persuasively, and communicate clearly (Communication and English).

Philosophy (PHIL) Courses

PHIL 300 Introduction to Philosophy

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or ENGRD 310.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area II(b); AA/AS Area I; CSU Area A3; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B
C-ID:C-ID PHIL 100
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this course, students will apply the critical thinking techniques of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis to areas of philosophical inquiry including meta-philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, history of philosophy, and existentialism. Students will practice distinguishing fact from opinion, employing inductive and deductive reasoning, identifying logical errors and fallacies, and developing oral and written arguments to support their own philosophical perspectives or challenge the perspectives of others. The quality of the course's required writing will reflect the standards of a college-level writing course.

PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Completion of or current enrollment in ENGWR 300 or ENGRD 310.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B
C-ID:C-ID PHIL 120
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces the student to classical and contemporary ethical theories and their application to a variety of contemporary moral issues such as capital punishment, animal rights, affirmative action, abortion, euthanasia, torture, and same-sex marriage.

PHIL 320 Logic and Critical Reasoning

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area II(b); CSU Area A3
C-ID:C-ID PHIL 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides an introduction to basic principles of good reasoning with an emphasis on deductive logic. It examines the functions of language, the nature of arguments, common fallacies committed in communication, definitions, the logic of categorical statements, sentential logic, and types of inductive reasoning. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills and applying principles of valid reasoning to the arguments encountered in everyday life.

PHIL 325 Symbolic Logic

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area II(b); CSU Area A3
C-ID:C-ID PHIL 210
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to the concepts and principles of propositional and predicate logic. It includes a study of the syntax and semantics of symbolic logic, truth tables, methods of formal proof for validity and invalidity, and the logic of relations and identity. This course is recommended for students of the sciences, computer programming, mathematics, and philosophy.

PHIL 330 History of Classical Philosophy

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B
C-ID:C-ID PHIL 130
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a survey of the origin and development of Western Philosophy during the period of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The views of pre-Socratic thinkers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are emphasized. This course is especially recommended for all philosophy, history, and humanities majors.

PHIL 331 History of Modern Philosophy

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Completion of or current enrollment in ENGWR 300 or ENGRD 310.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B
C-ID:C-ID PHIL 140
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a survey of the development of modern philosophy, from the Renaissance to Romanticism. The works of Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant receive special attention.

PHIL 350 Philosophy of Religion

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to traditional philosophical problems connected with religious belief. Issues to be discussed are the existence and nature of God, the problem of evil, the nature of religious language, the possibility of religious knowledge, the existence of miracles, religious experience, and mysticism. The rationality of religious belief will also be examined.

PHIL 352 Introduction to World Religions

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces students to the major world religious traditions, including indigenous traditions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students will study the practices and beliefs of each tradition and will read selected material from the sacred writings of each tradition. Also, the influence of these religions on contemporary issues in the United States including ethnicity, ethnocentrism, racism, ageism, class differences, and sexual orientation is considered.

PHIL 495 Independent Studies in Philosophy

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

PHIL 499 Experimental Offering in Philosophy

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.