Philosophy
Overview
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.
- Business
- Education
- Ethics
- Government
- Human Services/Social Works
- Law
- Management
- Publishing
- Religious Service
- Scientific Research
- Social Work
- Teaching
- Writing
Some career options may require more than two years of college study.
- Dedicated and enthusiastic faculty with expertise in critical thinking and ethics
- Excellent transfer preparation by emphasizing critical reading and writing
- Examination of traditional philosophical issues
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities A.A. Degree Map
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication and English A.A. Degree Map
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences A.A. Degree Map
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Division Dean Brian Robinson
- Department Chair Dan Considine
- Meta-Major Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- 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: January 1, 2025
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 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: January 1, 2025
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 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 the local FLC General Education Requirement, 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: January 1, 2025
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 the local FLC General Education Requirement, 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:January 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- distinguish fact from judgment and belief from knowledge.
- construct arguments which demonstrate critical thinking and the mastery of inductive and/or deductive reasoning techniques.
- critique arguments for logical errors or fallacies in language and thought.
- evaluate assumptions and presuppositions by engaging in discussion about essential philosophical questions.
- formulate oral and written arguments on major philosophical issues such as the existence or non-existence of God; the nature of truth; the requirements of reality; the concept of the self; the nature and limits of knowledge; and the nature of values: aesthetic, moral, and religious.
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:January 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate a variety of concepts such as ethical egoism, utilitarianism, deontological ethics, virtue ethics, morals vs. ethics, happiness, moral principles, moral maxims, ethical absolutism, ethical relativism, duty, and rights.
- compare and contrast a variety of ethical theories with respect to specific ethical issues such as abortion, capital punishment, animal rights, torture, and affirmative action.
- analyze arguments from primary sources concerning good, evil, right, wrong, and other ideas addressed in the course.
- assess presuppositions underlying various moral perspectives.
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:January 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify, distinguish, and evaluate deductive and inductive patterns of reasoning.
- explain and apply the basic evaluative concepts of logic, including validity, strength, soundness, and cogency.
- identify various formal and informal fallacies of reasoning in multiple contexts.
- analyze deductive patterns of reasoning using formal techniques, such as Venn diagrams, truth tables, or natural deduction.
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:January 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the validity and soundness of arguments expressed in English.
- translate statements of English into the formal languages of propositional and predicate logic.
- construct truth tables to evaluate arguments for validity, and sets of statements for consistency and equivalence
- prove the validity of arguments in propositional and predicate logic using formal proof techniques, such as natural deduction.
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:January 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain various Pre-Socratic philosophers' metaphysical, epistemological, and/or ethical views.
- explain and critically evaluate Plato's metaphysical, epistemological, and/or ethical views.
- explain and critically evaluate Aristotle's metaphysical, epistemological, and/or ethical views.
- explain and critically evaluate various ancient Roman philosophers' metaphysical, epistemological, and/or ethical views.
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:January 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and describe the new patterns of thinking that emerge as modern science develops.
- describe and analyze the role of reason as used by rationalist philosophers.
- describe and analyze the role of experience as it is developed by empiricist philosophers.
- describe and analyze the main philosophical positions of Kant, and explain how these views were meant to solve the problems and paradoxes of Kant's predecessors.
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:January 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast theories or positions on issues such as the existence of God, the afterlife, religious faith, or other topics relevant to the course.
- analyze and evaluate arguments from primary sources concerning the existence of God, the afterlife, religious faith, or other topics relevant to the course.
- evaluate religious concerns or questions unique to specific historical and/or cultural places and times.
- formulate reasons to justify one's beliefs concerning the existence of God, the afterlife, religious faith, or other topics relevant to the course.
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:January 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- investigate the origin, development, beliefs and practices of each of the major world religions and, where relevant, the lives and teachings of their founding figures.
- critique the role of religion in human spirituality and morality through the ages.
- examine the role of religion in the increasingly pluralistic and multicultural nexus of modern society.
- examine the issues of ethnicity, racism, age, class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnocentrism as they relate to the adherents of major world religions.
PHIL 495 Independent Studies in Philosophy
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
PHIL 499 Experimental Offering in Philosophy
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
This program is part of the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences meta-major.
Check Out Degree Planner
If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.