Philosophy

• Department Information
• Program Description
• Career Opportunities
• Major Requirements (B.A.)
• Other Degree Requirements
• Minor Requirements
• Undergraduate Courses

Department Information

Department of Philosophy
College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
Office: Meiklejohn Hall 4006
Phone: (510) 885-3225, FAX: (510) 885-2123
Website: http://www.csueastbay.edu/philosophy/

Professors
Marek W. Bielecki, Ph.D. University of Warsaw (Poland)
Jennifer L. Eagan (Chair), Ph.D. Duquesne University 

Assistant Professors
Barbara Hall, Ph.D. University of Arizona, J.D. DePaul University Law School
Christopher Moreman, Ph.D. University of Wales, Lampeter

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Program Description

The Department of Philosophy at Cal State East Bay seeks to promote the exploration of enduring human concerns--concerns, for example, about the nature of knowledge, ethics, truth, and God. In addition to emphasizing classical philosophy, the department encourages students to think critically about contemporary debates, particularly in the areas of law, human rights, and social justice; science, technology, and values; and religion. The department's faculty strive to instill in students lifelong habits of questioning, of exploring views contrary to their own, and of engaging in reasoned and honest dialogue. By their focus on analysis, comprehension and communication, they aim to develop qualities that are essential to personal fulfillment, civic responsibility, and career success.

Many different kinds of students choose the major in philosophy. Some intend to do graduate work in philosophy, often with the intention of becoming philosophy professors who research and teach in philosophy. Others take philosophy as a preparation for another professional area. Traditionally, for example, philosophy has been one of the chief roads to professional law schools. On the other hand, the aim of many religious studies students is to prepare for entrance into theological seminary. Philosophy also serves as a good general liberal arts education, since many of the long-established university disciplines are founded on philosophical principles: political science, sociology, education, aesthetics, physics, and other subjects. Finally, many students major in philosophy in order to prepare for careers that require clarity of thought, analytical ability, good writing skills, and the ability to present a reasoned argument.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.A. in Philosophy from Cal State East Bay will:

1. be able to write clear, academically rigorous, argumentative essays.
2. be able to read complex texts, create original arguments, analyze the arguments of others, and express these criticisms orally and in writing.
3. demonstrate knowledge of philosophical and/or religious traditions, their relevant concepts, theories, methods, and historical contexts.
4. develop their capacities for ethical decision making, Socratic humility, openness to the ideas of others, reflective self-awareness, and a life-long curiosity about big questions.
5. cultivate an appreciation for a diversity of ideas and values across time and for human difference in areas such as: religion, culture, ethnicity, race, class, sexuality, and gender.

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Career Opportunities

• Analyst
• Business Executive
• Clergy
• Consultant
• Critic
• Editor
• Foreign Service Officer
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Philosopher
• Policy Analyst
• Primary/Secondary School Teacher
• Professor
• Public Administrator
• Theologian
• Writer

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Major Requirements (B.A.)

The Philosophy major consists of 60 units of Philosophy courses of which at least 56 units must be upper division. Philosophy majors should consult with a Philosophy department advisor or the chairperson for advice in selecting Philosophy courses that suit their individual educational and career goals. The Philosophy major consists of 60 units; the B.A. degree requires a total of 180 units.

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Other Degree Requirements

In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University requirements for graduation which are described in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements chapter in the front of this catalog. These include the General Education-Breadth requirements; the second composition (ENGL 1002) requirement; the cultural groups/women requirement; the performing arts/activities requirement; the U.S. history, U.S. Constitution, and California state and local government requirement; the University Writing Skills Requirement; and the residence, unit, and grade point average requirements.

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Minor Requirements

The Philosophy minor consists of 28 units of Philosophy courses of which at least 24 units must be upper division. The purpose of the Minor in Philosophy is to provide a general background in Philosophy. Philosophy minors can choose any set of upper division Philosophy classes, which can include courses in the areas of religious studies, law, human rights, social justice, philosophy of science, ethics, and the history of philosophy. Philosophy courses focus on writing and critical reasoning skills; therefore the Philosophy Minor fits well with any major. Prospective Philosophy minors should consult with a Philosophy department advisor or the chairperson to select courses.

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Undergraduate Courses

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