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Undergraduate courses in philosophy are designed to impart knowledge of fundamental philosophical issues and major developments while strengthening logical and analytical skills.
A major in philosophy develops abilities useful for graduate or professional work in many fields and for any situation requiring clear, systematic thinking. Many students choose the philosophy major to prepare for law school.
Whatever your career goals, a major in philosophy will equip you with the ability to think logically and analytically. This department offers undergraduates historical courses on the development of philosophical thought through discussion of the works of famed philosophers, from the early Greeks through modern times. Other courses apply philosophical analysis to problems in fields as disparate as art, artificial intelligence, politics, and religion.
Why
Study Philosophy at Iowa?
The philosophy program at Iowa is highly personalized, with small classes and accessible faculty members, several of whom have recently published books and won teaching awards. Faculty members are active in research and publication, especially in epistemology, metaphysics, the history of philosophy, and value theory. They are nationally and internationally well-regarded.
There is a wide range of philosophical differences within the department. The major features five specialization areas, including value theory (ethics, political philosophy, and aesthetics); logic and methodology (such as philosophy of science); theory of knowledge; metaphysics; and history of philosophy (ancient, early modern, and contemporary).
The department is known for its creative use of technology. Many philosophy courses have a home page on ICON, or Iowa Courses Online, where professors provide syllabi, lecture notes, and study questions.
Also, there are outstanding learning opportunities outside regular classes. Several lecture series, among them the Gustav Bergmann and Everett Hall series, bring prominent philosophers from around the world to Iowa and expose students to renowned academics. In addition, students attend lectures by Iowa professors during faculty colloquia and significant conferences hosted by the University.
Degree
Program
The BA degree requires at least 27 semester hours (s.h.) of course work and must include Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Ancient Philosophy, and either Seventeenth-Century Philosophy or Eighteenth-Century Philosophy.
In addition to prerequisites listed for individual courses, it is helpful to take history of philosophy courses in chronological order.
Honors
To be admitted to the honors program in philosophy, you must be a member of the University of Iowa Honors Program and have passed at least three philosophy courses for the major. To graduate with honors designation, students must complete the regular requirements for an undergraduate major in philosophy with a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.40 in philosophy courses and write an acceptable honors thesis. An oral exam will provide an opportunity to discuss and defend the thesis.
Minor
For a minor in philosophy, you’ll need at least 15 s.h. in philosophy courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Of the 15 s.h., a minimum of 12 s.h. must be taken at The University of Iowa in
Department of Philosophy courses numbered above 100.
Course
Options for Undergraduates
Many philosophy courses are listed as choices in the General Education Program. Many philosophy courses may be of interest to non-majors because of their content. The following are typical courses you might take as an undergraduate:
- Philosophy and Human Nature—human nature and its relation to society, knowledge, religion, science, and freedom; philosophical and historical examination of theories of the 20th century.
- Philosophy and the Just Society—the nature of individuals and governments and the obligations they have to each other; philosophical and historical examination of theories from Plato through the 19th century.
- Principles of Reasoning—elementary logic and its applications.
- Introduction to Philosophy—issues and arguments; topics may include rational belief, evidence, the self, causation, and the presuppositions of religion.
- Introduction to Ethics—analytical and historical introduction to ethical theories about issues such as the nature of goodness and the nature of right conduct.
Certificate
Program
There are many opportunities for interdisciplinary study between philosophy and other departments. Some students choose to complete the Philosophies and Ethics of Politics, Law, and Economics (PEOPLE) Certificate Program. It examines how humans confront social situations (legislatures, courts, companies, and unions, to name a few) in three distinct ways—as subjects, decision makers, and inquirers.
This cooperative, interdisciplinary program, sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Law, allows students to earn the certificate simultaneously with a BA or BS in another area, such as philosophy, economics, political science, or sociology. It is popular with pre-law students.
Requirements include 36 s.h. of course work, and students are advised to begin work on the certificate during the first year to successfully fulfill all requirements.
Careers
There is a variety of career options for graduates. Some take positions in business. Many continue their education via law school or graduate work in philosophy.
Scholarships
Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and departmental web sites.
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