Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 CSU East Bay Catalog 
    
2017-2018 CSU East Bay Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy, B.A.


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Philosophy, (B.A.) 180 units


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. 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 able to:

  1. write clear, academically rigorous, argumentative essays.
  2. 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

Major Requirements (B.A.) 60 units


The B.A. degree requires a total of 180 units.

  • The core major consists of 60 units (at least 56 units MUST be upper division);
  • GE/USHG/UWS consists of 84 units (some courses may double-count units - see your advisor).
  • Free Electives (if any) will make up the remainder units to reach 180 minimum total units (see your advisor). 

​Note: 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.

Elective Courses (32 units)


Students can choose Electives from any other course in Philosophy not already taken in fulfillment of one the requirements above. Students may count no more than one lower-division course (4 units) towards the major. Students are free to build their own elective path through philosophy according to their interests. Students wishing to focus their studies in a particular direction should choose electives from courses listed in one of the suggested areas below.

Note: Some of the courses below might be taken either as electives OR to fulfill requirements listed above.

Course Descriptions


Use this link to see all Course Descriptions  available throughout this catalog.

Other Undergraduate Degree Requirements


In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University requirements for graduation which are described throughout 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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