Associate of Arts - Philosophy

Students completing the program will be able to... • Use their critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate both formally and informally, arguments and positions taken regarding various philosophical topics. • Compare and contrast various philosophical perspectives, both historically and in the context of larger philosophical texts. • Recognize and explain the integration of philosophical perspectives and ideas in selected cultural, historical, and thematic contexts. • Demonstrate their ability to articulate clearly in oral and written form an objective analysis of major works from the various philosophic and religious literatures. • Explicate the historical development of major philosophical ideas and arguments within the western intellectual tradition

The Philosophy Department views critical thinking and reflection about distinctively human issues to be central to human existence and well-being. Students able to think and articulate viewpoints clearly and in an informed fashion not only enhance their own life, but contribute significantly to interpersonal relationships and social existence, including in the realm of political, economic, cultural, and social institutions.

The program prepares students with effective thinking and communication skills, which are useful in many fields including business, sales, writing, teaching, legal profession, political campaigning, news reporting, and other fields in which critical thinking and eloquent articulation of viewpoints is required. Although this program is not designed as a transfer program, selected courses in the program do meet general education and lower division requirements for the bachelor of arts degree at many California State University and University of California campuses. Consult with department faculty and the counseling department for more information. DVC philosophy students who intend to transfer must consult with a program adviser or counselor to ensure that the requirements for transfer to the baccalaureate institution of their choice are met.

Students who intend to transfer area advised to select either General Education Option 2 (IGETC) or Option 3 (CSU GE). General Education Option 1 (DVC General Education) is appropriate for students who do not intend to transfer.

To earn an associate in arts degree with a major in philosophy, students must complete five core courses (15 units total) supplemented by a set of restricted electives from which students select one course (3 units). Students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a grade of “C” or higher and also maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the coursework required for the major. Certain courses may satisfy both major and general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once.