Philosophy, Area of Concentration in Arts & Sciences (AA)
Award: Associate of Arts Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Assistant Professor Amy Cedrone, 443-412-2454, acedrone@harford.edu; or Admissions, 443-412-2109.
Program Description
This program is designed for students in the arts and sciences who plan to transfer to a baccalaureate degree institution for their upper division major. The core courses constitute a foundation in the field of philosophy and challenge students to think clearly about issues and ideas derived not only from the historical Western intellectual heritage but also from present ideologies and problems.
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be able to achieve the following program goals:
- Describe and explain selected major philosophical issues and questions.
- Investigate major philosophers' positions and methods of analysis of major philosophical issues.
- Construct and design philosophical analyses and criticisms of their own.
- Assess philosophical arguments using the norms of: clear definition of issues; careful analysis; critical reflection; rational argument; and the impartial pursuit of truth.
- Apply philosophical thought to other academic disciplines and life outside the class room; apply philosophical skills more widely where appropriate.
Transfer Information
Students should be aware that each transfer institution has unique curricular requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor early in their studies at HCC and before selecting elective courses to facilitate transfer.
Employment Information
A philosophy degree provides an excellent basis on which to build careers in fields of government, law, teaching and theology. Philosophy students develop a variety of hard and soft skills that employers desire in their employees, including critical thinking, moral and ethical reasoning, and problem solving. See also the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report for the field of Philosophy & Religion.
Degree Requirements
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| HIST 101 | History of Western Civilization I (GB) (D) | 3 |
| PHIL 101 | Introduction to Philosophy (GAH) | 3 |
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENG 102 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| HIST 102 | History of Western Civilization II (GB) (D) | 3 |
| PHIL 200 | Principles of Logic (GAH) | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective (GM) | 3 | |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| PHIL 205 | Ethics (GAH) | 3 |
| RELG 210 | Comparative Religion (GAH) (D) | 3 |
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) | 3 | |
| Biological/Physical Lab Science Elective (GL) | 4 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| PHIL 250 | Philosophy of Religion (GAH) | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| Biological/Physical Science Elective (GS) | 3 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)