Philosophy Major

Requirements for the Major

The regular philosophy major is offered in cooperation with Pomona College. The requirements include nine courses in philosophy consisting of the following:

1. Five core courses: PHIL 031 PZ -History of Ethics  or PHIL 032 PO -Ethical Theory ; PHIL 040 PO -Ancient Philosophy ; PHIL 042 PO -Modern Philosophy ; PHIL 060 PO -Logic ; and PHIL 030 PZ -Knowledge, Mind and Existence 
2. Three elective non-introductory courses in philosophy to be chosen from the offerings of the 5 colleges and CGU in consultation with the students’ advisors;
3. A senior capstone project designed and completed in consultation with the Pitzer Philosophy Field Group. Two ways of meeting this requirement are: a) completing a senior thesis, normally involving taking a one-credit “Senior Thesis”; or b) taking a senior seminar class in philosophy, which could be an appropriate upper-division philosophy course. Note that completing a senior thesis with distinction is a necessary condition for being nominated for “Honors in Philosophy” upon graduation.

Pitzer students are also encouraged to design combined and special majors which include philosophy. All such majors must be approved by the Pitzer Philosophy Field Group before the second semester of the student’s junior year.

Students who wish to major in philosophy or in a joint or special major which includes philosophy must arrange to have a Philosophy Field Group adviser by the beginning of the junior year. Special or joint majors choose a second adviser from Pitzer or any of the other colleges.

Please note that History of Ideas courses that are not cross listed in Philosophy cannot be used to satisfy requirements for the Philosophy major or minor.