BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PHILOSOPHY DEGREE
The goal of the Bachelor of Arts program in philosophy is to inspire its students with a love of philosophy as a discipline that seeks the truth and is a guide for life. The curriculum enables students to systematically examine the major problems traditionally studied in philosophy and also to survey the entire history of philosophy from classical Greece to the present. The program involves three components: the philosophy major, general education requirements, and elective courses. The program seeks to develop in students:
- a fundamental knowledge of the content and method of philosophy, especially as exemplified in the thought of Thomas Aquinas.
- an understanding of the history of philosophy.
- an ability to relate the classical philosophic tradition with contemporary thought and to apply both to current philosophical issues.
- a facility for critical thought and sound judgment.
- an ability to communicate ideas both orally and in writing.
- a familiarity with traditional methods of academic research.
- an appreciation for diverse philosophical opinions and an understanding of their intellectual and cultural contexts.
The Philosophy Major The philosophy major provides students with a thorough grounding in the classical, western philosophical tradition, especially as exemplified in the thought and method of Thomas Aquinas. Students are led to explore the depth of Aquinas' understanding of the world of physical nature, human life and psychology, being, ethics and knowledge. At the same time, students are introduced to the rich diversity of themes and questions that are part of the philosophical experience of the ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary worlds. In the course of these studies, students learn habits of critical thinking that will allow them independently to investigate the questions that have been asked and evaluate the truths that have been discovered in each age.
General Education Requirements In granting the baccalaureate degree in philosophy, DSPT requires that its students have a mastery of the fundamental skills of written and oral communication and a broad background in the fields of studies traditionally associated with a liberal arts education. These are understood to include courses in speech and writing, literature, history, the social and natural sciences, mathematics and computer science. A list of DSPT BA Academic Requirements may be downloaded or is available from the Director of Admissions (Contact Us). Since the School offers only an upper division program for the bachelor's degree, it is normally expected that students will have fulfilled the general education requirements before being admitted to the program. A list of required general education courses may be downloaded or is available to applicants from the Director of Admissions. Students continue to develop their general education skills in oral and written communication, critical analysis and scholarship through the courses that comprise the major in the upper division program. They are also exposed to new areas of biblical scholarship through six hours of required courses in Scripture.
Electives Recognizing the importance of allowing students some freedom in their undergraduate studies, the School builds a number of unrestricted electives into the structure of the program.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy represents the completion of a total of 120 units of undergraduate study of which thirty units are in philosophy (the major). The B.A. program provides two years (60 units) of upper division undergraduate courses of which 18 units are in systematic scholastic philosophy, 12 units are in historical philosophy, 6 units are general education breadth requirements and 24 units are electives. Some of these courses are taught on a cycle. Students should consult with their academic advisors to be sure they take these courses when they are offered. Students in the program must maintain at least a 2.3 grade point average.
Distribution of Courses
| First Year | ||||
| Fall Semester | Units | Spring Semester | Units | |
| Logic | 3 | Philosophical Anthropology | 3 | |
| Philosophy of Nature | 3 | History of Medieval Philosophy | 3 | |
| History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 | Introduction to Old Testament* | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 | |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall Semester | Units | Spring Semester | Units | |
| Principles of Ethics | 3 | Theory of Knowledge | 3 | |
| History of Modern Philosophy | 3 | Metaphysics | 3 | |
| Introduction to New Testament* | 3 | History of Contemporary Philosophy | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 | |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 | |
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