Philosophy

Associate in Arts for Transfer
2022-2023

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About the Program

Philosophy is a discipline that focuses on knowledge, reality, and values. Philosophy courses at Las Positas invite students to explore fundamental questions, such as Who am I? Does God exist? What is justice? Students in philosophy classes study traditional answers to these questions and are invited to develop their own positions. Philosophy introduces students to perspectives on human culture that enrich the study of other fields in the social sciences and humanities. The study of philosophy develops important skills of critical thinking, analysis, creativity, and communication that will help students succeed in the workplace.

About the Degree

Philosophy is an academic area of study concerned with knowledge, reality and values. The program for the AA-T in Philosophy exposes students to the great historical arguments on these issues, and prompts students to think for themselves on these important topics. Students progressing toward the AA-T in Philosophy will learn the tools of argumentative analysis and conceptual critique. They will be expected to apply these reasoning skills both to historical philosophical ideals and toward their own creative solutions to age old questions. The study of philosophy develops important skills of thinking, analysis, creativity, and communication that are useful for any field of employment or further study. The transfer degree is especially intended to assist students in transferring into the California State University System. Because this is an Associate Degree for Transfer, the LPC GE requirements of American Institutions, American Cultures, and Wellness do not apply and are not required of students earning this degree.

Completion Requirements

1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or CA State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.
   2. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district
2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s) also require that students must earn a "C " (or "P'') or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Career Opportunities

The undergraduate path in philosophy teaches the skills of reading, writing, argumentation and critical thinking applicable to most employment situations. Students who major in philosophy are often preparing for graduate work in Philosophy, Law, Business and Medicine.

Program Outcomes

• Upon completion of the AA-T in Philosophy, students are able to communicate ideas in a way that shows respect for others.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Philosophy, students are able to develop and present formal philosophical arguments using effective logical argumentative technique and avoiding logical error and fallacies.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Philosophy, students are able to respond to philosophical writing and ideas of historical and contemporary philosophers by describing philosophical arguments, evaluating those arguments, and applying them with accuracy and creativity to contemporary conditions.
  
  

Required Core: Select Two 6-7 Units
Units

Course	Units
PHIL 1 God, Nature, Human Nature  or
PHIL 2 Ethics	3
PHIL 6 Introduction to Logic  or
PHIL 8 Logic and Argumentation	3-4

List A: Select One 3 Units

Course	Units
Any Required Core not already used	3
PHIL 3 Aesthetics	3
PHIL 4 Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge	3
PHIL 5 Feminist Philosophy	3

List B: Select Two 6 Units

Course	Units
Any LIST A course not already used	3
HIST 1 Western Civilization to 1600	3
HIST 2 Western Civilization Since 1600	3

List C: Select One 3 Units

Course	Units
Any LIST A or B course not already used	3
HUMN 3 Introduction to Humanities	3
HUMN 6 Nature and Culture	3
HUMN 10 American Arts and Ideas	3
HUMN 28 World Mythology	3
RELS 1 Religions of the World	3
RELS 2 Bible: History and Literature	3
RELS 3 Intro To Women's Spirituality	3
RELS 11 The Nature of Islam	3

Units

Units Category	Units
Total Units in the Major	18-19
Additional General Education and Elective Units	41-42
Total Units	60

See the Las Positas College California State University General Education-Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program and the optional course(s) taken. Elective units are CSU transferable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.

Updated: July 2022